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Don't just call it a diet
Food Addicts
Anonymous offers
hope and help for all
who want it
By Heather Wysocki
hwysocki@barnstablepatriot.com
Although the most well known
addiction recovery group is based
on alcoholism, there are other ad-
dictions,and other programs aswell.
There areprograms for drug addicts,
shoplifters, and compulsive gam-
blers. But across the Cape, there is
anotherprogramfor those struggling
withfood controlissue: FoodAddicts
in Recovery Anonymous (FA).
In order to educate food addicts,
medical professionals, friends, and
family,FAwillhold Cape-wide infor-
mation sessions the week of May 15,
including ameeting at Centerville's
Adult SocialDay Center on Monday,
May '
15, at 7 p.m.
"For people who have been strug-
gling, this is a terrific attempt to
try,"said Elaine,an FAmember from
the town of Barnstable who attends
meetings in Centerville, Sandwich,
and Wareham. Because FA bases
much of its success on anonymity,
only the first names of members
will be used.
¦Shewillbe overseeingthe meeting.
Along with speakers who have been
successful with the program, there
will also be a question and answer-
type discussion.
FA is an offshoot of the older,
more widely established Overeaters
Anonymous, with some fairly large
differences. Those who started FA
"wanted a more disciplined 12 step
for food,"said Tracy, an FA member
from Mashpee.
FA is based on the tenants of the
12 steps established by Alcoholics
Anonymous. The program uses AA
principles to conduct its meetings
and to create a new way to live for
its members. The program focuses
not only on controlling harmful eat-
inghabits,but on restoring the mind
and soul as well.
As AA stresses abstinence from
alcohol, FA stresses the control of
food addiction by abstinence from
flour, sugar, and other binge foods,
said Elaine. Binge foods include any
other type of food that an FA mem-
ber finds particularly troublesome
or addictive.
"There are measured meals and
disciplined boundaries around the
food,"Tracysaid.Formanymembers,
following the program is difficult.
"It's a very insidious disease,"
she said, because the abused sub-
stance can't be avoided. "You have
to eat."
In order to combat the difficul-
ties of the program, FA members
are assigned sponsors to help them
through difficult parts.Sponsors are
members who have been successful
for a long period of time. Members
arenever done withthe program,and
many continue to attend meetings
even after years of abstinence from
the foods.
At various locations across the
Cape, there are FA meetings for
anyone who feels they need help. Ac-
cording to Elaine, each meeting sees
between 10 and 30 people , both new
members and old. The Centerville
meeting usuallyseesbetween 15and
20 each time.
FA meetings are open to anyone ,
said Elaine. There are both men
and women in attendance. And,
though many people attend the
meetings to lose weight, they also
welcome anyone who struggles with
other food control issues, such as
anorexia, bulimia, or other eating
disorders. Even children who feel
they have lost control of their eating
are welcome.
A Variety of Reasons
"We've been growing on the Cape ,"
Elaine said. Members are often rec-
ommended by family, friends, or by
medical professionals. It is this lat-
ter group that FA hopes will attend
next week's informational sessions
to find lasting solutions for their
patients.
People attend meetings for a
variety of reasons. "For some, it's
health; for most people, it'svanity,"
Tracy said.
But for both Elaine and Tracy, the
problem was more than skin deep.
Both women, after having dieted
sincetheirteenageyears,werefinally
ready to find a solution to their eat-
ing addiction.
Tracy, who has been a member of
FA for six years but had tried diet-
ing for 30 years before, wasn't yet
obese when she attended her first
meeting.
"It wasn't a matter of my health
being in danger. It was a matter of
being spiritually dead," she said.
For her, the food was a way to avoid
dealing with other problems in her
life. It took her a few months to
realize, she said, that the food was
affecting every aspect of her life,not
just her health.
The program helped her lose
weight, and also regain her spiri-
tuality.
