ST. ANN CHURCH HALL

100 Daniel Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL32561

Catered by: KAROLINA’S EURO DELI

Polish sausage, ham, pierogies, cheeses, breads and dessert.

Wine, beer & soft drinks.
Polish Easter Party in Gulf Breeze FL 32561
For Reservations call Karolina @ 850-424-6661(11-6 PM)

Oil spill cleanup is under way

Oil spill cleanup is under way at many beaches along the Gulf Coast, and beach-bound travelers are keeping a close eye on coastal conditions.

Here are some of the latest updates from destinations affected by the oil disaster:

Florida’s Emerald Coast

Oil cleanup Coast, beach-bound conditions.

Here disaster:

Florida’s Coast

Small weekend, bureau. ” removed, spotted,” bureau’s website.

The area, Destin, Island, visit.

” white-sand emerald-green clear. addition, strong, water,” said.

Destin ” Sam” few, unusual.

” balls, we’ll few. That’s Mexico, said.

Beachgoers usual, said.

Pensacola Key, Florida

The fishing, Bureau.

The afternoon. Florida-Alabama Key, said. advised.

Mike McHugh, contributor, video Beach. ” Johnson’s in. 4:30 p.m., gone. balls, [they] find,” wrote.

James Amerson, iReporter, tracking oil Pensacola. Beach, inches, said.

” stuff, old, [on] sands,” iReport.com.

The precautions. ” [the Administration], person, up," said.

Gulf Seashore, Florida

All open, website. Tuesday, Florida, Key. areas.

Health spill.

Gulf Beach, Alabama

In Alabama, Shores, Morgan. open. sightseeing, Bureau.

The fishing.

Grand Isle, Louisiana

Oil coast, emergency website.

Grand beach, website.

Natasha Combs, iReporter, observe efforts.

" military. [hazmat] suits. beach, pools," said.

A relatively new concept of running has trained and beginning runners thinking differently when putting one foot in front of the other. “ChiRunning” combines the inner focus and flow of tai chi with the power and energy of running. This technique is meant to make the sport of running more comfortable and can prevent further injury.

Danny Dreyer, author of “ChiRunning Pain-free Marathon Training Program,” created this practice based on his study of tai chi with internationally renowned tai chi masters and his own 35 years of experience racing in ultra-marathons.
“I came up with the concept after taking my first tai chi class in 1998,” Dreyer says. “I had been a successful ultramarathon runner, but the addition of tai chi principles in my running movement sparked the idea that this was something worth developing.” Dreyer has written several books on ChiRunning, conducts workshops all over the United States and has certified training programs for those who want to become a ChiRunning instructor. “The basic principles of ChiRunning involve good posture, which most runners don’t have,” he says. “We use a lot of the principles of body alignment and relaxation used in tai chi. Posture is key to becoming an efficient runner and is a prominent principle in tai chi.” For instance, the “column position” teaches to set your pelvis forward and walk with your feet in front of you. Another common mistake among runners is not running flat-footed. In a mid-foot strike, runners should land flat-footed, letting gravity pull them forward. This method can help runners prevent shin splints, which are common when runners push off with their toes. When practicing ChiRunning, runners are instructed to listen to their bodies and pay attention to using the appropriate muscles. That means working the deep abdominal muscles, leaning forward while running and keeping feet pointed straight. Also, runners studying ChiRunning need to learn good cadence. Instructors recommend counting how many times your feet hit the ground in a minute. You don’t have to run faster, but be sure to pick your feet up. For people who don’t want to run, there is an alternative to ChiRunning. ChiWalking also was created to blend walking with the inner focuses of tai chi. It emphasizes proper biomechanics including good posture, loose joints and relaxing the muscles of the arms and legs. The technique also has five steps walkers need to keep in mind:     1.    Get aligned.     2.    Engage your core.     3.    Create balance.     4.    Make a choice.     5.    Move forward.
Like its sister program, ChiWalking makes walking easier on the body by eliminating the aches, pains and discomfort of walking incorrectly.

ChiWalking and ChiRunning also address another need of the body. Letting your body “go with the flow” sounds easy but is actually one of the more difficult habits to attain, because people’s bodies aren’t naturally taught to relax. This can be overcome by tapping in to your body’s reflexes; instead of tensing up, just keep your body in control. Think of it as running or walking down a hill. Instead of naturally breaking with your feet, just let your body roll down the hill.

