Patients and carers speak
Do you have a drawing, poem, picture or other written expression which might help others? Are you willing to share?
Contributions are welcome. They are reviewed for possible posting on our website. Send your contributions as an attachment to an e-mail to tantillo@rochester.rr.com.
A parent's perspective: school impacts and influences for those at risk of body image issues... a Mom's thoughts and tips
-Middle School dances promote and encourage "young pre-teens" to dress and behave like "older" (high school) adolescents.
-"Formal" dances (junior high school dances and high school proms) contribute to pressures in "needing a girlfriend/boyfriend" to fit in.
-Self-esteem is diminishing, not increasing. Due to the nature of puberty and teen years, school personnel have had a hard time distinguishing between normal "drama" and disordered thinking.
-Positive impact from schools could be in the form of self-awareness and self-esteem classes for BOTH teachers and students.
-Acceptance of all talents and skills needs to be emphasized.
-Honor roll status vs. being "Mr./Ms. Popularity"? Which students are more "respected" in the school among the student body and teachers?
-Media! The school environment either encourages or discourages popular culture. Media literacy classes can have a positive affect.
-Athletics-Coaches have a major influence on positive body image. Promote a positive body image.
-To school staff: Ask, "Competition at whose expense?
-Training on eating disorders and body image should be mandatory for coaches and nurses. Counselors should be equipped with proper resources and knowledge.
