Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders in the North Country

A 2003 study on Adolescent Eating Disorders in Jefferson and Lewis Counties found that an estimated 2.2% of adolescents in the North Country suffer from an eating disorder. That’s one out of every 50 students in grades 6-12.

An eating disorder is a complex compulsion to eat, or not eat, in a way that endangers an individual's physical and psychosocial health. Eating disorders are serious health problems and can be life-threatening. The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A third category is "eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)," which includes several variations of eating disorders. The potential risks from eating disorders include death (in severe cases), infertility, osteoporosis, damage to family relationships, depression and many other emotional and physical health issues. Recovery is possible, and a treatment plan should be initiated as soon as the problem is diagnosed.

If you or someone you love struggles with an eating disorder, we can help!
For most of us, eating is a normal, often pleasurable, daily activity. However, for some, eating a meal is anything but normal or pleasant.

Tri-County Pathways to Balanced Nutrition is a coalition of area healthcare providers working together to bring outpatient services to our community to address disordered eating. The team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, therapists, psychologists, and registered dietitians.

Patients who seek treatment through Tri-County Pathways to Balanced Nutrition are first screened by the Eating Disorders Case Manager at North Country Transitional Living Services, Inc. Depending on individual need, the patient may then be referred to Samaritan Medical Center for medical evaluation and nutritional counseling and/or referred to local behavioral health practitioners for therapy services. Individuals needing more intensive treatment are referred to the Eating Disorder Recovery Center of Western New York.

The Tri-County Pathways program links individuals to both mental health care and medical care. We recognize that eating disorders are not just mental illnesses, but that physical health is involved as well. The program therefore works closely with the patient’s primary care provider.

If you suspect you or someone you know has an eating disorder, call the Eating Disorders Case Manager at North Country Transitional Living Services.
315-782-1777 extension #34

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRI-COUNTY PATHWAYS BROCHURE.