Ithaca College

Contributed on behalf of Cathy J. Saloff-Coste, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietician and nutrition consultant at Hammond Health Center.

If you’ve been following this Intercom series during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, you know that it’s not always obvious to see when someone has disordered eating, or even when they are in the throes of a full-blown eating disorder. You may be wondering if a friend or if you might be at risk of developing an eating disorder. 

A first step might be to take the online screening at http://www.mybodyscreening.org/. If the results show that you (or your friend) are at risk or clearly have an eating disorder, it is time to seek help. 

Because of the complex nature of the illness, a comprehensive treatment team of medical, nutritional, and psychological therapies is often recommended, and the earlier treatment begins, the better chance there is for recovery. Treatment at Ithaca College is highly individualized to the specific needs of each student, and consultations are confidential. 

You can contact any of the following resources on campus to get help for yourself or for a friend. 

• The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (607-274-3136) provides initial assessments, a weekly support group (“Making Peace with Food”), and short term individual counseling, as well as assistance with referrals for long term services. 
• Hammond Health Center (607-274-3177) offers physical exams, lab work, and medical follow-up. 
• Registered dietitian-nutritionist Cathy J. Saloff-Coste (607-277-2053) is available on campus and in her downtown office to provide individualized nutrition counseling. 
• Nancy Reynolds, Director of the Center for Health Promotion (607-274-7933) provides consultations for students with concerns about eating disorders. 

The following websites also provide reliable information and resources:

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org (National Eating Disorders Association, NEDA)

www.anad.org (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, or ANAD)

www.edcatalogue.com (Gürze-Salucore Eating Disorders Resource Catalogue) (800-756-7533)

Refer to this past Monday’s and Wednesday’s Intercom emails for more information on eating disorders.