Creating a Positive Body Image by Stephanie Olsinski, MS, RDN

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In learning about eating disorders and how they can affect everyone, it is important to care for not only those affected but for yourself to ensure that you are always taking care of your health, both mental and physical. 

NEDA created a list of 10 Steps to Positive Body Image which is shared below:

  • Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you like running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.
  • Keep a top 10 list of things you like about yourself such as things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.
  • Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
  • Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you; as a whole person.
  • Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.
  • Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
  • Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it.
  • Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages: write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the image or message.
  • Do something nice for yourself; something that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.
  • Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.

Our Care Team at NOAH are here to help you create & manage your healthy lifestyle habits. Need help setting or sticking to your goals? Call 480-882-4545 today!

Signs of an Eating Disorder by Mina Goodman, RDN

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“There are some signs and symptoms of disordered eating that can be a bigger problem such as an Eating Disorder.”

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

Eating disorders are a serious mental and physical illness that can affect anyone. It’s important to know what to look for when it comes to signs and symptoms of an eating disorder so that you are able to get help as early as possible and begin the recovery process. Not everyone will display the same signs and symptoms at once. It’s also important to note that there are both emotional, behavioral and physical symptoms to be on the watch for.

Common symptoms include:

  • Refusing to or discomfort with eating certain foods. This may lead to restrictions or food rules against whole categories of food (e.g., no carbohydrates).
  • Preoccupation with tracking weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat, and other nutrients.
  • Impaired immune functioning causing more frequent colds or illnesses.
  • Maintaining an excessive or rigid exercise regime – despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury.
  • Signs of stealing, hoarding food, disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time period or a lot of empty wrappers and containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food.
  • Spending hours thinking about what food might be served at upcoming events.
  •  Intense anxiety, depression and/or distress if unable to exercise.

To learn more about eating disorders we recommend going to https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms. If you, or someone you know displays any of these symptoms, give us a call. At NOAH, we offer behavioral health consulting and traditional outpatient counseling programs where highly skilled and trained behavioral health staff work alongside our medical, nutrition and dental teams to assess, diagnose and effectively treat the core-symptoms of our patients.

What is an Eating Disorder? by Rhyan Geiger, RDN

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An eating disorder is a mental and physical illness that can affect people of all genders, ages, and weight. An eating disorder is a psychological condition that causes unhealthy eating habits to develop. At times it may present as an obsession with food, body weight or body shape. 

“20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives.”

National Surveys

The symptoms of an eating disorder can vary but the most common include:

  • A severe restriction of food.
  • Food binges.
  • Purging behaviors like vomiting or over-exercising.

In severe cases, eating disorders can cause serious health consequences and may even result in death if left untreated. At NOAH, we offer behavioral health consulting and traditional outpatient counseling programs and services where highly skilled and trained behavioral health staff work alongside our medical, nutrition and dental teams to assess, diagnose and effectively treat the core-symptoms of our patients.

Come as You Are by Stephanie Olzinski, MS, RDN

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National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a movement by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) aimed at bringing awareness to those affected by an eating disorder and allowing them to safely share their story and be accepted by a community with unconditional support. This year’s theme is Come As You Are, encouraging the embracement of all people, regardless of their stage of body acceptance or recovery.

When discussing eating disorders, having compassion and understanding is essential for showing true care for those affected by eating disorders. This week is aimed at providing information on eating disorders, who can be affected, and ways to support both those with an eating disorder as well as their family and friends.

“When discussing eating disorders, having compassion and understanding is essential for showing true care for those affected by eating disorders.”

Stephanie Olzinski, RDN

This week we celebrate National Eating Disorder Awareness by reflecting on positive steps you’ve taken towards accepting yourself and others. Call 480-882-4545 today. #Nutrition #NEDAwareness #ComeAsYouAre

Healthy Smile Tips by Dr. Lou Sarrosa, Dental Director

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During the month of February, thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators come together to support National Children’s Dental Health Month. The goal is to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers and members of the community. At NOAH we believe in educating our little community members on the importance of having a healthy smile. We do this by partnering with local school districts, hosting free dental health screenings and providing oral health education to all attendees. We also attend various events in the community where we offer the same services while encouraging families in need of a dentist to come see us at one of our dental offices. At NOAH, we take oral health education a step further by providing these free community screening events all year long. With your help, and just a few simple tips from our dental pro’s, you and your child can have a healthy smile that is bright and cheerful.

