Medical Edge: Eating disorder awareness

0 ratings

Video Description

CINCINNATI (Liz Bonis) -- Experts say eating disorders are the number one mental health concern that take young girls' lives. A local mom is telling her story hoping to save lives. Its a story of hope for those who are literally "starving" for attention; hope they will get the help they need. Paula Bruners 10 year battle of trying to save her own daughters life will not be in vain. She is practical and passionate about getting young women the help they need. And she has some new tools, just released, to help her do that. Katy Bruner was just 16-years-old her mother said when it all began. Paula remembered, She wanted to lose weight, like a lot of teenagers do, and she was successful at it. But as that success turned into a deeper obsession, Katy's mother said her smile hid the secret life of an eating disorder, One of her friends actually came to me and said when they were practicing for sports Katy wouldn't even drink water. Katy died at age 26 but Paula said her memory was still touching lives, I want people to remember her love. She once did a presentation that who you are makes a difference and she makes a difference. As a mom Paula not only wants others to know the early warning signs for eating disorders but that there are a lot of newer interventions for treatment that can make a big difference. She mentioned that a specific tool kit helped her learn that there were a lot of questions people can ask as a parent about what to expect from treatment. So parents know they are on the right path. More importantly, Paula said, if people have tried something already know that there are newer and maybe better options for their family member. Paula remembered, She pretty much denied she had the illness and she was really resistant to getting treatment for her eating disorder. So that's what I want to change, I want to let parents know the tools that are available and the support. The tool kit comes from the National Eating Disorders Association. It addresses everything from brain changes to how parents are not parent of the treatment team. Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke said, We know that eating disorders are an illness not a choice; that once a person is engaging in eating disorder behaviors it affects their brain, it then affects their behaviors. Dr. Kearney-Cooke is a psychologist and said, More individuals die from Anorexia than any other mental illness. So this is really important that if you suspect this you address it. You just don't hope that it goes away. It's also important, Paula said, that other parents know, That it's not their fault. That we are not that powerful, it's a genetically based illness. We don't choose the color of their eyes and cant choose their illnesses. Now Paula also is part of a team of moms working with legislation to address access to health care for those with eating disorders. She had some challenges getting the care her daughter needed because certain things such as her weight not being at a dangerous or low enough level to meet criteria initially for an eating disorder diagnosis. That means people can't get treatment paid for if they don't meet the criteria. CLICK HERE for a link to the tool kit. Follow Liz Bonis on Twitter @lbonis1, and LIKE her on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!

Quotes

"I was really into ballet, which, combined with going through puberty, was a recipe for body issues. I began with food restriction, as most do, and the vicious cycle began. I didn’t know it was an eating disorder."

Wendy

MoreSend us your Quotes


Tips & Hints

  • Eat Meals with Family or Friends

    A person who is anxious about eating will feel more comfortable doing so among other people they trust, such as family or friends. This...
    More
  • Keep a Food Diary

    Keep a food diary of what you eat and when you eat it to help you focus on eating regularly. Also record any episodes of going without ...
    More
  • Take Regular Exercise

    Studies have shown exercise to have a positive effect on low self-esteem and poor body image, which are widely cited as being contribut...
    More
  • Be Patient

    Unhealthy relationships with food do not develop overnight, and it can take many months and even years to regain full control over your...
    More
  • Eat Healthy Foods

    The types of foods we eat are important. We all like to indulge in our favourite foods every once in a while, but we should also eat as...
    More
  • More Tips & Hints