Binge Eating a Recognized Disorder
While most men and women are aware of eating disorders like
anorexia and bulimia, some might be surprised to learn binge
eating is considered an eating disorder as well. Recently
recognized as a disorder, binge eating is a serious mental
health disorder in which thinking patterns and emotions cause
a person to overeat or starve.
Binge eating can be an attempt to cope with other conditions,
including depression, stress or anxiety. Unfortunately, this
unhealthy coping mechanism typically only worsens the
problem, as binge eaters often feel guilty after binging, which
then exacerbates their feelings of depression or anxiety.
The binging that characterizes binge eating disorder is similar
to the binging behavior exhibited by people suffering from
bulimia nervosa. However, people with binge eating disorder
do not purge or vomit after binging.
The cause of binge eating remains a riddle for researchers,
though there does appear to be a link with binge eating and
depression. Nearly half of all people with binge eating
disorder also have a history of depression, and many people
indicate that a binge eating episode is triggered by negative
emotions such as sadness, anger, boredom, or anxiety.
Researchers have also noted that eating disorders tend to run
in families and might be more likely to afflict families that
place an unnatural emphasis on food, be it rewarding positive
acts or behaviors with food or employing food as a tool to
soothe and comfort. Each of these things supports the belief
that eating disorders result not necessarily from a single
factor, but rather a combination of psychological,
environmental and biological factors.
For those who suspect they or someone they love has a
problem with binge eating, the following are some of the more
common symptoms:
* Fluctuations in weight
* Frequently eating what is considered by most to be large
amounts of food
* Eating much more quickly than usual
* A loss of control over what or how much is being eaten
* Eating until uncomfortably full
* Eating extraordinary amounts of food, even when not
hungry
* Low self-esteem
* Feelings of guilt or even depression after overeating
* Eating alone because the quantity of food being eaten is
embarrassing
To learn more about eating disorders, visit the National
Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.gov.
Chiropractic and the
“Pains of PREGNANCY”
One of the great opportunities I have had as a chiropractor is to see a
variety of patients with many different conditions. I have the opportunity
to adjust people of all ages, ranging from a newborn to a very active and
healthy 82-years-young patient.
I have treated moms and dads; children and young adults; grandparents
and infants. Of course, I have treated back and neck pain, but I also have
treated carpal tunnel syndrome, sinus problems, TMJ Syndrome, and
migraine headaches. As a chiropractor, I have a great opportunity to reach
vast amounts of people to treat a wide variety of health-related issues.
An evolving practice specialty for me is the realm of prenatal care.
Pregnant women are probably some of the best candidates for chiropractic
care, as the physiological and postural changes of pregnancy wreak havoc
on the spine. However, given the medical contraindications during
pregnancy – most drugs and all surgery are strictly forbidden - little else is
available to pacify a pregnant woman's complaints. We all know most
patients seek care for pain, and pregnant women are no different. Sciatica,
tension headache and carpal tunnel are very common, especially during the
last trimester. Very often, these women are told they have no choice but
to "deal with it" until childbirth. From a medical perspective, this is true -
there is no drug to help these women.
However, chiropractic very easily fills this void with gentle, natural care
that removes postural torsion and stress from the body.
As this practice specialty has evolved, so has the understanding of how to
treat the pregnant patient. The uterus is supported by eight ligaments in
the lower abdomen. Torsion, or misalignment, of the pelvis during
pregnancy will stress these ligaments, producing pain for the mother and
may complicate the pregnancy. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin
kicks in to prepare the pelvic ring for childbirth (but also makes ligaments
“relax”) thus making the patient more susceptible to spinal injury.
The best way to treat pain during pregnancy, especially low back pain, is
to eliminate the possibility of pain BEFORE it even starts by scheduling
an appointment with a Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic that has
experience with pre-natal care.
At Yanik Family Wellness, Dr. Frank Yanik specializes in getting to the
SOURCE of his patient’s pain using a drug-free and proven holistic
approach. Low force techniques, specialized equipment, and chiropractic
analysis without the need of X-Ray radiation are just a few examples of
why Dr. Yanik is a trusted name in pre and post natal care. Yanik Family
Wellness is currently accepting new patients and is located on Main Street
in Luzerne. You can make an appointment with Dr. Yanik by calling 696-
2655 or go online to www.nepabodymechanic.com.
It’s YOUR Life….Live it in HEALTH!