"This is the first thing I've ever
done that I've ever kept the weight
off," Tracy said. She continues to
attend meetings, although she has
been abstinent since 2000.
For Elaine,the program "was alife
changer." A member for 21 months,
Elaine lost 125pounds in the first 11
months following FAguidelines, and
has been able to keep it off.
When hertherapist recommended
FAasawayfor herto beginto control
her food addiction and itsunderlying
issues, Elaine said, she reluctantly
attended.
"I was really tired of dieting and
gaining it back," she said. "I didn't
want to try anything, and yet I was
so willing ... I kind of surrendered."
Since she has been abstinent from
sugar,flour,andher bingefoods,both
her physical and mental health have
improved because,she said,FAtack-
les not just the food addiction but
the underlying problem as well.
Although FA changed her life, it
doesn't control her life. After learn-
ing the ins and outs of the program,
Elaine said, she is still able to go out
to dinner or celebrate with friends.
Moreover,her familyis"thrilled"with
her new lifestyle.
Both she and Tracy hope that
the information sessions across the
Cape willinspire others with similar
problems to take action.
"I'm 54.I've been overweight since
I was 13," Elaine said. Despite the
difficulties associated with a strict
food program, she continues to fol-
low it. "What's really exciting is I
think I can live this way."
For more information about Food Addicts
Anonymous, or about the information sessions
in Centerville or other areas the week of May
15, call 781-438-9700, or visit www.foodad-
dicts.org.
HEALTHREPORT
Lyme disease and
recovery
Dr. Lorraine Hurley hosts a session on
recovering from Lyme disease May 15 at
7 p.m. at the Health for Life office, 165
Route 6A in Orleans, Unit G. RSVP to
508-896-4783 or drhurley@cape.com.
CPR course offered
A CPR certification course for the lay
person will be offered May 20 from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cape Cod Human
Services Building, 460 W. Main St. in
Hyannis. Cost is $40. To register, by May
18, call 800-434-6000.
Rehabilitation Hospital
offerings
RHCI , 311 Service Road in East
Sandwich, hosts afibromyalgia support
group thefourth Thursday of the month. A
stroke support group meets the second
Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to
3:30 p.m. The VNA Mobile Health Link
Van will be at RHCI the first Monday of
the month from noon to 4:30 p.m. for free
health screenings. The aphasia com-
munity group meets the first Tuesday
of the month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Food
Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets
Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The Well-
Spouse Support Group meets every third
Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Healthy
Hearts outpatient cardiac rehabilitation
programs are offered at 6 a.m. The MS
Support Group meets the third Sunday
ot the month. Post polio support group
meets the third Saturday of each month
at 10 a.m. Hearing screenings, held
second Wednesday of each month by
appointment. RHCI offers a Stroke Peer
Visitation Program. Call for details or if
you want to volunteer as a peer visitor. A
mild brain injury support group meets
the third Saturday of each month from
2 to 4 p.m. Call 508-833-4000 for other
programs and details.
Asthma Support Group
Dr. Paul Sklarew leads an asthma
support group at the Allergy and Asthma
Center of Cape Cod, 244 Willow St. in
Yarmouthport. Meetings are every fourth
Wednesday in June, August, October
and December. For information , call
508-362-0099.
Mended Hearts meets at
CCH
Members of the Mended Hearts group
meet every third Thursday at 4 p.m. at
Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis to discuss
heart disease and share experiences.
Those with heart disease and members
of their family are welcome to attend.
The next meeting is May 18, when
Marcy Smith discusses stress and the
heart. Call 508-385-4313 or go to www.
capecodmendedhearts.com.
College opens massage
therapy clinic
Cape Cod Community College's mas-
sage therapy program has opened a
public clinic staffed by students. All are
welcome for a massage, ranging from
neck only to full-body. Walk-in service
is discouraged, so call 508-362-2131,
ext. 4346 for an appointment.
Activities at Yarmouth
Senior Center
On the first and third Mondays of the
month at the Yarmouth Senior Center,
528 Forest Road in South Yarmouth,
a changes and loss support group will
meet at 11 a.m.
