Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 491 Court St., Reno, NV 89501 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 Perenn Rancharrah 7750 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 110, Reno, NV 89511 Perenn Midtown 20 St. Lawrence Ave, Reno, NV 89509 Claio Rotisserie 3886 Mayberry Dr., Suite D, Reno, NV 89519 Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Eating disorders are one of the most serious mental health concerns facing today’s adolescents. They can affect every aspect of a young person’s life, including their physical health, school performance, relationships, self-esteem, and more. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2.7% of adolescents in the U.S. will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, and many more engage in disordered eating behaviors that may not meet full diagnostic criteria. The good news is that providers are in an influential position to notice early warning signs, open conversations, and connect families to support before these patterns of behavior become too engrained. Why Early Intervention Matters The earlier an eating disorder is identified and treated, the better the treatment outcomes. Research shows that getting support quickly after the disorder’s onset is linked to faster recovery, lower relapse rates, and healthier long-term development (Treasure & Russell, 2011). Waiting too long to seek help can mean medical complications, deeply ingrained behaviors, and a more difficult path to healing. For many adolescents, a caring provider who notices the signs and advocates for treatment can make all the difference in recovery and can even save lives. Recognizing Early Warning Signs Adolescents may not always disclose their struggles directly, so providers should keep an eye out for a range of indicators: Physical signs: noticeable weight changes, menstrual irregularities, digestive issues, dizziness, or fatigue. Behavioral patterns: skipping meals, restrictive eating, excessive exercise, frequent dieting, eating in secret, or leaving for the bathroom after meals. Emotional and cognitive signs: preoccupation with weight or body shape, food rituals, heightened anxiety around eating, or perfectionistic tendencies. It’s important to remember that eating disorders don’t always “look” a certain way. Teens can be distressed about food and body image even if their weight appears to be within a “normal” range. Screening Tools and Assessments Using free screening tools available online can be an effective way to gauge a patient’s needs and gain further insight on treatment options for a possible eating disorder. Here are 4 free screening resources we recommend you use before making a referral for a higher level of care. EDE-Q (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire) : helps assess eating attitudes and behaviors. Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake disorder screen (NIAS) : helps to assess the signs of ARFID in children. Eat 26 Screening Tool : a screening measure to help you determine attitudes towards food and eating. BEDS-7 (Binge Eating Disorder Screener) : for situations where binge eating is suspected. When possible, gathering input from parents, teachers, or coaches can also help, as teens may minimize their experiences out of fear or shame. The Role of Primary Care and Pediatric Providers Routine checkups are often where eating disorders first come to light. Providers treating children, teen, and adolescents can: Incorporate simple questions about eating habits and body image into wellness visits. Track growth charts and weight trends while pairing them with questions about mood, anxiety, and behavior. Foster trust by creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where adolescents feel comfortable sharing sensitive information and know there will be no weight stigma. Coordinating Multidisciplinary Care Supporting a young person with an eating disorder works best when care is collaborative . In order to treat the whole person, there are usually multiple members of a treatment team needed, including: Medical support: monitoring vital signs, lab work, and physical health. Therapeutic care: evidence-based approaches such as family-based therapy (FBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help address thoughts and behaviors. Nutritional guidance: dietitians provide education, meal support, and reassurance. Family involvement: engaging caregivers empowers them to support recovery in everyday life. Addressing Barriers and Stigma Many families face challenges in seeking help, whether due to stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to specialists. To help, providers can: Normalize conversations about body image and mental health as part of overall well-being. Use culturally sensitive approaches that honor diverse experiences with food, body, and health. Connect families to community organizations, online resources, or telehealth when in-person specialty care is limited. Eating disorders in adolescents are serious, but with early recognition and timely support, recovery is possible. Providers are often the first to notice changes and can play a vital role in opening doors to crucial support. By blending professional expertise with empathy and collaboration, providers can guide adolescents and their families toward lasting recovery and a healthier future. References National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Eating Disorders . Treasure, J., & Russell, G. (2011). The case for early intervention in anorexia nervosa: theoretical exploration of maintaining factors. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 199(1) , 5–7.