Ithaca College

Submitted on behalf of Cathy J. Saloff-Coste, MS, RD, CDN, Ithaca College Registered Dietician Nutritionist

If you’ve been following this Intercom series during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week on Monday and Wednesday, you know that it’s not always obvious when someone has an eating disorder. What if you now realize that you (or a friend) have some of the signs of an eating disorder but you’re not sure if there is a problem?

One possible first step is to take Ithaca College’s CAPS online screening at http://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/hope.

If the results show that you (or your friend) are at risk for 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 the following services: initial assessments, short term individual counseling, a weekly support group (Making Peace with Food) on Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:45 pm, and assistance with referrals for longer term services.
• Hammond Health Center (607-274-3177) offers physical exams, lab work, and medical follow-up.
• Registered dietitian nutritionist Cathy J. Saloff-Coste is available on campus and at her downtown office to provide individualized nutrition counseling. You can leave a voice mail at 607-277-2053 or email her at cjsaloffcoste@fastmail.fm to set up an appointment or for information about her services.
• Nancy Reynolds, Program Director, 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)

This may be the end of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, but it is always time to talk about eating disorders.