To learn more about the ChiRunning and ChiWalking programs, or to find instructors in the Emerald Coast, visit chiliving.com or chirunning.com. Most instructors are willing to travel to various locations, and you can always find Danny Dreyer’s books and DVDs at local bookstores. See also Destin Yoga

Acupuncture, a Drug-free Alternative for Pain Management, Has Been Around for Centuries. Is It a Valid Therapy? And Is It Right for You?

Acupuncture. The term reminds many people of their first dreaded experiences with another kind of needle — the kind used in childhood vaccinations, which were likely painful and more than a little frightening. So when considering the notion that needles can decrease or eliminate virtually any ailment, those same people often are skeptical.

However, although childhood fears may have created boundaries in their knowledge of medicine and wellness, many people eventually do find themselves exposed and enlightened to the world of Chinese medicine — and more specifically acupuncture. The verdict: It’s not about pain.

After 5,000 years, how has this ancient Chinese practice managed to outlive centuries of ideologies and medical theories? The answer lies in the deep, intricate web of metaphors, balance, wisdom, and the consistency of the human body. Acupuncture is not only a natural healer; it’s a phenomenon in the world of technical and sophisticated medicines. Somehow, after thousands of years, this ancient doctrine has integrated itself into our everyday lives and continues to grow among generations of open-minded and ailing individuals.

Considered a “new alternative” medicine, acupuncture is believed to be effective because it naturally stimulates the nervous system and chemicals in the brain. Advocates say that the body’s energy or life force, called qi (pronounced “chee”), can be affected and balanced based on high and low concentrations, which are more commonly referred to as yin and yang. The theory states that the mind, the body, and the universal forces of yin and yang work collaboratively to keep a continual balance.

A key tenet of Chinese medicine is that the body contains numerous points along a “meridian” in which energy is released. Acupuncture, then, helps to maintain the balance and flow of that energy within the body.

Tiny needles are inserted into the skin along these various points to treat health issues such as cardiovascular disorders, neurological and psychological disorders, respiratory system disorders, and any disorder of the eye, ear, nose or mouth. In addition, herbal supplements are often provided to further bring the body back into balance and alignment.

Drew Smith, doctor of oriental medicine at the Tortoise Clinic in Destin, which is the oldest Chinese medicine and herbal facility in Northwest Florida, explains that acupuncture is about the relationships and tendencies of the body.


“There is never a separation between the mind and the body,” he says. “It is a continuous flow of energy in which acupuncture simply points the body in the direction that it already wants to go.”

According to Smith, major ailments respond well to Western medicines, but there is a need to combine both Eastern and Western practices for optimum health.

“Acupuncture has different terminology, but it is based on natural terms, not biomedical terms,” he says. Based solely on natural causes and cures, acupuncture, combined with herbal supplements, offers patients a natural pathway to wellness and wellbeing.

Martha Kay, a patient of Smith’s, vows that acupuncture has become a major part of her overall wellness, treating everything from major knee pain to sprained ankles and toes.

“Acupuncture has definitely kept me from having surgery, but I believe that repetition is key to feeling better and staying better over a long period of time,” she says.

Dr. Stephen Henry, of Henry Chiropractic Clinic in Destin, says that 10 percent of his customers come in for acupuncture.

“I can see that people are now taking more responsibility for their health,” he says. “They are more aware of what their body is saying, and they are paying attention. Because of the instant result of acupuncture, with no sign of side effects, military groups are working to bring in more acupuncture specialists for use in combat. It’s a fast and effective way to alleviate pain or stress without the side effects that regular medicine could have. It’s a fascinating new wave in the military medical field.”

Dr. Paul McLeod, regional campus dean at the Florida State University Regional Medical School campus in Pensacola, says there is no doubt that acupuncture works on some patients.

Such was the case with Frank (some last names are being withheld to protect patients’ privacy), a Santa Rosa Beach resident, who was diagnosed with hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver. Told by his medical doctor that his liver would only last another two years, Frank refused to undergo transplant surgery and sought the expertise of Smith at Destin’s Tortoise Clinic. Astonished at the results, he has never looked back.
“My future looked grim before I started with Chinese medicine,” he says. “I was tired, weak, and had flu-like symptoms. Dr. Smith gave me hope.”

Given about two years to live by his physician, Frank says that acupuncture has kept him alive four and a half years longer than what was originally expected, with absolutely no side effects.

“I feel like a completely different person, and my doctor said it’s a miracle,” he says.

Most medically trained professionals find it difficult to accept the legitimacy of acupuncture. However, when Mary, a nurse from Alabama found that her lymphoma would soon require her to undergo chemotherapy, she took the word of her friend and gave it another look.

