Primary Prevention: Reducing or eliminating the problem by understanding and
addressing causes and risk factors. |
Physicians are doing primary
prevention whether they know it or not when they:
Educate patients about nutrition
Play the role of health educator
Encourage healthy physical
activity
Promote positive body image
Help families to communicate
effectively, have healthy relationships, and build self-esteem
Guide parents and children
through the challenges of growth and individuation
|
Secondary Prevention: Identifying the problem early, before it becomes
severe. |
Noticing changes in physical
parameters such as growth, weight, vital signs
Sharing concerns and providing
initial counseling
Educating patients about the
importance of adequate nutrition and health habits
Consulting to schools, athletic
organizations, and other influential groups
- Extreme concern with body weight
|
| Tertiary
Prevention: Developing
strategies to keep the problem from getting worse. |
Refer for appropriate therapy by
knowing the resources in their area
Break the denial by giving an
historic perspective of their observations of the patients condition and potential
consequences of the eating disorder
Educate patients about the
positive benefits of treatment
Monitor medical status and keep
patients stable while treatment proceeds
Set a positive example of
needing others by collaborating and communicating with mental health professionals
Advocate for appropriate care
when third party payers deny it
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© 2005
National Eating Disorders Association
Permission is granted to copy and
reprint materials for educational purposes only. National Eating Disorders Association
must be cited and web address listed. www.NationalEatingDisorders.org
Informational and Referral Helpline: 800.931.2237 |
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