With all of the Halloween overindulgence, it is important to highlight that the relationship one has with food is critical to physical and mental health. Everyone deserves to have a healthy body image and self-worth. Childhood obesity and other eating disorders are a healthcare epidemic that desperately calls for community action.

   An eating disorder is a treatable condition, yet many individuals are suffering in silence. Eating disorders range on a spectrum from anorexia to obesity. Signs to look for are rapid weight-loss or gain of , wearing oversized clothing, eating secretly, avoiding social gatherings, barely eating or overeating. Increasing awareness of the seriousness of this epidemic may help parents' model healthy behavior (such as moderation of eating and engaging in exercise) to their children.

   Making exercise part of a family's daily routine is a crucial component to a child's health as well as the family system's well-being. For instance, increasing time spent walking outdoors instead of staying in front of the computer or television. Mealtime is an excellent venue for healthy behavioral choices and also provides an excellent opportunity for family bonding.

   If a parent is depressed, this can influence the development of a child's self-image. How parents think about and manage their own body image is communicated to their child. By accepting the circumstances that each day brings, a parent can wade in and out of stress. Learning to relax from daily stressors by deep breathing and creative hobbies can also be beneficial. Focusing on solutions through healthy behavior in present is encouraged because it helps diffuse future. If needed, seeking treatment by a mental health provider for the parent or child may be a wise choice.

   Perhaps the biggest price that our children are paying in regards to unhealthy body image is low self-worth. Although the media continues to bombard us with unnaturally thin celebrities, families have the power to choose healthier mindsets in the home. Perhaps take a nice walk with your family after those holiday meals or keep your child's trick-or-treat bag small to discourage too much candy. Initiating healthy behaviors may prevent other harmful factors that may co-occur with eating disorders such as social anxiety, substance abuse, depression, diabetes, and heart disease.

   Each individual deserves the opportunity to optimize their functioning, which begins with hope and awareness. For more information consider reading some of the available books on self-image and eating issues. You can also visit the website www.eatingdis.com for healthier suggestions and motivation towards health.

   Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and we all have a personal kaleidoscope where we silently view our self-worth and self-image. Embracing the possibilities of the mental and physical health of each family member can alleviate various symptoms. Consider what you can do today for your mental and physical health and your child will likely model you over time.

   Trajana Chandler is pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Argosy University and is currently working with the Community Action Team, which provides comprehensive, intensive community based treatment to children and families. Manatee Glens, a nonprofit health care provider that delivers services from seven Manatee County locations. Manatee Glens, which produces this biweekly column, welcomes your questions about mental health and substance abuse matters.

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