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The Parent Link Newsletter

August 2004

"The media and even "pro-eating disorder" websites promote and educate teens on eating disorders as a lifestyle choice as opposed to the true illnesses that they are."

One of the biggest challenges students face on a daily basis is the constant battle with image and appearance. Some teens deal with this situation in a healthy and positive way, while millions of students tackle this struggle in a very unhealthy and even life-threatening manner. No teen is exempt from these pressures, not even someone who appears to "have it all" like Mary Kate Olsen. The media and even "pro-eating disorder" websites promote and educate teens on eating disorders as a lifestyle choice as opposed to the true illnesses that they are. Eating disorders, if not dealt with, can lead to serious health problems, even death. There are two main disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia. However, binge eating (eating frequently, repeatedly, and in secret) and Anorexia Athletica (repeatedly exercising beyond the requirements of good health) can be just as dangerous. Who is at risk for a particular eating disorder? A teen struggling with Anorexia Nervosa tends to be a perfectionist, but inside may feel defective and inadequate. Bulimics tend to have problems with anxiety, depression, and impulse control. Here are some things to consider if you think your teen is struggling with an eating disorder. First, look for the warning signs. For a complete list of warning signs, check out www.anred.com. Second, you must talk to your teen. This will not be easy because eating disorders are usually very private. That is why it is so important to know the warning signs. Third, teens struggling with eating disorders NEED medical intervention. These disorders are about more than eating or not eating. There are trained professionals who can help your whole family deal with this situation. Fourth, pray that your teen will not buy into the lie that their significance comes from outward appearance.

Listed below are just some of the warning signs of eating disorders:

· Eating tiny portions or refusing to eat.
· Fear of being fat and a distorted body image.
· Strenuous exercising (for more than an hour).
· Eating in secret.
· Disappearing after eating—often to the bathroom.
· Large changes in weight, both up and down.
· Social withdrawal, depression, irritability.
· Menstrual irregularities—missing periods.
· Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints.
· Drastically reduces or completely eliminates fat intake.
· Spends lots of time inspecting self in the mirror.
· Becomes moody, irritable, cross, snappish, and touchy.
· Controls what and where the family eats.
(anred.com)

Here are some alarming yet informative responses to questions asked of teens.

At what age did your eating disorder begin?

10 years or younger - 10%
11-15 years - 33%
16-20 years - 43%
***Onset of illness by age 20 - 86%

(about.com)

What do you think causes eating disorders?

Peer or family pressure - 30%
Media influences - 30%
Poor self image - 23%
Psychological issues/need for control - 6%
No opinion - 11%

(scienceblog.com)

Would you like some "talk time" with you teen? Ask these questions and listen for some enlightening responses.

1. If you could be a gold medalist in the Olympics, which sport would you choose and why?

2. What is one physical feature that you like most about yourself? What feature would you change?

3. Do you believe plastic surgery or any other procedure that permanently alters your body is ok? Why or why not?

4. Have you or anyone you know ever struggled with an eating disorder? How did you or could you now help them?

5. Why do you think so many young women struggle with eating disorders?

Pray that:

1. God will help you to be discerning of the things your teen may be struggling with.

2. God would give you the sensitivity needed should you have to approach your teen and confront him or her about an eating disorder.

3. God would give you the strength and courage to model a healthy lifestyle in all areas of life in front of your teen.

4. Your teen would develop a self-image based on the Lord's opinion and not the world's opinion.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Samuel was given the awesome task of anointing the future king. He, like so many of us today, first searched for what he thought "looked" like the perfect candidate. God reminded Samuel that God sees the unseen...He sees the heart! Our teens are bombarded with such enormous issues today, and trying to fit that "perfect" physical image is one of the hardest for many of them. What a joy and relief it is to be reminded that God passionately loves and pursues us not for our outward appearance, but for who we are.

Here are some staggering statistics about eating disorders:

*Anorexia and bulimia are most common in Caucasians, while binge eating affects African Americans and Caucasians at an equal rate. (about.com)

*Research suggests that about one percent - about one out of every one hundred - of female adolescents have anorexia. (anred.com)

*Males account for only 5 to 10 percent of bulimia and anorexia cases. (fda.gov)

*Long-term effects of anorexia and bulimia can include osteoporosis, electrolyte disturbances, an irregular heartbeat, a ripped esophagus and "damage to just about any major organ." (baltimoresun.com)

*Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of all psychological disorders: for anorexia, estimates range from 12 to 18 percent. (baltimoresun.com)

This page is designed to inform and educate parents and is not meant to endorse any product, music, or movie.
Our prayer is that you will make informed decisions on what your student listens to, wears, and sees!

Tunnel Rats, during the Vietnam War, would enter enemy tunnels to make sure they were safe for other soldiers to enter. Today, Tunnel Rats are "paving the way for emcees with a gospel message to get credibility and respect" in the hip-hop community and church. The Los Angeles based crew is made up of emcees, producers, and DJs who "deliver in-your-face intelligent lyrics that ignore taboos." Frontman Dax says, "For years we were called to do something different...to go places no one else would go, to say things nobody else would say, to be what nobody else would be." Their album "Tunnel Vision" is a "testament to that work ethic and desire for integrity." (uprokrecords.com)

Here are some of the top fashion picks for guys this fall:
1. Boot Cut Jeans
2. Oxford Shirts
3. Polo/Rugby Shirts
4. Corduroy Pants
5. Rugged Belts
6. Silver Watches
7. Cargo Pants
(about.com)

Albums:
"Kiss of Death" - June 2004

"Kiss the Game Goodbye" - March 2001

Background:
Jadakiss (born Jason Phillips) became a member of the Ruff Ryders in 1999. Five years earlier, he joined the Lox (a group originally called the Warlocks) and has remained a member of both since. The Lox gained national exposure in 1997 with their multi-platinum tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. Jadakiss released his debut solo album on the Ruff Ryders/Interscope label. His second solo album debuted at #1 after selling more than a quarter of a million copies. He is working on launching his own record label and is schedule to hit the studios to record a Lox album for next year. (mtv.com)

Potential Controversy:
Both of Jada's albums have parental advisories (although "clean" ones are available). By the third song of his new album, there were already over 30 degrading sexual innuendos, references to drugs and alcohol and numerous foul language.

Parent/Teen Q&A:
Of his success, Jada says, "Controversy sells, politics sells, all that type of stuff sells." Do you agree that "controversy sells" and why or why not? Is controversy always a bad thing? What or who is an example of positive controversy?

Looks like comedy is king during the month of August! These are the movies your teen will most likely want to see...

TITLE	RATING	RED FLAGS	GENRE	STARRING
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement	G	No warnings given	Comedy	Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews
Little Black Book	PG-13	For sexual content/humor and language	Comedy	Brittany Murphy, Holly Hunter, Kathy Bates
Without A Paddle	PG-13	For drug content, sexual material, language, crude humor, and some violence	Comedy	Matthew Lillard, Seth Green