Eating Disorders and College Students

-


Eating disorders are an issue many people face, they affect all people regardless of race, gender, or sexuality and can lead to life threatening medical issues and in some cases suicide.
Types of Eating Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) there are three common eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia is where a person will barely eat while bulimia is binge eating or over-eating and then throwing up, taking laxatives, or excessive exercising. Lastly, binge eating disorder is where a person isn’t able to stop themselves from over-eating.
Symptoms:
According to the NIMH the symptoms of anorexia nervosa are barely eating, being very thin, and having a fear of gaining weight. Over time anorexia can lead to Osteoporosis, organ failure, constipation, dry skin, damage to the heart, brain damage, hair breakage, brittle nails, anemia, and more. Symptoms of bulimia include tooth decay, chronic sore throat, and dehydration. Bulimia can lead to stomach issues, acid reflux, and electrolyte imbalance, which can cause serious damage to organs. The symptoms of binge eating disorder are eating past the point of being full, which can cause a variety of stomach and other health problems.
Warning Signs
Some things to look for if you think someone you know may have anorexia is if they talk about themselves being overweight even if they are very thin, if they are constantly weighing their selves, if they don’t eat, or eat very little during the day. Warning signs of bulimia are eating large quantities of food in one sitting, then working out more than usual, using laxatives more than usual, fast for long periods of time, and/or throwing up after every meal. Some things to look out for if you suspect someone may be suffering from binge-eating disorder is if they eat a large quantity of food in one sitting, eat extremely fast, eat until they are uncomfortable, or feel embarrassed about eating.
On-Campus Resources
You can also receive more information from a registered dietitian at the CSULB Health Resource Center at (562) 985-4609 or contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (562) 985-4001 for more information. There are many off campus resources in the area, which you can be referred to for inpatient and outpatient treatment. Treatment is not always a straight line and often requires the help of therapists, registered dietitians, and doctors. A great resource for more information is the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). Check their website for more information: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
References:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) - https:/
/www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml#part_145412
By Jerome Livsey-Herd

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Truth about HPV

-
Image
What HPV is and How It’s Spread Now you may be thinking…what in the world is HPV? Until a few years ago, I had no idea either. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is the most common STI in the United States and the population most at risk to get HPV are people in their late teens to mid-twenties. The Details Since HPV is a virus, there is no cure. In most cases, a healthy immune system can help fend off the virus so it can clear the body on its own. People infected with HPV can transmit it to their partner(s) even if they don’t have any symptoms.  There are 40 types of HPV that are sexually transmitted. Symptoms of HPV include genital warts or genital cancers. Warts don’t cause cancer. They appear flat or raised in the genital area and may itch, but usually not painful. Treatment includes freezing them off
Read more

Why Your Dental Health Matters

-
Image
Most people think of dental health solely in terms of teeth. However, dental hygiene is comprised of several elements including your teeth, tongue, and gums! Let’s explore important tips for your dental health. Importance of Dental Health Your mouth is an entry point for food, beverages, and bacteria/viruses. While we naturally have certain defense mechanisms in place, such as saliva and tooth enamel, the sugars, acids, and bacteria we consume can all take a toll on our oral health. Neglecting dental care can result in painful conditions that make everyday tasks like eating and drinking hard. As well as that, ignoring your dental health can be costly. It’s much cheaper to buy a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss than it is to pay several hundred dollars to get a cavity filled or replace teeth with implants and dentures, which cost thousands of dollars! Missing teeth can have an impact on your appearance, which affects your job and social prospects. And finally, did you know tha
Read more

Internal v.s. External Condoms

-
Image
What images come to mind when someone says the word “condom”? A small, square shaped packet? A sex ed teacher using a banana as a display model? Most people tend to think of external condoms as the only types of condoms available, however there is another type of condom that lots of folks don’t even know about! Internal, or “female” condoms, are another type of condom that is a great option for people seeking protection from STI’s and pregnancy. It does this by creating a barrier between your genitals, and your partner(s). Internal Condoms Internal condoms are 79-95% effective, and are made of nitrile, which makes them a great option if you have a latex allergy/sensitivity. Female condoms look like large external condoms with a flexible plastic ring inside.  Check the expiration date.  Carefully open the packaging and take out the condom.  To insert the condom squeeze the inner ring between your thumb and middle finger. From there you can insert the ring into you
Read more