Ithaca College

Submitted on behalf of IC dietitian nutritionist Cathy J. Saloff-Coste, MS, RDN, CDN, CEDRD

If you’ve been following this Intercom series during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, you know that it’s not always obvious if someone is heading toward developing an eating disorder, or even if they are living with a full-blown eating disorder. You may know someone who shows clear signs of having an eating disorder, or you may recognize the signs in yourself. Where do you start to get help? 

Because of the complex nature of eating disorders, 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. No matter when someone reaches out for help, however, recovery is always possible. Treatment at Ithaca College is highly individualized to the specific needs of each student, and consultations are confidential.

 The idea of setting up a whole treatment team can be overwhelming. Consider reaching out to one person with whom you can share your concerns, and that person can help create a team that works for you. You can contact any of the following resources on campus to start to get the help you or your friend need to begin the journey of recovery.

• 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, CEDRD  (607-277-2053 or cjsaloffcoste@fastmail.fm) is available on campus and at her downtown office to provide individualized ongoing nutrition counseling. You can speak directly with her about your concerns before setting up an appointment.
• The Center for Health Promotion (lower level, Hammond Health Center) offers free brochures and other educational resources about healthy eating and 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 posts for more information on eating disorders.