U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

http://www.nih.gov/

The National Institutes of Health is the steward of medical and behavioral research for the Nation. Its mission is science in pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the a pplication of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. The goals of the agency are as follows: 1) foster fundamental creative discoveries, innovative research strategies, and their applications as a basis to advance significantly the Nation’s capacity to protect and improve health; 2) develop, maintain, and renew scientific human a nd physical resources that will assure the Nation’s capability to prevent disease; 3) expand the knowledge base in medical and associated sciences in order to enhance the Nation’s economic well-being and ensure a continued high return on the public investment in research; and 4) exemplify and promote the highest level of scientific integrity, public accountability, and social responsibility in the conduct of science.
 

National Institute of Mental Health

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Mental disorders affect people of all ages. Research tells us that approximately 44 million Americans adults, and nearly one in five children in the United States, will have a diagnosable mental disorder this year. Millions more will grapple with mental distress that can diminish quality of life, impede academic achievement, and disrupt product ivity on the job. Although mental disorders are common and can be highly disabling, they also can be identified and diagnosed reliably, and treated with a high degree of effectiveness. The landmark Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health encourages Americans to seek help if they have questions about mental health or mental illness, just as they would see k help when questions arise about their general health. One important purpose of the NIMH web site is to provide information that will be responsive to people who have questions about their own mental health or the health of a family member or friend.

National Eating Disorders Association

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=337

Body image is . . .

How you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.
What yo u believe about your own appearance (including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations).

How you feel about your body, including your height, shape, and weight.
How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in your body, not just about your body.

Negative body image is . . .

A distorted perception of your shape--you perceive parts of your body unlike they really are.
You are convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure.
You feel ashamed, self-conscious , and anxious about your body.
You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body.

Positive body image is . . .

A clear, true perception of your shape--you see the various parts of your body as they really are.
You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person's physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
You feel comfortable and confident in your body.

People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss.

We all may have our days when we feel awkward or uncomfortable in our bodies, but t he key to developing positive body image is to recognize and respect our natural shape and learn to overpower those negative thoughts and feelings with positive, affirming, and accepting ones.
Find out more at the National Eating Disorders Association website. http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=337

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Drinking on college campuses is more pervasive and destructive than many people realize. The extent of the problem was recently hig hlighted by an extensive 3-year investigation by the Task Force on College Drinking, commissioned by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The Task Force reports that alcohol consumption is linked to at least 1,40 student deaths and 500,000 unintentional injuries annually. Alcohol consumption by college students is associated with drinking and driving, diminished academic performance, and medical and legal problems. Nondrinking students, as well as members of the surrounding community, also may experience alcohol-related consequences, such as increased rates of crime, traffic crashes, rapes and assaults, and property damage. For example, each year, more than 600,000 students are assaulted by other stude nts who have been drinking. Yet efforts to reduce student drinking have largely been unsuccessful, in part because proven, research-based prevention strategies have not been consistently applied. 

Learn more, visit the NIAAA at the above Webpage.

LOCAL RESOURCES

This Guide lists Agencies according to the major services they provide. It is not an all inclusive list nor does it list all the services which each agency offers. If you need more information or if you need help identifying your problem call FIRST (The Free Information & Referral System Telephone) ANYTIME during day or night – 961-1234.