National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

The aim of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses — not choices — and it’s important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that shape the disorder.

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Millions more are struggling with binge eating disorder. The peak onset of eating disorders occurs during puberty and the late teen/early adult years, but symptoms can occur as young as kindergarten.

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. Eating disorders are not just a “fad” or a “phase.” People do not just “catch” an eating disorder for a period of time. They are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

Eating disorders arise from a variety of physical, emotional, social issues, all of which need to be addressed for effective prevention and treatment. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues.

Individuals involved with youth and adolescents, such as educators, parents, health professionals, and physicians can prevent the further development of issues and concerns regarding weight through their own actions and words of encouragement toward healthful eating practices and attitudes.

General Health encourages you to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about eating disorders. The Clinic welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri.

General Health will have a lab special from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 19. Participants can get their blood sugar, liver function, cholesterol, and thyroid function checked for $40. Those wishing to check their Vitamin D level can add that test for an additional $30. Men can add a prostate cancer blood screening test for $20. Appointments can be made by calling 660-778-3209.