1
GROWth Spurts GROW’s Monthly Newsletter-Gateway to Resources and Options for Wellness February, 2014 125 Skinner Street, Victoria, B.C. 250-389-1211 Edition 19 Dear Editor: I made a New Year’s Resolution to eat more vegetables. It’s bean hard to stick to it! Peas lettuce know if you have ideas to make veggies more pun, I mean fun! Sincerely, “Feeling beet.” Dear “Feeling beet,” Some ideas will turnip eventually. Try a little chard-er. Or maybe you’ll decide that focusing on vegetables is a missed steak. Your corny friend, “Don’t squash your dreams.” Shout Outs! o Congratulations to those who have earned their GROW t-shirt by tracking their attendance for 25 sessions! There are still t-shirts to earn so track your sessions! o January 28 th was Let’s Talk about Mental Health Day. What is mental health to you?! Keep talking! o February 7 th – Everyone support Eating Disorders Awareness and wear something purple! o As always, we welcome client submissions for the newsletter! Poetry, opinions, stories, reviews, jokes, artwork... speak to staff if you have ideas or contributions to submit. Our “TOP STORY” EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK – February 2 nd – 8 th Every year, the first week of February marks Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) in Canada. Eating Disorders are complex psychiatric illnesses which affect people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, income levels and genders. Four of the most common eating disorders are: o Anorexia Nervosa - obsessively controlling caloric intake, often achieved through excessive exercise and starvation o Bulimia Nervosa - bingeing and purging in various ways, including misuse of laxatives and diuretics, vomiting, excessive exercise o Binge Eating Disorder - compulsively eating excessive amounts of food at one time o Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (ED-NOS) - a mix of Anorexia and/or Bulimia and/or Binge Eating symptoms. It is estimated that 1 in 20 females in Canada (over 860,000), some as young as 5 years of age, have an Eating Disorder. In addition, about 90,000 males struggle with Anorexia or Bulimia. (NIED statistics) Eating Disorders are not about food or vanity. They are an expression of underlying issues with identity and self-concept or self-worth and can also be influenced by biological, developmental and psychological factors. According to the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), “There is not one specific cause of an eating disorder…in general, eating disorders are best understood as coping strategies that a person uses to deal with problems that are too difficult or painful to address directly. The structure provided by rules for eating and exercise gives the individual the illusion of helping them manage difficult emotions and also provides a sense of achievement in a world that feels unmanageable”. Add to this the extreme pressure from media, peer groups and society in general to “look” a certain way, as well as the false messages that equate thinness with happiness and success, and it is no wonder that up to 40% of nine-year-old girls of normal weight have dieted to lose weight (statistic from NEDIC). NEDIC’s theme for this year’s campaign is “It’s not our bodies that need changing. It’s our attitudes.” This is an important message to spread. There is much work to be done, but we can start by speaking out and reinforcing the need for realistic body images in the media, recognizing the importance of self- worth and acceptance, and acknowledging the fact that every BODY is different and should be respected as such. Perhaps we can all challenge ourselves to see and appreciate others for who they are rather than what size they are, and in doing so we'll be encouraging and empowering each person to accept themselves as unique and competent individuals. Here at GROW…. Throughout the week there will be pamphlets on the front table at GROW with information on risk factors; how to help a family member or friend with an Eating Disorder; Dieting Facts and Fiction; and Eating Disorders in Men and Boys. There will also be posters, bookmarks, resource information and a pledge board. Anyone making a pledge towards positive change regarding Eating Disorders will also receive an awareness bracelet (supplies are limited!). Please feel free to pick up a pamphlet for yourself or someone who might need one. Most importantly, if you are struggling with an Eating Disorder, please reach out. There is help available and you are not alone . Some resources to check out for more info: www.nedic.ca (National Eating Disorder Information Centre) or call toll free: 1-866-633-4220 www.familyservices.bc.ca (Jessie’s Legacy Program) www.lookingglassbc.com (Looking Glass Foundation) www.nied.ca (National Initiative for Eating Disorders) www.keltymentalhealth.ca (Info on Eating Disorders for all ages) The answer to last month’s Top Story Question The common ingredient used to make muffins and cakes rise is… Baking powder. Top Story Trivia Question: True or False: Q: Eating Disorders are really about dieting. Rise and Shine’s Travels In the last 10 months, our group has walked a combined: 3,080,887 steps, 2,885 km We had a great turnout for walkers this month! Way to go! Winter Whatever holidays you celebrate Even if that’s none at all It’s a time to relax and reflect And warmer days to recall So I sit, a cat on each knee One thought only on my mind When I came to the West Coast Why did I leave the snow behind? M. Sillars, Dec 17, 2013 Attention Music Lovers: We have a new group starting at GROW… Music Appreciation Mondays, 2-3pm. This group will be client-driven - participants will come each week and share their own music and ideas. Possible goals in coming to the group include making social connections, exploring new interests, gaining knowledge and being around others. **Please bring a song (CD, tape, video, IPod or MP3 player) PLUS your ideas (emotional experience, history about the song or artist, etc.) to share with the group. Virtue of the Month Compassion is understanding and caring for someone, even if you do not know them. It is wanting to help, even if all you can do is listen and say kind words. How can you practice compassion in your own life?
