National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020 has arrived, along with an invitation to reflect on our journeys and what we have learned. As people, our growth (hopefully) never stops, and I am no exception. More on that in a moment.

Society’s understanding of eating disorders is often riddled with stereotypes about who gets them and myths about what causes them. Who could blame us? Our brains are hardwired to explain the nonsensical, and eating disorders are no different.

One myth is that parents and families are to blame for their loved one’s eating disorder. Trust me, I get it. I spend my days listening to stories about the first diet my client’s mother put them on, jumpstarting their eating disorder at age 7 or 8. My clients and I process their spouses calling them “fat” and detailing what they perceive to be the moral failings in my clients’ bodies. It’s hard to not point fingers.

This is not to say these things are not harmful. They become part of the story eating disorders whispers in my clients’ ears day in and day out. These judgments complicate recovery and threaten clients’ sense of safety or comfort in relationships. But I must also somewhat begrudgingly admit that finding the exact cause may not be the most important step.

We must not lose sight of the reality of eating disorders: The fact is that every 62 minutes, at least one person dies as a result of their eating disorder. Although it is valuable to find clarity as to why, the truth of these illnesses is not so black and white.

In reality, we as loved ones can absolutely have caused harm and maybe even contributed to the development of an eating disorder, but it is unlikely that there is a single cause, as these illnesses have roots in our genetics, culture, neurobiology and even our gut microbiome.

At the same time, families can be a powerful force for recovery. It may come through being an active part of treatment, or it may be lovingly standing by someone’s side as they wage this fight for a life worth living. Given essential education, the right support and the chance, loved ones can make all the difference.

Please know this may not be true for you, and that is okay. Because what is also true is that you can choose who you identify as your family, and this is not always defined by blood relationships. What is most important is that you not do this alone.

The power of families has been one of my greatest lessons as a professional. In the past, I could logically acknowledge the impact of parents, siblings, partners and family of choice. Yet what I have come to know is that these connections can be truly transformative.

Eating disorders become all the more powerful when we allow them to separate us from the ones who care about us. Eating disorders thrive on darkness and isolation, but recovery is made possible by connection and relationships. Please learn from where I have faltered, and stay open to how family of any kind can transform your healing.

About the Author

Dr. Jenny Copeland, clinical psychologist, practices at Ozark Center in Joplin, MO. Dr. Copeland specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. She has extensive experience in psychological assessment and treatment of people with diverse clinical concerns. Visit ozarkcenter.com/reconnect to learn more about eating disorders services at Ozark Center.

As a hospice volunteer, I have the unique opportunity to work alongside patients as they reflect on their lives thus far. As I sat with one such patient, we discussed what she wished she would have done more of. She immediately responded “dance” because this was not something she was allowed to do growing up.

So, I put on her favorite song. As she sat in her wheelchair, shrugging her shoulders up and down to the rhythm, she immediately lit up with joy as she found freedom with the music. She presented joy so tangibly, with such a physical presence in the room. What a great representation of joyful movement I had encountered!

Joyful movement knows no bounds; it does not discriminate. There is no right or wrong way to engage in it. The idea is to move our bodies – all bodies – in ways that promote pleasure and joy in our lives.

When pleasure becomes the focus of how we move, it can change our outlook on why we move, fueling the mind, spirit and body, no matter its size or ability. Movement can elevate mood, strengthen muscles, ease digestion, promote better sleep, alleviate stress and more. Joyful movement can help you live more freely in the body that you have, and help your body feel like home.

We get to determine how and when we move, as well as how and when we rest. We can be mindful in the way we move, becoming more present with and aware of our body. There are numerous ways to engage in joyful movement. It is completely possible to dislike exercise but love movement! Juggling may not be considered exercise, but it can be considered joyful movement. What about dancing around the house, gardening or vacuuming?

When we move, we learn to feel at home in our bodies and become more present with ourselves. When we find gratitude in our bodies, we truly live in our bodies as they are now – not how we think they should be.

Our bodies bring us life, motion and being. Celebrate all of the miracles of our bodies and appreciate the uniqueness that is you.

About the Author

Haley Mona, BS, is a graduate of Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology with an emphasis in substance use. She is an intern with the Reconnect Eating Disorders Clinic as a part of her Master of Science in psychology.

You have a voice that can spread the word about colorectal cancer. Awareness and prevention of this disease is important because a diagnosis can change everything for a family. This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is making sure people don’t assume anything about this disease – don’t assume you’re too young. Don’t assume everyone knows what colorectal cancer is. Don’t assume you’re alone. And don’t assume you can’t contribute to awareness.

What should you know?

Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally, and about 1 in 23 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Those at risk include:

• Individuals with a personal or family history with polyps or cancer
• People over 50
• Those with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Individuals with the genetic conditions HNPCC or FAP
• Certain ethnicities, including Jews of Eastern European descent, African Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Latinos

Prevention can mean everything, so if any of these factors apply to you or a loved one, seeing a doctor is the first step. More than half the people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no symptoms, but there are warning signs to be aware of. If you experience these, you should talk to your doctor:

• Trouble going to the bathroom
• Blood in your stool
• Persistent stomach aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue

You can help spread awareness about colorectal cancer. Ninety percent of new cases occur in people 50 and older, but diagnoses are on the rise for those under 50, as well. Don’t ignore the symptoms and risks associated with the disease. Ask family members if they’ve been screened and encourage them to do so if they haven’t. Promote a healthy diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking. You should also encourage loved ones to know their family health history. This helps prevent many diseases and conditions.

Don’t assume you can’t help end colorectal cancer. Visit freemanhealth.com/colon for more information or talk to your doctor.

Your doctor would like to run some tests – you've had your blood drawn and your sample has been sent off to the lab. You met the phlebotomist who drew your blood sample, but have you ever wondered who actually receives your sample and conducts the tests?

Though you may never see them face-to-face, a variety of skilled and educated laboratory professionals work behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in your healthcare. An estimated 70% of all decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results. In fact, Freeman laboratory professionals report over 3.5 million tests each year! That’s why Freeman Health System is recognizing our amazing lab professionals April 21 – 27 during Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW).

Freeman employees working in the clinical laboratory collect specimens and conduct tests that provide crucial information for detecting, analyzing, diagnosing, evaluating and monitoring disease. They’re the health detectives behind the magnifying glass – or more likely, a microscope – who generate vitally important data for identifying and treating life-threating diseases such as cancer, heart disease and HIV, as well as common ailments such as the sniffles or strep throat. They use state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive diagnostic services, analyzing not just patient’s blood samples but also urine, body fluids, tissue and stool. If bacteria, fungus or parasites are lurking, Freeman’s highly skilled lab “investigators” will track down the culprits and provide the proof to help physicians determine the best treatment for their patients. The lab is also responsible for supplying life-saving blood products for transfusion.

Because lab results impact the healthcare patients receive, Freeman’s laboratory professionals are specially educated, trained and certified. In addition, Freeman lab directors and coordinators have extensive training and many years of experience, enabling them to oversee testing and ensure strict quality control and quality management systems are followed. Like all clinical laboratories in the United States, Freeman labs are regulated by the federal government under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). The regulations for the CLIA amendments have quality standards for laboratory testing to ensure results are accurate, reliable and timely and include standards for the education and training of laboratory personnel.

Solving the riddle of health begins with the gifted and dedicated laboratory professionals, clinicians and administrative staff at Freeman who service the residents of the Four States. Freeman’s team of compassionate lab professionals strive to provide excellence in care, enriching the lives of everyone.

About the Author

Karen Watts, BS, MT (ASCP), has worked at Freeman Health System for eight years and served as Director of Laboratory Services for five years. She oversees the Freeman Lab Services Department, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers clinical and pathology services. The lab provides testing for all areas of the hospital including the emergency room, operating room, cardiovascular operating room, all patient rooms and outpatient testing. To learn more, visit freemanhealth.com/services/laboratory-services or call 417.347.3575.

Early identification and prevention lead to better outcomes for youth, including daily living skills, better attendance and/or performance in school, increased social capacity, decreased substance use and decreased incarceration. In fact, identifying youth at risk of mental health challenges in the early stages can change a youth’s entire life trajectory.

For example, when we identify a youth at risk of psychosis* prior to their first mental health episode, the family and the youth are connected to appropriate supports and information, which can prevent that youth from ever even experiencing that first episode. This one change can have an immeasurable impact on that youth’s life. They may be able to live a full, happy and productive life simply because they were provided information about how to care for their mental health! How exciting is that!

However, the stigma surrounding mental health remains. The word “crazy” gets tossed around daily without second thought. Mental health is rarely discussed in a positive light on the news, and to make matters worse, there is a general feeling that people just need to “suck it up” in regards to mental health diagnoses.

Many youth and adults do not seek mental health services because of the general attitude and ignorance surrounding mental health services. As a provider, this makes me incredibly sad. Mental health services can improve the daily discomfort produced by mental health disorders. More and more youth and adults are getting timely services with positive outcomes and are leading productive lives.

Events around the nation during Children’s Mental Health Week, including the Will’s Place Block Party on May 9, hope to bring light to mental health services, decrease stigma and provide fact-based information to our communities. Supporting youth and their families in finding hope-filled, positive messages about mental health is key to increasing participation in our mental health services.

As mental health advocates, we are called to battle the stigma and negative messages surrounding mental health found throughout society. To fight these battles, we must start a conversation – a conversation about mental health – in our community, at our work and most importantly, in our homes.

