Why is Nutrition Important to Recovery? With Dr. Anna Flores

It’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and we sat down with Sanford Behavioral Health’s Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, Anna Flores, to talk about the role of nutrition in recovery. At Sanford, we incorporate nutrition education and dietician-guided meals into all our programs. We place great importance on the healing power of nutrition and supporting a healthy […]

The Double Stigma of Men and Eating Disorders

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 6.6 million males in the U.S. will be affected by an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Like their female counterparts, men and boys across all demographics and cultures are affected by eating disorders. However, males diagnosed with eating disorders have a double stigma to […]

The Vital Role of Family in Eating Disorder Recovery

The Eating Disorder Center at Sanford Behavioral Health is decorated for Spooky Week with a Snoopy pumpkin patch and artwork created by clients during art therapy. Recreational therapist Amy Kosiba, CTRS, says, “Many clients come to us with tunnel vision that they are here for treatment. They think this will be the worst experience of […]

The Parallels Between OCD and Eating Disorders

  Last week was OCD Awareness Week, and we sat down with Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED) Lori Kehoe, MA, to discuss the parallels between OCD and eating disorders. Studies show that individuals with eating disorders have 11 –  69% higher rates of OCD, and those with OCD have a 10 – […]

Should Treatment for Eating Disorders Be FUN?

The recreational therapy team at Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (SCTED) is always an inspiring group to interview. They take on many roles, so you might find them running process groups, leading a light yoga session, driving a van on an excursion to a restaurant, or in a huddle with the interdisciplinary team. Whatever […]

26 Sober Activities to Celebrate Autumn!

Ah, Michigan autumn is upon us with all its splendor. When a dappled sun shines through a tunnel of yellow oaks, it is hard to feel blue. And looking at beautiful things can reduce cortisol levels (the primary indicator of stress). We have all experienced heightened levels of anxiety during the post-pandemic years, but a […]

What is Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment?

Sanford Behavioral Health offers comprehensive outpatient eating disorder treatment in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our telehealth programs, which encompass treatment, family, and alumni support, serve all of Michigan and beyond. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to helping individuals learn healthy coping mechanisms and develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies. […]

Family Health Matters – Eating Disorders

Thanks to Shelley Irwin and WGVU’s Family Health Matters for including us in their panel of experts to discuss eating disorders. Joining Shelly were Sanford Behavioral Health clinical liaison Dr. Anna Flores, Kathy Robinson, parent, and Gail Hall, executive director of Michigan Eating Disorder Alliance. Some of the questions the panel answered: What is an eating […]

Insatiable Hunger – Eating + Substance Use Disorders

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), up to 50% of those with eating disorders also use drugs or alcohol. This is a rate five times higher than the general public. For those with an alcohol or drug dependency, up to 35% also have an eating disorder, a rate 11 times greater than the […]

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Eating Disorders?

The long-term effects of eating disorders can significantly impact your health and mental well-being, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is important. These conditions can negatively alter a person’s life, increasing their risk of serious medical complications and long-term mental health issues. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, consider contacting Sanford Behavioral […]