They must add eating disorders to the health agenda in Healthy People 2010. Only then, when all the issues are allowed on the table, can a comprehensive policy be developed which makes sense and which health professionals will support. Changing national policy in the U.S., which I fully expect to follow the recognition of eating disorders, will bring about a major improvement, since it sets the agenda for what happens throughout the country. National policy also greatly influences how the media reports health issues. Leaders in the new programs recognize that parents are confused and shaken by today's conflicting health messages and need to trust in themselves again.
New programs appreciate local culture and values.
Parents are assured they can trust their family traditions, that traditional foods and ways of celebrating with food are valuable to pass down through the generations, shaped and expressed in different ways as they may be, yet honoring the past. They learn to trust their own judgment and feel confident that they and their children can make good decisions. Trust and empower the child. Support the child in solving his or her own problems, even when that child marches to a different drummer. All rights reserved.