“I have been absolutely astounded,” she says. “After the first six months of acupuncture treatments and herbal tea, my IgM number (which measures the amount of natural antibodies in the blood) dropped 500 points. After another six months, it lowered an additional 700 points. Being a nurse, I have seen it all — and this is fantastic!”

“There is definitely something to it,” says Florida State’s McLeod. “Traditional medical doctors cannot explain it, but is doesn’t change the fact that there are patients who see results.”

Duly noted. In the world of bigger, better, newer and more convenient, one must question the validity of a form of medicine that is so ancient and at the same time so modern. When it comes to wellness of the mind, body and soul, there is something to be said for centuries of studied and practiced Chinese medicine. For many, it’s a simple choice: Be healthy, be well, be natural. Try yoga in Destin

“She is fearless on that thing,” says Erin Adkinson.

In the fall of 2008, the energetic Annabelle became ill with what her parents thought was a stomach virus. But her vomiting continued for hours until her small body was limp and gaunt.

“It was horrifying,” Adkinson says.

They rushed Annabelle to the emergency room, where they learned that their young daughter was barely clinging to life. The diagnosis: juvenile diabetes, also known as Type I diabetes.

Each year, more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. The symptoms come on suddenly for young children and include extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, sugar in the urine, sudden vision changes, increased appetite, weight loss, a fruit odor on the breath, heavy breathing and unconsciousness.

The disease leaves its victims reliant on injected or pumped insulin for life. It carries a constant threat of devastating complications, such as kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations, heart attack, stroke and pregnancy complications. To survive, those with the disease must take multiple injections of insulin daily or use a pump that constantly infuses them with insulin. They also must test their blood six or more times daily.

“We were shocked,” Adkinson says. “We didn’t even know the signs or symptoms.”

The Adkinsons got a crash course on diabetes from Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola. Looking back, they now realize there were warning signs. Annabelle had lost a little weight, was always thirsty and became grouchy when she was hungry. But with no family history of the disease, those symptoms were easily overlooked.

Despite the education she received from the hospital, Adkinson says she felt alone. She wanted desperately to connect with other families who were dealing with juvenile diabetes. She craved a forum in which families like hers could share ideas and their children could connect with others going through similar experiences.

Just a few months after Annabelle was diagnosed, Adkinson established a Web site, emeraldcoasttype1.com, for families living with juvenile diabetes. She also plans to set up regular support-group meetings.

Adkinson’s hope is that by getting out the word, she can encourage more parents to have their children tested for the disease.

“In the last 18 months more people are trying it,” Vaughan said. He credits chefs such as the Food Network’s Bobby Flay with popularizing the trend among restaurants.

Betsy Surcouf, general manager of Williams-Sonoma at Destin Commons, says she has seen firsthand the rising interest of plank grilling among her customers.

“Planking has inspired a lot of backyard chefs, too,” she said. The method involves placing fish, meat or most any other food atop a wooden plank and then putting the plank on a grill or in an oven. Unlike traditional grilling, planks add a barrier between the fire and the food that slows the cooking process and gives food a rich, smoky flavor.

“It’s just a tasty and interesting way to cook,” Vaughan said. “And, honestly, it’s very simple, very user-friendly once you get through the prep.”

Plank Talk
There’s nothing fancy about planks. You can use almost any variety of wood from a lumberyard, but you’ll want to be sure it has not been treated. Treated wood may be poisonous if cooked upon, so it may be best to play it safe and purchase your planks from a specialty store, such as Williams-Sonoma or Fresh Market, both in Destin. Some fish markets and grocery stores also sell planks. Prices generally range from about $15 for a four-pack to as much as $30 each for thicker pieces.


Planks come in a variety of species. Cedar is the most common grilling wood. Pecan, alder and hickory also are good choices. When planking in an oven, it is best to use a portion of wood of at least one inch in depth. The planks will burn a little in the cooking process, so you should not expect them to last more than once or twice. If the plank can be used more than once, Surcouf suggests cleaning it with warm water and a firm dish brush. However, no soap should be used, as it may hamper the flavor.

Before using, planks should be soaked in water, wine or fruit juice for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours. Soaking the wood keeps it from burning and allows the food to steam during the cooking process. Once the food has been prepped, and the plank soaked, brush a small amount of olive oil over one side of the plank, place the food on the oiled side and set the plank on the grill or in the oven.

