Upcoming Conference

2008 AED International Conference on Eating Disorders
May 15-17, 2008
The Westin Seattle, WA
www.aedweb.org/cfa_08.cfm

NEW!

Welcome Johanna Marie McShane, co-author of Why She Feels Fat as well as our newest blog by the same name! Dr. McShane has worked in the field of eating disorders for over 18 years and in addition to working with patients, she has published in many ED publications. As the author of this blog, she will discuss issues related to eating disorders, families, and recovery, and emphasize the importance of loved ones being involved in the recovery process.

Click here to read Dr. McShane's recent blog on advice for choosing the right residential treatment program...

Why She Feels Fat defines and explores eating disorders "from the inside out" to convey the emotional experiences and perspectives of those who have them... Read More.

Featured Treatment Facility

RADER PROGRAMS 800-841-1515 www.RaderPrograms.com Rader@raderprograms.com

The staff at Rader Programs has been providing multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment for over 20 years. Our staff of caring and experienced eating disorder professionals includes psychiatrists, psychologists, internists, registered dietitians, registered nurses, master level counselors, family counselors, and exercise counselors who recognize the complexity of eating disorders and understand the emotional, physical, nutritional, exercise, family and social components. Our treatment approach is centered on the special needs of each individual and we provide a nurturing, supportive environment to help individuals and their families achieve life long recovery. For a free confidential consultation please call 800-841-1515.

Treatment Facilities, would you like to be featured here? Contact amy@gurze.net for details.

New! Men and Eating
Disorders Podcast

Leigh Cohn, Publisher of Gürze Books, Editor-in-Chief of Eating Disorders: the Journal of Treatment and Prevention, and author of numerous books in the field of ED's, was recently interviewed about eating disorders in men and related issues on Doris Smeltzer's Voice America radio program, "Savor Yourself...Beyond Skin Deep". The interview can be heard by clicking here, or visit our Speakers Bureau page to learn more about Leigh Cohn.

Winner!

The Parents Guide to Eating Disorders 30% off through April 30th!
Marcia Herrin and Nancy Matsumoto
The first book written by a nutritionist that addresses childhood and teenage eating disorders - with an emphasis on home-based recovery. An essential book for parents!

Inspirational Corner

Photo by Leigh Cohn, ©2008 Gürze Designs More pictures at www.eatingdisordersblogs.com

“My sibling has an Eating Disorder...” by Lee Wolfe Blum

How would I recommend someone help a sibling?

The most important thing in my opinion is to not let ED become the main focus of the relationship. Continue to love them, continue to do fun things with them, ask them about things other than their eating disorder. If all you ever talk about is the eating disorder, than the rest of the relationship fails to grow. Don't ignore the eating disorder, but do what you can to help and then continue to grow the relationship with them.

I also recommend you read anything you can to educate yourself on ED! The more you read up on it, the more you will understand! If your brother or sister had cancer or diabetes you would read up on it ...right? And remember, it isn't your job to fix them. Let the treatment team do that. Your job is to support, encourage, and try to understand.

But the best way I believe a sibling can help is to ask the sufferer…what can I do that would best help you? Ask them to tell YOU what would help! Then when you are following through with it, ask them…is this helping you?

We tend to love others like we want to be loved. For years I would send cards and flowers to my husband. Until I realized, that is not what makes him feel loved. That is what makes me feel loved. He is auditory and just needs to hear the words, “I love you, I support you, I am here for you.” But me, I need cards and flowers and nice gifts.

So ask your sibling how they would feel most supported, my guess if you haven’t asked…you are supporting them like YOU would want to be supported…and you might be missing it! At the same time, they see it even when you do it wrong and appreciate it. They really do. But, to be most effective…have the conversation with them.

From You, Me, and ED on EatingDisordersBlogs.com