Eating disorders program with holistic focus returns June 8th
May 31, 2010A popular Rural Health Education Foundation television program which explores the latest approaches to treatment and management of eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia and anorexia nervosa, returns to the screen on Tuesday June 8th.
Eating Disorders: A Holistic Approach outlines the latest research and emphasises the need for a co-ordinated approach to management involving GPs, dietitians, psychologists and other health professionals.
The 75-minute program also discusses the support available for people with eating disorders, and their families and carers, and explores the particular issues faced by patients and health professionals in rural areas.
A widespread and growing problem
“Although we often associate the condition with teenage girls, eating disorders can be found in people as young as seven and as old as 70,” says Rural Health Education Foundation CEO Don Perlgut. “Recent research indicates that many people in Australia with eating disorders are in their thirties or older, and the incidence is also increasing among young men and teenage boys.”
“The repeat screening of this popular program will enable health professionals to better cope with this growing problem by, among other things, identifying the indicators for early recognition of an eating disorder, and engaging more effectively in treatment with clients and families to ensure trust and confidence,” Mr Perlgut says.
Case study and expert panel
The program format includes a case study and a panel discussion chaired by Dr Norman Swan, Presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National.
The panel of leading health practitioners features Associate Professor Jenny O’Dea, a dietitian and health and nutrition education researcher at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Education and Social Work; Natalie Wild, a Recovery Officer with the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria; the ACT-based educational and sports psychologist Gayelene Clews; and Dr Jane Reffell, a General Practitioner from Bangalow in NSW.
Program funding
Eating Disorders: A Holistic Approach is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Broadcast details
Eating Disorders: A Holistic Approach will be broadcast across the Rural Health Education Foundation’s satellite television network on Tuesday June 8th at 8.00pm (AEST), with repeats at 8.00pm Perth time that same evening (two hours later) and at 12.30pm (AEST) on Friday June 11th.
Also available on DVD and via web-streaming
DVD copies of this program are available for purchase via our website. The program is also available free on the Internet for viewing via web-streamed video or listening via an audio podcast.
Eating disorders - who is at risk
Research indicates that about one in twenty Australians now have an eating disorder, which is a doubling in prevalence in only ten years.
Although eating disorders are found among all ethnic and socio-economic groups, a recent study of 9,000 Australian children - which is discussed in Eating Disorders: A Holistic Approach - has shown that obesity is heavily concentrated in low-income families and children from a Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern or Indigenous background.
Some of the common themes among people with eating disorders include: low self esteem, the need to seek the approval of others, difficulties in expressing needs and feelings including anger and anxiety, perfectionism and lack of assertiveness.
More information
For more information about the Eating Disorders: A Holistic Approach program - including presenter details, case studies and associated educational resources - go to the online program summary or contact the Foundation.