“Then keep an eye on it,” Surcouf warned. “The wood will burn and will char on the edges, but you don’t want it to catch on fire.” Many plank-grillers have seen their planks go up in flames, but don’t let that discourage you. Just spritz with water until the flames subside. Do expect to see some charring on the plank, Surcouf says. With the grill lid down, the smoke from the burning wood and steam from the soaked plank gently cook the meat, resulting in a moist and aromatic result.

Food for Thought

Fish may be one of the most popular plank-grilled foods, but don’t limit yourself, says Criolla’s Vaughan.

“I’d try an old classic like bacon-wrapped scallops, on the plank,” he says. “That would be phenomenal.”

Other options include shellfish such as lobster and shrimp. Pork and steak tend to work best with harder woods like alder or hickory, as those types burn slower, allowing more time to cook the meat.

Even fruits and vegetables can be planked.

“You can really get creative,” Surcouf said. “I’ve made desserts on the plank, like cinnamon-stuffed apples with crème fraîche. And peaches are wonderful grilled on the plank.”

Vaughan says home cooks should not be intimidated by planking, but rather to experiment with different foods cooked on wood.

“I could even see some brunch items on the plank, like salmon or even eggs,” he says. “You can just develop some of your own unique ideas. Put a different spin on it. There really should be no mystique about it.”

———————————————————————

Planked Salmon with Pinot Noir-Berry Sauce
Recipe Courtesy Williams-Sonoma

1 cup Pinot Noir
1 small shallot, minced
2¼ cups blackberries, chopped
2 tablespoons veal demi-glace
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 16 cubes
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more, to taste
2 teaspoons sugar
4 salmon fillets, each 8 ounces, with skin
¼ cup olive oil
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Soak a cedar plank in water for 2 to 4 hours.


In a small pot over medium heat, combine the wine, shallot and 1½ cups of the blackberries. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Press the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and return the liquid to the pot. Set over low heat and whisk in the demi-glace, then slowly add the butter, whisking continuously until incorporated into the sauce. Stir in the ¼ teaspoon salt, sugar and the remaining ¾ cup blackberries. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the sauce into a small bowl and set over, but not touching, simmering water in a saucepan; keep the sauce warm.

Prepare a medium fire in a grill. Have a spray bottle of water ready to extinguish flare-ups. Brush the salmon on both sides with the olive oil and season with salt
and pepper.

Place the plank on the grill and close the lid. Heat until the plank begins to smoke and crackle. Place the salmon, skin side down, on the plank. Close the lid and grill until the salmon is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer the plank with the salmon to a heatproof platter or carefully transfer the salmon directly to a warmed platter. Spoon the berry sauce over the salmon and garnish with parsley.

The Emerald Coast’s wonderfully warm year-round weather and convenient access to the Gulf, bays, bayous and a bevy of swimming pools make it a great place to take up swimming for fun and for exercise.

From a casual swim in the Gulf of Mexico to lap swimming, water aerobics and organized training sessions, swimming is an invigorating way to utilize your entire body with relatively little impact on your joints, compared to traditional workouts such as running or the Stairmaster.

According to Joe Mackenzie, coach of Destin’s Emerald Coast Swimming teams and a lifelong swimmer, swimming provides aerobic advantages as well as strengthening specific body parts.

“Once you are into a routine, there is very little risk of injury, as there is no impact, no constant fight with gravity,” he says. “Your entire body gets a workout.”

Swimming activates nearly the entire muscular system, including the neck, back, shoulders, arms, legs and the ever-important core.

“You go to a gym, and most people work their chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, back, legs and abs,” Mackenzie says. “Swimming does that but also gets to all of the surrounding muscles that are usually not addressed by a visit to the gym.”

Donna Hamilton, the aquatics director for the Destin YMCA and coordinator of the center’s swimming lessons and water aerobics classes, sings the praises of swimming, citing flexibility, buoyancy and coolness of the water as its greatest assets.

“Anybody can do it,” she says. “If you are overweight or have physical problems or limitations but want to be active, the water is the place to be.”

For those who haven’t been in a formal swimming environment since they were a part of the introductory “guppies” class, the Fort Walton Beach and Destin YMCAs provide adult swimming lessons as well as more formal training programs. The family-focused organization strives to create a comfortable environment for the most timid of participants.

Anybody can enjoy and benefit from swimming, Hamilton says.

“If you just try it, you will realize you are not alone,” she says. “Everybody is welcome, and you can find friends here. It really isn’t an intimidating environment.”

