January 20, 2009 — In This Issue: |
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Dear Friends, The twin sister of compulsive exercise is orthorexia, when healthy eating, taken to extreme, becomes a life-threatening illness. And it's growing by leaps and bounds! Dr. Dawn does a wonderful job of explaining the condition to us. If you have any questions about orthorexia or any other eating disorder, don't hesitate to write to us! Warmly, |
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As a naturopathic physician, I often make dietary recommendations. Food allergies and sensitivities can have profound impacts on one's health, and avoiding suspected allergens often clears up chronic conditions. For example, children with chronic ear infections frequently improve with the elimination of dairy products. Many Mirasol clients report that eliminating gluten from their diets has improved their ability to heal, and most people are now aware of the impact of trans-fats on cardiovascular health. Occasionally, though, I encounter clients who are consumed by the pursuit of what they consider to be "healthy eating". "Orthorexia" is a term used to describe an excessive focus on eating healthy foods. It isn't considered an official psychiatric diagnosis such as anorexia or bulimia. Because of this, affected individuals and their families may not recognize it as an eating disorder, and well-intentioned health practitioners can unknowingly contribute to this disorder. Orthorexia can be as life-consuming as other eating disorders. The person's thoughts and daily activities revolve around food. There can be a rigid and obsessive quality to meal preparation. Often the person's rigid diet makes it difficult to participate in social activities, resulting in isolation. The individual's self-worth or self-aggrandisement can be connected his or her ability to adhere to the diet. Orthorexic patients usually have somatic complaints (perceived physical ailments) after the ingestion of foods that don't conform to the dietary framework they have created.
For more information about orthorexia, see www.orthorexia.com. |
Fortunately, people afflicted with orthorexia can benefit from eating disorder treatment. Therapy can delve into the underlying issues that contribute to orthorexic thoughts and behaviors. EEG biofeedback can help the brain overcome depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. At Mirasol, we try to determine which "healthy" foods may actually be detrimental to the individual's health, while helping her to create a balanced approach to eating.| Survival Skills for Health and Recovery in College Half-Day Workshop Teaches Skills to Support Your Path to Recovery |
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Join us for this exciting new workshop on staying healthy while you stay in school. Learn new skills for managing the conflicts that come with body insecurity, low self-esteem, building a support system, and managing an eating disorder. This four-hour workshop includes education, discussion, experiential activities and coping skills that you can take with you into your next semester. Open to college students 18 years of age and older. Presenters: Saturday, February 28, 2009, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Radisson Suites, Tucson, 6555 East Speedway. $75 covers the workshop, snacks, beverages and all supplies. RSVP to atwilley@mirasol.net. |
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Mirasol Visiting Therapist Program Mirasol is offering the second in a series of free seminars on the alternative approach to eating disorder treatment April 3-4,2009 at our headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Program Outline
Saturday - Tour our adult and adolescent programs, enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by our talented chefs, and meet with Mirasol therapists and clinical staff. Attend a case presentation with CEU credits by Mirasol clinicians and experience complementary acupuncture and neurofeedback "mini-treatments". Sunday - You can fly home, or stay an extra day to enjoy southern Arizona's brilliant sunshine and fabulous natural environment. What Does It Cost? Mirasol will pick you up at the airport on Friday, take you to dinner Friday night, entertain you on Saturday, pay your hotel bill Friday and Saturday night, and deliver you back to the airport on Saturday or Sunday, as you wish. You pay your airfare to and from Tucson plus additional meals and lodging if you decide to stay and play an extra day (or two!) Who Should Attend? Licensed, practicing eating disorder therapists, psychiatrists, physicians and dietitians who are passionate about mind-body-spirit healing. The seminar is limited to 10 participants. Interested? For information on how to register the Visiting Therapist Program, e-mail mmacdonald@mirasol.net. 1-888-520-1700 or information@mirasol.net © 2008 Mirasol, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
Friday - Fly to Tucson, check in at the hotel, and join us for a networking dinner at La Joya de Mirasol, a 120-year old former guest ranch, and the site of Mirasol's new extended care facility.