* Psychosis is used to describe conditions which affect the mind where there has been some loss of contact with reality.

About the Author

Aubrey Doss, EdS, LPC, practices at Ozark Center. She advocates for the use of evidence-based practices and has training in several of them. Her passion is working with youth who have mental health challenges and their families.

Bowling is more than just a fun way to pass the time. Playing a game at the bowling alley benefits seniors physically, mentally and socially. Freeman Advantage’s bowling league, Pin It to Win It, helps people over the age of 50 stay healthy and active.

Physical Health

Bowling is a great way for seniors to exercise without the risk of straining themselves. Bowlers may not even realize how much exercise they are getting each time they step up to the lane. It truly is a whole body exercise.

The sport requires low physical effort, but the average bowler can burn about 250 calories per hour. Bowling a three-game series involves walking over half a mile while swinging weight. Throwing the bowling ball helps the player build muscle mass all over their body and helps stretch their joints.

Social Health

As more seniors retire, they find themselves with more time on their hands. Bowling is a great to get a healthy dose of social interaction.  According to Psychology Today, people who socialize even once a week tend to have stronger immune systems and are less likely to suffer from depression and certain types of cancer.

Pin It to Win It provides seniors of all ages and skill levels a chance to enjoy an afternoon in a fun, friendly environment. Bowlers are also provided a meal by Freeman Advantage once a month. Joining a senior league gives individuals a chance to create new friendships and interact with people their age.

Mental Health

Bowling is also a mental exercise for all bowlers. It is a game of strategy, allowing seniors to think about strategic maneuvers as well as work out how they can improve their game. Visualizing where the ball will go, adjusting the release of the ball and maintaining focus are all ways a bowler uses mental awareness during a game.

Want to reap the benefits of bowling? Register for the Freeman Advantage bowling league, Pin It to Win It, at Fourth Street Bowl in Joplin in July before the new leagues are formed on August 12. Cost is $10 per week and a one-time $14 sanction fee. Members receive reduced price practice games for $1.50 a game. For more information about Freeman Advantage, visit freemanhealth.com/advantage.

When it comes to simple, daily tasks, most people don’t have to think twice. Trying a new outdoor activity, moving homes or even cleaning a bedroom is done with ease. Those who live with scoliosis, though, have to give each of those activities extra thought, and in some cases, they cannot complete these activities at all. Having to consider the toll each activity would have on their body tends to determine what jobs are applied for, activities to be involved in or what will be accomplished that day.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the curvature of scoliosis occurs when the spine measures 10 degrees or higher. Both the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spine can be affected.

According to Mayo Clinic, adults who developed curvature of the spine in adolescence are at risk of developing severe arthritis in the spine next to their old curves. Other risks such as osteoporosis can also develop as people age due to complications of medicine or menopause in women. If osteoporosis develops, fractures can happen as well.

The Scoliosis Research Society recognizes two types of adult scoliosis, adult idiopathic and adult degenerative.

Adult Idiopathic is a continuation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Adult Degenerative is new scoliosis, which can develop in adults due to arthritis of facet joints, degeneration of disc, or the collapse and wedging of spaces between discs.

Adults who live with either type of scoliosis experience a great deal of pain. Typically, lower back pain and stiffness are common symptoms. Some may deal with numbness, shooting pain in the legs caused by pinched nerves, and cramping. With constant strain on lower back muscles and legs, scoliosis patients can experience fatigue as well.

Symptoms of scoliosis go beyond internal pain. Depending on the degree of curvature of the spine, height loss can become apparent, as well as uneven alignment of the pelvis and hips, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Though adult scoliosis patients endure a lot of pain, there are ways to help prevent or seek treatment. Consuming enough calcium and vitamin D is essential to help prevent osteoporosis. Women are encouraged to take steps to preserve the health of their bones prior to menopause to help prevent osteoporosis as well.

Bracing (a nonsurgical treatment for idiopathic scoliosis) can prevent curvature progression and help with pain. In both degenerative and idiopathic scoliosis, a comprehensive rehabilitation program focused on spinal and core strengthening are important factors in alleviating aspects of pain.

Freeman Health System offers services in specialized non-surgical treatment including pain management, physical therapy and x-ray/CT/MRI imaging. Surgical assessments are also available for those who need more advanced treatment. No referral is necessary. To schedule an appointment with Freeman Spinal Care, call 417.347.7200.

About the Author

Dr. Amanda Price earned her medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and started as a physiatrist at Freeman NeuroSpine in September 2017, specializing in reducing pain and restoring function lost due to illness or injury and treating a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Dr. Price is part of a team that specializes in spinal care services for patients. For specialized spinal care services, call 417.347.7200.