There was a recent article on CBSNews.com about young teens and eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. This is an issue that is often misunderstood and goes undetected. Here is an excerpt:

"(CBS)  A recent study found that 81 percent of 10-year-old girls are afraid of becoming fat, and that many feel better about themselves when they're on a diet.

Anorexia is affecting pre-teens more than ever, CBS News correspondent Terrell Brown reported on "The Early Show" Tuesday. And the battle to overcome the eating disorder for "tweens" can be devastating, Brown says."

Click here to view the article. 

Photo of a few who attended a dinner we sponsored. From left to right: Misty Rees, CEDS (Selah's Program Director), Brittany MacNealy (Eating Disorder Coalition of TN), Constance Rhodes (author, singer, Finding Balance Founder), AJ Rhodes, Jenni Schaefer (author, speaker)

Selah's program Director, Misty Rees and our Marketing Director, Rhonda Fowler visited Nashville, TN last week to meet with eating disorder treatment professionals and advocates there. We met some old friends as well as making several new ones. We were very impressed with the passion and expertise of many who work in the field of eating disorders in the Nashvile area.

Several of our team will be back in Nashville in the Fall for the American Association of Christian Counselors Conference which will be at the Opryland Hotel September 16-19.

Orthorexia is a somwhat newer term in eating disorder treatment circles. It deals with obsession with only eating what one considers "whole, more pure or healthy". People who are overly consumed with this often focus much of their lives around following a set of stringent rules they have set for themselves about food, and this will interfere with areas of their lives such as social situations and relationships. As with anything that consumes us and controls our lives, there is cause for concern. You may be interessted in reviewing some information that the National Eating Disorders Association has provided on the subject.

Here is an excerpt:  "Orthorexia is a term coined by Steven Bratman, MD, to describe his own experience with food and eating. It is not an officially recognized disorder, but is similar to other eating disorders – those with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa obsess about calories and weight while orthorexics obsess about healthy eating"

If you want to read more information about Orthorexia from the National Eating Disorders Association, CLICK HERE.

Many struggle with understanding and properly dealing with insurance companies as they seek to get coverage for eating disorder treatment. It is important to first determine what level and duration of treatment is needed through professionals who can assess the needs correctly.

If you understand the process it is easier to navigate the system more effectively, and therefore you may see treatment covered more often. Educate yourself on how the system works and don't give up when the first person tells you no.

The National Eating Disorders Association has some good information to review. Here are a couple of links that can help with this subject. Click here for educational information called: Navigating and Understanding Insurance Issues.  Click here for Sample Letters to Use with Insurance companies.