Adult day social program
The Barnstable Senior Center on Route
28 in Hyannis hosts the Barnstable Adult
Social Day Care Program,which operates
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through
Friday, in an effort to help elders main-
tain independence. Call 508-862-4750
for details.
Caregiver support in
Barnstable
Caregivers for seniors are invited to
attend a support meeting at Barnstable
Senior Center, Route 28 in Hyannis,every
other Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Call Bobbie Jordan at Elder Services
(508-394-4630, ext. 181, to register.
HIV/AIDS testing,
counseling
The Cape Cod Free Clinic & Community
Health Center offers free, confidential
testing for HIV/AIDS. The tests are
available at the health center 's Falmouth
and Mashpee offices. Appointments are
required; call 508-540-2949.
Veterans, take note
The Department of Veterans Affairs
is offering prescription refills over the
Internet via the VA's MyHealtheVet, a
personal on-line record system for vet-
erans that tracks not only prescriptions
but health records, insurance and more.
For information , goto www.myhealth.
va.gov
Support at Independence
House
Independence House in Hyannis
sponsors a domestic violence support
group at the office in Falmouth Hospital
on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.; a children's
empowerment group on Wednesdays at
5:30 p.m. at the office in Hyannis; and
a self-esteem focus group on Thursdays
at the Hyannis office at 5:30 p.m. Call
508-771-6507.
Health and well-being
programs
Cape Cod Healthcare's Center For
Health Education offers classes such
as "Kick Butts," a stop-smoking class;
"Heart Healthy Eating;" a walking pro-
gram; techniques for relaxation of the
mind and body; supermarket shopping;
and more. To register, call 877-729-7200
or go to www.capecodhealth.org.
Hospice education
Tolearn more about just what a hospice
is and to be informed about end-of-life
services,you can schedule an informative
program for your organization presented
by Hospice & PalliativeCare of Cape Cod.
Call 508-957-0200, ext. 306.
A little time for yourself
Stop by the Visiting Nurse Association
in Dennis on Route 134 to take part in
the Young at Heart exercise program. A
minimal fee is charged and a doctor's
note is necessary. The program is also
offered at the Brewster facility. Call 877-
267-7700.
Driver Rehabilitation
Program
Those whose driving ability has
been compromised by illness, injury or
normal aging are invited to take part in
the roadSMART Driver Rehabilitation
Program being offered through the
Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape
and Islands in East Sandwich. Call
508-833-4000.
Women's free health
screening
The Women 's Health Network of the
Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod
in cooperation with local health care pro-
viders is offering free breast and cervical
cancer screening services to uninsured
and underinsured, low-income women
age 40 to 64. Call 888-557-9994.
New access center
telephone line
Cape Cod Healthcare's mental health
arm , Behavioral Health Services of
Cape Cod Healthcare, has a one-stop
telephone line (888-986-4BHS) allowing
easier access to comprehensive mental
health services. The service offers help
for those dealing with anxiety,depression,
substance abuse, and other concerns.
VNA has home health
technology
The Visiting Nurse Association of Cape
Cod offers in-home telemonitoring tech-
nology.The HoneywellHomMed monitors
collect vital signs including heart rate,
blood pressure, oxygen saturation and
body weight, all in three minutes. Call
800-631-3900.
Adult exercise class in
Hyannis
Get in shape by joining Live for Life
classes offered by the YMCA Tuesdays
and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m.
at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825
Falmouth Road in Hyannis. Admission
is $25 per month.
VNA offers van,
interpreters
The Visiting Nurse Association of
Cape Cod has a 28-foot van that travels
throughout the Cape to link underserved
individuals and families with health educa-
tion and preventative screening services.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar
and more may be tested at the van.
Another unique service the VNA offers
is interpretation and tele-interpretation
in five languages: Portuguese, Span-
ish, Haitian Creole, Persian and Italian.