HEALTHY SMILE TIPS

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between your teeth daily.
  • Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
  • See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

Should I Give My Kids Sports Drinks by Dr. Mozhgan Kimble, Dentist

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“Sports drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade, are meant to rapidly replenish electrolytes lost through sweating during prolonged, vigorous physical activity.”

American Academy of Pediatrics

Even then, water should be the main source of hydration. Sports drinks have considerable amounts of sugar, which leads to higher risk of weight gain and cavities. An 8oz serving of a sports drink can have as much as 14 grams of sugar. However, even the lower calorie versions still have a high acidic concentration. Tooth enamel dissolves at a pH of 5.5. Water is neutral at a pH of 7, but Gatorade has a pH of 3.3. In other words, sipping on Gatorade exposes their beautiful smile to a sugary, acidic environment which dissolves enamel and causes cavities. So, if your child is having a great day running around the playground, the best way to keep them hydrated and healthy is simply refreshing water. Remember, skip the sports drink, keep the smile.

Check out these few tips for reducing sports drink consumption for your child.
1. Encourage your child to drink low fat milk or water with their lunch.
2. Avoid sending Gatorade or Powerade in their lunches.
3. Drink water in between meals.
4. If your child must have a sports drink after a long (over an hour), vigorous and sweaty workout, have them drink the sports drink quickly, and then follow it with water.

Have you scheduled your bi-annual dental hygiene apt. yet? Call 480-882-4545 today!

Winter Skin Care Tips

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It’s that time of year again when uncomfortable dryness takes over the skin of the face, hands and feet. For some, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling. Skin can get so dry that it results in flaking, cracking, burning, and even eczema can occur which is when the skin becomes inflamed.

Here are some expert tips to tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and solutions to get your skin back to feeling its best.

Is Your Skin Dry, Dehydrated, or Both?

Dry Skin

  • Smaller pore sizes
  • Feels dry all over the face, scalp and body


Dehydrated Skin

  • Lacks water
  • Affects any skin type
  • May feel oily and dry at the same time


Both Dry and Dehydrated Skin

  • Itchy
  • Tight feeling
  • Flaky
  • Dull looking
  • Sensitive
  • Products may sting/burn
  • Rough texture
  • Fine lines may appear larger or darker

Healthy Tips for Your Skin


Moisturize

Find an ointment moisturizer that is oil-based rather than water-based as the oil will create a layer on top of the skin to protect it and help retain more moisture than a cream or lotion.


Don’t Forget Your Hands

The skin on your hands is thinner than skin on most other parts of the body and has fewer oil glands so your hands may be the first to show signs of winter. Wear gloves when it’s cold and dry outside to prevent skin irritation. Also, be sure to keep your hands moist and prevent itching and cracking by applying an ointment throughout the day. It’s a good idea to also moisturize at night by applying a thick layer of ointment on your hands before going to bed. Even better, sleep with loose cotton gloves or even socks on your hands after moisturizing for extra hydration and to keep ointment from getting on your sheets.

Use a Humidifier

Most people think about using a humidifier when someone is sick. Humidifiers are also excellent tools to add moisture back into the air (and into your skin) in the dry winter months. Try using one daily.

Hydrate

Not only is water good for your overall health, it helps your skin stay hydrated. Drink at least 8-12 glasses of water every day. You may want to increase your water intake if you consume a lot of caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, cola, or energy drinks which can act as a diuretic.

Grease Those Feet

Daily exfoliation of (or gently scrubbing) your feet is important all year long. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells so your lotion will sink in faster and repair the skin deeper. You should also be moisturizing your feet daily. During the winter months, swap out your usual moisturizer for a petroleum-based lotion instead. Try applying your petroleum-based moisturizer or event plain petroleum jelly to your feet before bed and cover with a pair of loose fitting socks. Your feet will feel amazing in the morning!

If you find that these tips just aren’t doing the trick and your symptoms are worsening, schedule an appointment to rule out other skin conditions and talk about other options you can try to heal your skin.

NOAH Celebrates National Wear Red Day

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