Swimmers of all levels and triathletes who want to sharpen their swimming skills for competition can hit the water for Fastwater Fit Swim sessions in the new outdoor lap pool at the Destin YMCA.

“As little as one hour, two or three days a week, can make a huge difference in an adult’s physical appearance and attitude,” says Mackenzie, who runs the Fastwater Fit Swim sessions.

The program was designed to offer adults a managed swimming workout with multiple sets, stroke correction and goals that can be set as a group or individually.

Mackenzie suggests that the program is a great way for swimmers to switch things up from the monotony of lap swimming and to meet other swimmers who will help push them in their workouts.

“The Fastwater Fit Swim is a great accompaniment to someone’s exercise regime, as it is a non-impact sport and one that revitalizes the body and renews the spirit,” he says.

If you still aren’t comfortable with traditional lap swimming as exercise, then check out other water-based activities such as kayaking, canoeing, water skiing or surfing. All are interesting ways to be active, work your body and enjoy the area’s stunning world of water.

Hot flashes. Night sweats. Insomnia. Anxiety. Mood swings. Memory problems. Low energy levels. Irritability. Vaginal dryness. Low libido.

Many or all of these symptoms greet women when they hit menopause – the time in a woman’s life when her hormone production decreases. Women typically enter this phase in their lives between the ages of 45 and 52, and there is a dizzying array of things a woman can do to fight these frustrating symptoms. An estimated six million American women opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

“Hormone replacement therapy, by whatever means, is either estrogen or progesterone or a combination of the two,” said Dr. Tamara Petrac of Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach. “They are hormones that are made to replace those made by women to treat certain symptoms.” There is some evidence, said Petrac, “that hormones can also have some antidepressants affects.”

But some women fear that taking hormone replacement therapy may increase their risks of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have been done on hormone replacement therapy and their effects on a woman’s health.

The Women’s Health Initiative conducted a well-known study using conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), or Premarin. In that study, researchers claimed there is an increased risk of stroke and no reduction in the risk of heart diseases in postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy.

“Premarin is a conjugated equine (horse) estrogen,” Petrac said. “The only product that was studied in the Women’s Health Initiative was the Premarin alone and Premarin with a progesterone (medroxyprogesterone).”

While Premarin still is an option for women, many other options are now available, such as “bioidentical hormones.” These are made from the same hormones a woman’s body produces, and are made from soy or yams.

Although some in the medical community have decided to disregard the Women’s Health Initiative studies, many health organizations still base their recommendations for women on them. The American Heart Association advises women to “weigh the potential risks of therapy against the potential benefits for menopausal symptom control.” And it states that “hormone therapy should be used for the shortest time period.” The organization’s Web site even directs visitors to the Women’s Health Initiative study.

For those wary of taking hormones, there are alternatives.

“There are many alternatives for HRT, but most women don’t have the same success for symptom control,” Petrac said. “One option is botanicals, which are numerous but haven’t been rigorously tested. Botanical medicine are plant products or phytochemicals that were initially isolated from plant material but are now being made chemically.” Botanicals include phytoestrogens and black cohosh, which is commonly used in Germany for hot flashes.

“Treatment needs to be individualized,” Petrac said. “This is something that every woman should discuss with her health care provider or doctor to see if HRT or natural hormones is something for them, or if alternatives need to be considered.”

Although treatment of menopause is controversial, there appears to be a consensus that exercise and diet may minimize the effects of menopause.

“The tide of women turning to alternative therapies actually is a good sign of women during the perimenopausal time taking an active interest in their wellness and motivating changes,” Petrac said. “The North American Menopause Society notes that many women use simply a healthy diet, exercise, vitamins and calcium. Thirty percent of women use acupuncture, natural estrogen, herbal supplements or plant estrogens.”

The evaluation process begins with a complete physical exam, including testing a woman’s current hormone levels and taking a medical history. There are many possibilities for dealing with menopause, and the choice is made after taking into consideration several factors, including hormone levels, family history, and severity and types of symptoms.

Are you at risk? If you are a woman, your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater. The older you are, the greater your risk. If you are a small, thin-boned woman, you are at greater risk. Women of northern European descent you should be concerned. And people who have a family history may also be at risk of the disease.

Those are the risk factors you can’t change. But there are also lifestyle choices that can impact your chances of developing osteoporosis. People who ingest a diet low in calcium and people who have inactivity due to decreased weight-bearing exercise are at increased risk of osteoporosis. If you are a smoker or drink alcohol excessively, your risk of bone loss and fractures gets even worse.

