Innovation Anthology #16: Associate VP (Academic)

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Eating disorders among adolescents are on the rise. A recent study of Grade Five and Grade Seven students found 19 percent, or one in five students have an eating disorder.

These findings are the result of research conducted by two Edmonton clinical dieticians, Dianne Drummond and Suzanne Hare.

Several years ago, the two researchers developed a test that teachers could use in the classroom to identify children at risk.

SH: The risk factors that we pick up within our screen are body image problems, maladaptive thoughts, like ”if I was thinner, I would be happier”. Depression. Self esteem. Dieting behavior.

As Dianne Drummond explains, a positive approach is needed to shield children from unrealistic media images that often lead to eating disorders.

DD: Using the illness model or talking specifically about the illness, talking specifically about eating disorder behaviors to children and to adolescents may actually cause more harm than good. because that’s really kind of a copy cat effect. Students may get more ideas than actually preventing it.

The researchers found after testing their wellness model, prevention should begin in elementary school.

Thanks today to the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.

FOR INNOVATION ANTHOLOGY, I’M CHERYL CROUCHER.

NOTE:  The former AHFMR is now called Alberta Innovates Health Solutions

Guest

Andrew Hakin, PhD,

University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada,

Sponsor

Alberta Innovates Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates (formerly Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions)

As the newly formed Alberta Innovates corporation, we still fund top quality, internationally competitive health research and innovation activities to improve the health and wellbeing of Albertans. We provide leadership for Alberta’s health research and innovation enterprise by directing, coordinating, reviewing, funding and supporting research and innovation.

Working with our many partners  in the health system, we ensure that research achieves innovation in care, policy and practice, and that the needs of patients and clinicians influence research.

Our background

Alberta Innovates consolidation was launched November 1, 2016.

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions was established as part of the Alberta Innovates system by an Act of Legislation of the Government of Alberta. It is a agency  of the Government of Alberta. We receive a yearly allocation from the Ministry of Health and report through the ministry to the people of Alberta.

Our Mandate and Roles document reflects our role and responsibilities and outlines the government statues and regulations with which we comply.

Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation Strategy (AHRIS) sets out Alberta’s health research agenda for the coming decade to ensure our considerable investments in research align with our priority—to improve the health of Albertans.

 

 

Program Date: 2007-03-08