Preventing Eating Disorders In Children

January 20, 2011 by
crazy-mirror-at-children

National Eating Disorders Awareness week is Feb 20th - 26th.  Unfortunately, eating disorders and body image issues can be found amongst all ages.  One of the questions that I often ask children during my initial therapy assessment is “Do you think you need to lose or gain weight?”  The amount of children who say yes is astounding, and those that say yes usually state they feel overweight or need to diet, even if they appear an average weight. Certainly, obesity, over-eating, and unhealthy eating are concerns especially in the United States…however, just as much attention must be given to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child/Teen Health, Child/Teen Mental Health, Child/Teen Nutrition

Yoga Resolution: Study Proves Positive Effects on Mood

December 17, 2010 by
Yoga

A recent study by the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) found that yoga has a more positive impact on mood, including reduced anxiety and depression, than other forms of exercise.  The study included two randomized groups of approximately 35 individuals who were assigned to participate in either one hour of yoga or walking three times a week.  Those who participated in yoga demonstrated significantly increased brain gamma aminobutyric (GABA) levels.  Individuals with low GABA levels have been found to exhibit depression and anxiety related issues.  Participants were also asked to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adult Exercise, Adult Mental Health, Inspiration, Mental Wellness, Motivation, Spiritual Health, Stress/Anxiety, Yoga

This Year WILL Be Different: Setting New Year’s Resolutions

December 12, 2010 by
iStock_000002891175Small[1]

Why oh why do we make New Year’s Resolutions that we can’t keep?   How can we set goals and accomplish them?  If you are considering setting resolutions for 2011, I challenge you to think outside the box and keep a few points in mind. (1)    Include well-rounded goals that target external and internal well-being…for a healthier body, mind, and spirit. We often limit ourselves to external and behavioral goals.  The most popular resolutions include starting to exercise (37%), eating better (13%), and reducing the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs, or quitting smoking (7%), … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspiration, Mindful Parents, Motivation

Ethics-Free Generation?

November 29, 2010 by

Only 3% of adolescents do not fall into the bully victim or perpetrator role?  USA Today recently reported on a study conducted by the Josephson Institute of Ethics this year regarding bullying and other ethical concerns.   According to the Ethics of American Youth Survey, 50% of students disclosed they have “bullied, teased, or taunted someone at least once” in the past year, and 47% indicated they had been "bullied, teased or taunted in a way that seriously upset me at least once."  Given that 43,321 adolescents ages 15 to 18, from 78 public and 22 private schools were surveyed, the results … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child/Teen Health, Child/Teen Mental Health, Mental Wellness, Mindful Parents