With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

Our society is struggling with weight-related medical problems. I have read that for the first time in history more individuals are dying from the effects of overeating rather than from the effects of starvation. For many individuals, eating is a reaction to stress. Food becomes comfort and security in times of adversity and the health consequences of blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and even cancers are well known to all of us. So, what are some simple things we can do to tackle this problem?

A recent article about one of our employees who was successful in tackling this problem provided some practical guidelines.

1. Identify the source of the stress. Is it a person; is it a relationship; is it work related? By writing it down, we can better get our arms around the source of the stress.
2. Create a stress and a food log or diary. Carefully document what times of the day are we most stressed out and what times during the day are we most likely to indulge in binge eating.
3. Eliminate from our environment "junk food" and other sources of our temptations. I am often astounded about how easy it is to access the cookies, the cakes, the pastries, and the candy bars which are within arms reach. If these items are not within our grasp, the chances are we will not be tempted.
4. We can learn much from our friends in recovery programs such as alcoholics anonymous. A "buddy system," a friend or confidant, that we can call during times of crises can be an enormous source of comfort.

As with most things in life, there is no "silver bullet" but these tips may help us on our personal road to recovery.

What other tactics have some members of our blog community learned to deal with an issue of profound importance and to each of us and our families?!

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