Help yourself by making sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet. Optimal calcium intake for people between the ages of 19-50 is about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Those 50 and older need about 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily. Post-menopausal women not using hormone replacement therapy and men and women older than 65 need 1,500 milligrams per day along with 800 milligrams of vitamin D.  

Weight-bearing exercise goes hand-in-hand with nutrition. It enhances what you’re trying to do with food intake and with the calcium in your diet. Even walking 20 to 30 minutes a day can keep your bones stronger and in turn, decreases your risk of a fracture. Simple things qualify as weight-bearing exercises, such as climbing stairs, dancing, speed-walking, jogging, racquet sports and hiking. Shelia Herbermann, radiology technologist and spokesperson for osteoporosis and bone heath at Sacred Heart Hospital says it is important to check with your physician prior to jumping into any exercise so that you can be aware of all concerns. “Especially with our bone health as we get older and with other risk factors we need to know how strong our bones are before engaging in physical exercise,” says Herbermann.

A bone density test – a simple, painless form of diagnostic X-ray – can help you find out if you have osteoporosis. And, if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, prescription medicines are available to keep the bones from losing further calcium and decrease the chance of having a fracture. They have minor side effects, so you need to be under the care of a doctor while you’re on them.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You may not be aware you have it unless you have a DEXA scan done or a broken bone from the weakness caused by osteoporosis.

“Not only is the DEXA scan used to determine if you are osteoporotic, it is also used to monitor treatment for those who are on medication for osteoporosis,” says Herbermann.

Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast offers the DEXA scan at their new Women’s Imaging Department.

The thought of eating disorders typically conjures up the image of emaciated women obsessed with being thin at any cost. The truth of the matter is that eating disorders are more common than you may think and don’t always involve people starving themselves.

Even with the recent interest in eating disorders brought to light by the increasing number of super-skinny starlets appearing on red carpets and the covers of magazines, major misconceptions about eating disorders persist. Among those misperceptions are what causes eating disorders, who can be affected and how dangerous an eating disorder can be.

While unhealthy relationships with food and unrealistic body images seem to be at the heart of eating disorders, the reality is that most are physical manifestations of deeper issues. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders are caused by an amalgamation of behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social issues.

“Many patients I have seen with eating disorders are females who have been abused, neglected or have had a traumatic life experience,” says Megan Putt, a registered and licensed dietician at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. “They feel that they have lost control in their lives and take that anger and lack of control out on themselves. The weight loss is often viewed as a sense of achievement and self-discipline.”

Women of all shapes and sizes battle eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

“Many patients battle with more than one type of eating disorder, and many are left untreated or never tell their story,” Putt says. “Only one in 10 people with an eating disorder actually receives treatment.”

In fact, anorexia and bulimia are the most well-known eating disorders, but a national survey released in 2007 in the Medical Journal of Biological Psychiatry showed binge eating disorder as the most prevalent.

According to Putt, a binge eater would be someone who finishes a full dinner, has a piece of cake and then opens a pack of cookies and finishes the bag without being able to stop.

“This type of consumption is similar to an alcoholic who may just plan on having a few beers and ends up drinking the whole case,” she says.

It is true that females are more susceptible to eating disorders than males, but many young men still wrestle with the disease. In the United States, the ratio is about 7 to 1, with 7 million women and 1 million men struggling with eating disorders. Males are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behavior during preadolescence than at any other age. In some cases, young men are obsessed with gaining weight.

Eating disorders can be incredibly destructive physically, socially and emotionally. Putt says that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and that 20 percent of people suffering from anorexia will die from suicide or heart problems.

Each disorder has unique health risks. Anorexia causes the body to slow down and ultimately shut down as it tries to compensate for the nutrients missing from a regular intake of food. Bulimia can result in digestive issues and malfunction of major organs. Binge eating disorder has similar risks to obesity, including issues with blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and gallbladder disease.

Putt warns that most individuals with an eating disorder are in denial and may resist being confronted. She says the best way to address the situation is to “confront them with your concerns, expressing how much you care about them.”

Parents should be aware of their own eating and diet habits and should be involved in what their children are watching on television, Putt advises.

“Children are so influenced by their surroundings and the mass media, which can alter their perception of what society thinks is ‘normal,’” she says.

To learn more about eating disorders and treatment options, visit nationaleatingdisorders.org. Visit Destin Yoga Classes for help relaxing and gaining back your confidence.