ORTHOREXIA:
It is essential to be aware of the potential for orthorexia and other eating disorders that can arise from a preoccupation with healthy eating. It's important to promote a balanced approach to nutrition and exercise, and to educate patients on the importance of variety and moderation
in their diets.
Additionally, I can play a role in helping patients develop a healthy relationship with food by promoting self-care practices such as mindfulness, stress reduction, and adequate sleep. Encouraging patients to engage in enjoyable physical activities and to prioritize social connections and emotional well-being can also be helpful in promoting a healthy and sustainable approach to nutrition and wellness.
Partnering with registered dietitians and other healthcare professionals who specialize in eating disorders can be particularly valuable for patients who may need additional support and guidance in managing their relationship with food. By taking a holistic approach to nutrition and wellness, I can help patients achieve their health goals while also promoting long-term physical and emotional health.
ARFID:
ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It is an eating disorder characterized by a persistent and selective disturbance in eating or feeding that results in significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and/or impaired social functioning. Unlike other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, ARFID is not primarily driven by body image concerns or a desire to lose weight.
ARFID may lead to an aversion to certain tastes, textures, colors, or smells of food. They may also experience anxiety or fear associated with eating, or have a lack of interest in food altogether. As a result, they may have a limited range of foods that they feel comfortable eating,
leading to nutritional deficiencies and potentially serious medical complications that require a medical evaluation and multidisciplinary approach to care.
BINGE EATING:
Biinge eating is characterized by eating a large amount of food in a short period of time, often
accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating. Binge eating disorder (BED) is a specific
type of eating disorder that involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, along with feelings of
guilt, shame, or distress. Individuals with BED may use food as a way to cope with negative
emotions or stress, and may feel a sense of relief or comfort during the binge eating episode.
However, after the episode, they may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-disgust, which
can lead to a cycle of negative emotions and further binge eating.
Recognizing the complex emotional and psychological factors that can contribute to binge
eating and BED, I work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address the
underlying causes of the disorder. I provide a safe and supportive environment for patients to
explore their emotions and behaviors related to food, and can help them develop healthier
coping strategies and relationships with food.
ANOREXIA:
Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder characterized by restriction of food intake, often due to an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming overweight. Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image, and may see themselves as overweight even when they are underweight or emaciated.
In addition to physical consequences of malnutrition, individuals with anorexia may experience a range of emotional and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking, and social withdrawal. Anorexia can also have serious medical consequences, including cardiovascular complications, electrolyte imbalances, and bone loss.
I work closely with our patients and their families to provide compassionate, individualized care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder.
BULIMIA:
Bulimia, also known as bulimia nervosa, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and purging behaviors. People with bulimia often feel a lack of control during eating binges, during which they consume large amounts of food in a short period of time. They then attempt to compensate for the binge by purging, which can involve self-induced vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.
Bulimia can have serious physical and psychological consequences, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, tooth decay, and depression. It is often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem.
Treatment for bulimia typically involves a combination of therapy and medications. Medications such as antidepressants may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
CONTRACEPTION:
Contraception refers to the methods and devices used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of contraception, including hormonal methods such as birth control pills, patches, and injections, IUDS. Barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms are also considered contraception. The choice of contraception will depend on individual needs, preferences, and health status. It is important to use contraception consistently and correctly to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I consult with patients and counsel on the best method for them.
Preventative care:
It is important to recognize the need for annual check-ups for adolescents and young adults. These routine visits can help establish a baseline of health and identify any potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of future health problems.
In addition to physical health, it is important to address mental health during these visits as well.
Adolescence and young adulthood can be a challenging time, and many individuals may struggle with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Providing a safe and supportive environment where patients can discuss their concerns and feelings can help identify and address these issues early on.
Furthermore, encouraging healthy habits and behaviors during these visits can have a significant impact on long-term health outcomes. As mentioned, promoting healthy sleep, exercise, and nutrition habits can help prevent future health problems and chronic disease.
Additionally, discussing safe sexual practices and drug and alcohol use can help prevent unintended pregnancies, STIs, and substance abuse problems.
Establishing a strong connection with a physician early on can lead to healthier habits and outcomes in the future.
RED-S Athletes:
"Red-S" stands for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, a condition where athletes are not taking in enough energy to support the demands of their physical activity. This condition can have serious negative consequences on an athlete's health and performance.
Red-S athletes often experience a wide range of symptoms, including cardiovascular irregularities, menstrual irregularities, decreased bone density, decreased strength and endurance, increased risk of injury, and decreased immune function.
Athletes who are at risk of Red-S include those who participate in sports with a high emphasis on daily workouts and overexertion, such as gymnastics, dance, and endurance sports. Additionally, athletes who restrict their diets or have disordered eating patterns are also at
increased risk.
To prevent Red-S, athletes should aim to consume enough energy to support their physical activity and growth, while also consuming a balanced diet that includes all essential nutrients. Overall, Red-S is a serious condition that can have long-term negative consequences on an athlete's health and performance. It is important for athletes, coaches, and parents to be aware of the risk factors and to take steps to prevent and treat this condition.
College Students:
College health comprehensive services generally refer to a range of medical, mental health, and wellness services that are provided to students 18 years and above. This is a confidential service. These services can include:
1. Medical services: medical services such as physical exams, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries.
2. Mental health services: medication management to help students cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
3. Wellness and prevention services: Counseling to promote overall wellness and prevent illness and injury.
4. Sexual health services: provide sexual health services, including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, birth control counseling and services, and resources for healthy sexual relationships.
5. Overall, College health comprehensive services generally refer to a range of medical, mental health, and wellness services that are provided to students to ensure they thrive while in or out of school. These services can include:
Mental health medical services refer to a range of medical treatments and
interventions that are designed to help people with mental health conditions.
These services can include medication prescriptions to alleviate symptoms of
mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders. I work closely with psychiatrists, therapists and other team members to manage their
symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote mental wellness.