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Eating Disorders Run in Families

Genealogists are aware that certain genetically heritable diseases can be handed down through the family, from one generation to the next. Learned behaviors can also be passed along. Researchers have found that eating disorders can be passed from mothers to their daughters. Genealogists who are working on putting together a medical family tree have probably asked their relatives a whole lot of health questions. It might not be so difficult for your relatives to talk about health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or the type of cancer that caused the death of certain ancestors. However, there are a lot … Continue reading →

Weight Loss Tips for Teens

Obesity among teens is on the rise. More teens are seeking weight loss options than ever before. Teens can be impatient and want to see results fast like before homecoming or the next party. This can lead to unhealthy choices that will harm their bodies and sabotage weight loss efforts. Here are some basic tips to losing weight safely. Eat Breakfast: Skipping meals is the fastest way to sabotage your weight loss goals. While it seems logical that eating too much causes weight gain so eating too little should cause weight loss that simply is not the case. Breakfast is … Continue reading →

Body Image

Before I got divorced I rarely worried about my weight, I was younger and I was married. My weight had never been a problem. Then I got divorced and started dating. Sometimes dating feels like swimming with sharks, everyone is trying to look their best, be their best, make the best first impression. Suddenly I worried about things I never worried about before, like my weight. It’s perfectly normal to want to look and feel our best, however we do need to be careful with the messages we are sending our daughters. Young girls are so impressionable and we are … Continue reading →

Body Image and Social Media

There is a disturbing trend lately in social media, or should I say there is a new disturbing trend, there are already a lot of disturbing things out there. It seems that young girls are making videos of themselves and asking the world if they are pretty or not. As one girl said, she got several sweet comments but then the nasty ones started. At a time when all young girls are struggling with body and self image this is one of the worst things I can imagine. I certainly don’t want my daughters image of herself shaped by random … Continue reading →

When the Holiday’s Aren’t So Happy

There are plenty of things for children to be excited about during the holidays. After all, what’s not to like about days off of school, and presents from Santa? For some children, though, the holidays bring out symptoms of depression. This is something that parents need to be aware of. You probably are aware that Christmas, and the holiday season that surrounds it, can make many people depressed. For adults, this can stem from worries about finances, and from the stress that is involved in organizing family get-togethers. Adults may also be grieving the loss of loved ones who have … Continue reading →

Body Image And Our Kids

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When I think about eating disorders, I think of teens and young women. The thought that elementary-aged kids are calling themselves fat, wanting to go on diets and counting grams of fat is something that I wasn’t aware of. Then yesterday I read a report that says eating disorders are no longer the domain of teens and young women. To say that I was disturbed would be an understatement. The report stated that preschool (!) girls are telling their moms they want to go on diets and six-year-old children are being diagnosed with anorexia. How sad that our young kids … Continue reading →

Should You Let Your Special Needs Child…gulp…Date?

If you’re like me, this topic makes you say, “Yikes.” There’s something really nerve-wracking about the idea that our special needs child might someday date. This is especially true for parents of children with cognitive disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and so forth. These children can be particularly vulnerable and it’s hard to imagine them handling any kind of romantic friendship, no matter how innocent. (Let’s face it, it’s not always pleasant picturing our neuro-typical kids dating either.) Here are some tips I would offer: Don’t panic. First, recognize that often times these special adolescents don’t even … Continue reading →

Childhood Seizures: What Parents Should Know

If your child had a seizure, would you know it? And would you know what to do? What is a seizure? A seizure is a brief period of time when a person’s brain has a surge of electrical activity. The surge temporarily alters consciousness, perceptions, and/or muscle control. Children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, mental retardation, or any neurological disorder are at higher risk for experiencing a seizure. It’s a good idea for parents to recognize the symptoms and know what to do. Possible signs of a seizure: Staring Spells. If your child has episodes of staring into space, make it … Continue reading →