Sign up to have a class to get your staff
trained in Choke Saver Certification. Call
888-557-9994 , ext. 7620.
Reduce stress now
Cape Stress Reduction is offering an
eight-week program in "Mindfulness
Based Stress Reduction" Wednesday
evenings at the Ramada Inn in Hyannis
or Thursday mornings at the West
Barnstable Community Center on Route
149. Call 508-420-3300 or send an e-mail
to info@capestressreduction.com.
VNA has exercise class
and more
Join a Youngat Heart exercise class for
a 10-week run and improve your ticker
in just one hour, twice a week. A small
fee and doctor's approval are needed.
Senior Care Management Services are
offered by the VNA. For an assessment
of an individual's health care needs, call
877-267-7700. A Young at Heart Senior
Weight Training program is held twice a
week for 12 weeks. Call 877-267-7700.
Bereavement groups
The Visiting Nurse Association of
Cape Cod Hospice Bereavement Pro-
gram offers a support group designed
for men who have lost a loved one.
The group meets at the South Dennis
office of the VNA, 434 Route 134. Call
800-978-0838 for details. A Bereaved
Parents Support Group for those who
have lost children meets Mondays at
1 p.m. at the VNA, 67 Ter Heun Drive
in Falmouth where volunteers will be
available for child care of other children
in the family. Call 800-978-0838. Other
bereavement support groups include
loss of a pet , parent, grandchild, friend
and many others. Call 800-978-0838
for details.
Alzheimer's support in
Dennis
Eagle Pond Rehabilitation and Liv-
ing Center of South Dennis hosts an
Alzheimer's Support Group onthe second
Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to
4:30 p.m. Call 508-385-6034.
Parents helping
parents
Parents Helping Parents, a self-
help support group, offers free
weekly meetings for parents to
share understanding, information,
ideas and support. The Hyannis
meetings are held Wednesday
evenings. The group is looking for
volunteers with good interpersonal
skills. Training is available. Call
800-882-1250.
Cancer support in
Mashpee
Cape Cod Healthcare has a
Living With Cancer education
support group that meets Tues-
days at the Mashpee Health
Center, 5 Industrial Road. Call
508-539-6215.
Breastfeeding Center
offerings
The Center for Breastfeeding.
327 Quaker Meetinghouse Road in
East Sandwich, offers a variety of
services and courses for mothers.
These include free lactation coun-
seling, yoga for babies and tots,
a Mom's Club, pumps and sup-
plies, a program to learn to sign
with your baby, sing-alongs and
more. "Mothers and Multiples,"
for those with, or expecting twins
or more, meets the last Friday of
the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
Call 888-890-2229.
Support group for
smokers
Join the Dennis Free at Last
Group, a support group for smok-
ers who want to quit. It meets
Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at
the West Dennis Graded School-
house on School Street.
Alzheimer's services
at county
TheBarnstableCountyAlzheim-
er's Collaborativeoffers a program
called Safe Return for those with
Alzheimer 's disease and their
families. Safe Return is a 24-hour
database registry operated by
the Alzheimer's Association. Call
508-375-6043 for information or
to register a loved one.
Get connected
Community Connections (34
Main St. in Orleans, 50 Long Pond
Drive inSouth Yarmouth andSum-
merfield Park in Mashpee) pro-
vides comprehensive services to
help people with disabilities lead
active lives. There are openings
for daytime programs,community
and social activities and more.
Also available are handicap-ac-
cessible vans for transportation to
Boston and Cape hospitals. Call
800-308-1321, ext. 130.
Help for hard of
hearing
Members of Self Help for the
Hard of Hearing (SHHH) meet the
last Saturday of the month at the
CORD building, across from the
Toyotadealership,on Route 132in
Hyannis. A social hour gets things
going at 9:30 a.m., followed by
the 10 a.m. meeting,during which
there is always a speaker. Annual
membership dues are $10 and
newcomers are welcome.
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