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New Eating Disorder Resource in Boulder County

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Contributed by: Donna Feldman on 1/30/2008

Children + parents + food = eternal conflict. What parent hasn't experienced this? While very annoying and frustrating, food conflicts are normal and resolve themselves. Eating disorders, however, are another problem entirely, symptomatic of other serious issues. Parents who suspect a child is developing an eating disorder can feel isolated and confused by different opinions and treatment options. Boulder County parents have few resources to help them sort through these important decisions.

Two years ago, a group of local parents and health care professionals formed the Boulder County Eating Disorders Coalition to help parents make informed decisions. Paula Nelson of the Parent Engagement Network (PEN) is a founding member of the Coalition: "Through my involvement with PEN I've had the opportunity to meet and work with many parents and youth from our community who have expressed a need for resources such as the Boulder County Eating Disorders Coalition. Many of them have loved ones who are suffering from eating disorders but don't know what to do, say, or where to go for help. The Coalition has provided this vital link to the many great resources within our community."

The mission of the Coalition is to increase awareness of eating disorders and provide education and resources that help reduce risk and promote healthy eating behavior and positive body image. The main outreach tool is the Coalition's website: www.bouldereatingdisorders.com. The site offers links to helpful websites and articles, information about eating disorders, listing of local events, book reviews and a listing of local healthcare professionals who treat eating disorders. The Coalition makes no recommendations about therapists who choose to post a listing. Parents and potential clients can use the website directory to research treatment options.

Most physicians and therapists in Boulder County who might see eating disordered patients received a Coalition mailing in late 2007. This packet included a letter describing the Coalition's mission and a set of referral cards, in bookmark size, to give to patients. The cards have a brief list of warning signs, as well as the website address. Coalition members are also available to speak to local parent and community groups on issues related to eating disorders.

Parents can use the website to find information on local resources for eating disorder treatment. Healthcare providers can use the website to locate providers in other professions who can work with patients as part of a treatment team. Ideally patients are seen by a therapist, a physician and a nutrition counselor. Some patients benefit from seeing a psychiatrist. Exercise, art therapy, physical therapy and other alternative interventions may also be helpful. Providers are welcome to submit listings, which are temporarily free of charge. The Coalition hopes to have more listings and more local resources or Boulder County parents. For more information, see the contact information at www.bouldereatingdisorders.com. Healthcare providers who need additional bookmark handouts can also request those through the website.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Donna Feldman

Louisville , CO

Donna Feldman has posted 133 stories and 1 comment since joining on 9/14/2005. Donna Feldman 's average story rating is 4.91.

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