The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA)’s Post

FUSSY EATER or... Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). ARFID is not simply fussy eating; it's a severe eating disorder that requires understanding, empathy, and support. As parents, we can play a critical role in breaking down the stigma surrounding ARFID, sharing knowledge and resources, and advocating for better care. By educating ourselves and others, we can create a supportive environment where children with ARFID and their families can thrive. As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially their health and well-being. While fussy eating is a common and often temporary challenge many children face, it's essential to recognise and understand that Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a more severe and complex issue. ARFID is an eating disorder characterised by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs due to avoidance or restriction of food intake. This is not simply picky eating; ARFID can lead to significant adverse health outcomes, such as weight loss, malnutrition, and developmental issues. Why should parents understand and support one another? Breaking the stigma: ARFID is often misunderstood or dismissed as picky eating, leading to feelings of isolation and judgment for affected families. Educating ourselves and others can reduce the stigma and foster a supportive community. So be curious and ask more questions without referring to picky eating... Sharing knowledge and resources: Parents of children with ARFID can offer invaluable insights, advice, and emotional support to other families facing similar challenges. Connecting helps build a network of understanding and expertise. So be curious and reach out to connect. Advocacy: By raising awareness, parents can advocate for better resources, research, and support for children with ARFID and their families. A collective voice can drive change and increase access to effective treatment options. How can parents help their children with ARFID? Seek professional help: Consult with a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician, dietitian, or mental health specialist, to obtain a proper diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan. Also, consider getting help for yourself. Create a supportive environment: Encourage a positive, stress-free atmosphere during mealtimes, focusing on small victories and avoiding pressure or criticism. Encourage variety and exploration: This may work on a good day; there should be no pressure. Gradually introduce the concept of new foods with no pressure, allowing children to explore ideas of different textures, colours, and flavours at their own pace. Develop routines and consistency: Establishing regular meal and snack times can help create a sense of predictability and reduce anxiety. Be patient and persistent: Progress may (or will) be slow, but with consistent support and encouragement, children with ARFID can learn to expand their minds and overcome their fears.

🌿 Raising Awareness of ARFID: The Silent Eating Disorder Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a silent, often misunderstood eating disorder. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns over body shape or weight; it involves an extreme avoidance of certain foods, often due to sensory issues or fear of negative experiences. Despite its prevalence, ARFID remains under-researched and underfunded. It’s time to bring ARFID into the conversation and advocate for more research, awareness, and understanding. Let's support all who struggle in silence. #MentalHealthAwareness #EatingDisorders #Healthcare #Advocacy

🌟 Today, we bring attention to a frequently overlooked condition: Delirium. 🌟 March 13th commemorates World Delirium Awareness Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness about delirium and its global impact on individuals, families, and communities. Delirium affects millions of people annually, particularly older adults and individuals in healthcare or caregiving environments. Despite its widespread prevalence, delirium often faces misconceptions and misdiagnoses, resulting in unnecessary suffering and complications. As healthcare professionals, it's our duty to educate ourselves and others about delirium, including its symptoms, risk factors, and prevention methods. By raising awareness and emphasising early detection and intervention, we can improve outcomes and enhance the well-being of those affected by delirium. Let's unite in spreading awareness, supporting individuals impacted by delirium, and advocating for improved care and understanding. Together, we can enact positive change. #WorldDeliriumAwarenessDay #DeliriumAwareness #agedcare #AwarenessCampaign #EndTheStigma

Early detection matters 🌟 Are you aware of the early signs of eating disorders in children? It's not just about the food — it's about changes in behaviour and emotions. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely support and intervention. Let’s help our kids grow up healthy and confident, free from the pressures of disordered eating. If you notice these signs, it might be time to gently start a conversation or seek professional advice. 💬💚 Talk, support, protect. Because early intervention can change lives. #ChildHealth #EatingDisorders #ParentingTips

Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) is pleased to announce its new online Grandparents Support Group to provide information and support to this special group of people who want to know how to care for their child and grandchild during the eating disorder recovery journey. Grandparents have a special relationship with their grandchildren and have the potential to play an influential role during recovery. We know that many do not know how to do this or how to support the family they care about so much. EDFA's Grandparents Support Group will help grandparents to navigate this difficult time, steering them with advice on what to say and not to say, how to support their own child during this difficult period, and how to be one of the people that their beloved grandchild turns to when they feel they have nowhere else to go. Meet other grandparents who are facing the same challenges and share tips, advice, and stories on how to be involved from a distance. Register here: https://bit.ly/4dO5y9C #EDFA #Support #SupportGroups #Grandparents #EatingDisorderCarers

Explaining to someone that giving your child processed food every day isn't bad parenting, can be hard. This is a problem that parents/carers of young people with ARFID face every single day. People with ARFID often prefer processed foods because they are consistent - you always know that it'll be exactly the same as before. ARFID is a medical condition - an anxiety-based feeding and eating disorder. And this EDAW, we're asking people to think twice before passing judgement. Please share to help us raise awareness and understanding.#EDAW #edaw2024 #edawareness #arfidunderstood #wearenotbeingfussy

Explaining to someone that giving your child processed food every day isn't bad parenting, can be hard. This is a problem that parents/carers of young people with ARFID face every single day. People with ARFID often prefer processed foods because they are consistent - you always know that it'll be exactly the same as before. ARFID is a medical condition - an anxiety-based feeding and eating disorder. And this EDAW, we're asking people to think twice before passing judgement. Please share to help us raise awareness and understanding.#EDAW #edaw2024 #edawareness #arfidunderstood #wearenotbeingfussy

Sepsis is a serious condition that can lead to severe health consequences. It occurs when the body’s has an extreme reaction to any kind of infection, potentially leading to death or acquired disabilities. Watch for warning signs like dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, nausea, slurred speech, severe pain, breathlessness, or reduced urine output. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately—acting fast can save lives. #Disability #Sepsis #WorldSepsisDay #Health #Wellbeing #Inclusion #DisabilityAwareness #PurpleTuesday

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is more than just a digestive disorder; it's a condition that can impact every aspect of life for those affected. With an estimated 18.3% of people in the U.K suffering from IBS, the importance of raising awareness and understanding cannot be overstated. IBS Awareness Month coming in April, let's dive deep into the facts, dispel myths, and bring to light the daily realities of living with IBS. 💡 From understanding triggers to exploring the latest in treatment and management strategies, our goal is to educate and empower. Knowledge is the first step toward compassion and support. Let's unite in spreading awareness and fostering a well-informed community. #IBSEducation #ThisGutRocks #CharityAwareness #SupportTheIBSNetwork #IBS #IBSAwareness #IBSAware #TogetherWeCan #CommunitySupport

BFG - Eating Disorders Awareness Week Feature Don’t miss Gemma Oaten 🌱 this morning BFGs on BBC Breakfast telling her story and talking about the charity SEED (Support and Empathy for people with Eating Disorders). Click the link below BFGs to find out more and ways you can support Gemma and the amazing work she is doing to help young people especially young women going through this illness. Did you know BFGs 🤔 In 11 to 16 year olds, the prevalence of any eating disorder in 2023 was 4 times higher BFGs in girls compared with boys (4.3% compared with 1.0%). For young people aged 17 to 19 years, rates of eating disorders were also 4 times higher in young women than in young men (20.8% compared with 5.1%) An eating disorder BFGs is a very complex illness to treat and it is well documented that early intervention is paramount to a person’s recovery. That’s why BFGs we need to raise awareness this week and support and cheer Gemma on with this important work…