October 27, 20063:38 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR

A New Approach to Treating Eating Disorders

Treatments for eating disorders are becoming more advanced. New psychotropic medications accompanied by cognitive therapy geared specifically to body-image enhancement are some of the treatments that are proving to be successful when combating the disease. Brookhaven is committed to being on the forefront of eating disorder innovations in treatment.

Pastors, Chaplains and church professionals are welcome to join us, December 14th 2006, as Chisso Chio MD, provides information on:

1. The 3 major types of eating disorders.
2. Diagnostic criteria for each type of eating disorder.
3. Healthy weight based upon sex and height, and body mass index.
4. Differential diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa.
5. Differential diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa.
6. Psychological consequences of eating disorders.
7. Bio-psychosocial etiology of eating disorders.
8. Medical consequences of Anorexia Nervosa.
9. Medical consequences of Bulimia Nervosa.
10. Medical consequences of Binge Eating Disorder.
11. Medical consequences of Morbid Obesity.
12. Treatment approaches for eating disorders.
13. Appropriate use of psychotropic medications.
14. The role of 12 step programs in the treatment of patients with eating disorders.

Click here to register for “A New Approach to Treating Eating Disorders” presented by Chisoo Chio, MD, December 14th 2006

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3:08 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR

Daughters Under Fire

Eating disorders are affecting girls at earlier stages of development these days. Even pre-teens and children are facing the disorder. The pressure to fit in is different as styles evolve becoming more demanding. The media is changing too. Some of the most popular children’s networks are promoting teen idols, pop-stars that are “the” example of how to look physically for young girls trying to fit in. The following article discusses the evolution of eating disorders among women:

Take a quick look at just about any 8-year-old girl, and you’re likely to see a baby face looking back at you. But the “baby” behind that face is hardly the naïve child that a typical pre-teen girl was several decades ago. Today’s pre-teen girls have been exposed to more pressure than most of their mothers experienced in their teen years. And a result has been a confused and confusing scenario for Christian girls and their parents-mothers and fathers who are trying to help their daughters navigate their way through some of the most difficult years of their lives.

Click here to read “Daughters Under Fire”

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October 23, 200610:37 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR

Throw Me A Ball

Could video games and movies cause aggressive behavior and provoke a child to kill? A growing number of youth are addicted to video games and the computer but although I could do without some violent scenes in movies and blood drenched video games I don’t believe the effects could go so far as to make someone commit a crime.

What happened to seeing kids out on a bicycle or at the local swimming hole? A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that giving kids more free, old-fashioned playtime boosts a healthy development. It can also help children become more creative and develop problem-solving skills which in return helps them relate to others and adjust to school settings.

“Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood,” says the report

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October 20, 20063:44 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR

Suicide Risk Rises for Cancer Patients, Especially Advanced Stage

A recent report from Wayne Kendal, M.D., of the Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Center, claimed that U.S. cancer patients are “more than twice as likely to commit suicide as the general population.” This conclusion was reached after an analysis of 1.3 million cancer patients cases which were diagnosed between 1973 to 2001. The rate of male suicides among this group was 5 times greater than that of females. On average, out of every 1000 male cancer patients studied in the group 19 ended their lives. For women, out of every 1000 female cancer patients 4 were found to take their lives. The following is an excerpt of the article:

Cancer patients in the U.S. are more than twice as likely to commit suicide as the general population, with the rate for men nearly five times that for women. The composite picture for suicide risk was that of a white man, with a new diagnosis of either head-and-neck cancer or myeloma, widowed, with widely disseminated and perhaps high-grade disease, limited treatment options, or maybe a history of other cancers.

I was not aware that the rate of suicides among U.S. cancer patients is so high in comparison to the general population. I believe that practical application of this information for a Pastor or Chaplain is in having a heightened sensitivity when dealing with cancer patients.

Click here to read “Suicide Risk Rises for Cancer Patients, Especially Advanced Stage”

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3:40 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR

Facing Children’s Fears When a Loved One Dies

As a parent, one must plan for the process of helping a child cope in the event of the loss of a family member or close friend. When does this process begin? How can I help my child to understand death and at what time? The truth is that every child is different. Different children may approach the grieving process in completely different ways. The following article gives some good ideas on how to help children cope with the loss of a loved one taking into account their unique personal needs:

As everyone tries to cope with the death, the dynamics of family change can be unsettling for children. In particular, the death of a parent can set in motion a whole new set of changes in a child’s life. The death of a parent may prompt a move to a new neighborhood and school. Financial challenges may face a family that does not have life insurance. A stay-at-home mom, now a single mom, may be forced to enter a professional career and place her children in day care. These changes, along with the death itself, create conflicting emotions and can be the source of previously unexperienced fears.

Click here to read “Facing Children’s Fears When a Loved One Dies”

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October 13, 20062:58 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR

“What About the Kids?”

This last Wednesday, Brookhaven Hospital provided Pastors, Chaplains and clergy members with vital information on support systems for children whose parents have PTSD and other forms of mental illness. Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and a nationally recognized expert on the effects of trauma and mental illness on the family, presented. The seminar was a success. With seating at maximum capacity, it was obvious that the information was of great value to the ministers in attendance. Here is an excerpt of information presented at the seminar:

Serious mental illness affects 1 in 4 American families. Approximately 1 in 8 American families has a parent dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many more families struggle with other reactions to trauma. Over half of all people with a mental illness or PTSD have children.

Click here for more information on Dr. Sherman and her practice

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October 9, 20069:20 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR

Black Tea isn’t so dark

Not interested in taking a pill to reduce stress? A new, small study suggests that drinking black tea helps reduce stress-related hormones. Tea drinkers seem to have lower levels of cortisol following a stressful situation as well as being more relaxed. Black Tea is chemically complex. It has many different ingredients, such as: catechins, polyphenols, flavonoids and amino acids. All of which have been known to cause effects on neurotransmitters in the brain.

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