Brief Information Center

Alcohol

Alcohol is part of our culture. We routinely involve alcohol in our celebrations, mealtimes, and relaxation rituals. For most people, moderate alcohol use is not a problem. For some, homever, drinking is a serious problem that causes physical, emotional, social, financial, and legal harm. Alcohol problems range from binge drinking (drinking beyond safe limits on a regular basis or drinking more than is safe on particular occasions) to the diagnosable clinical disorders of alcohol abuse and dependence (also know as alcoholism). Whatever the level of impairment or type of usage, acknowledging that help is need for an alcohol problem is not easy. Follow this link for more information on alcohol use and how to determine when to seek help.

Eating Disorders

Does someone you know have an eating disorder? If you plan on confronting this person, it is important to have a specific plan for how to do so. The following method, "CONFRONT," is recommended by ANAD, the National Association of Anorexica Nervousa and Associated Disorders:
Concern: The reason you do the confronting; you care about the medical, physical, and nutritional needs of the person.
Organize: Decide WHO is involved, WHERE to confront, WHY you are concerned, HOW to talk to the person, and WHEN is a convenient time.
Needs: What will be needed after the confrontation? Professional help and support groups need to be offered.
Face: The actual confrontation. Be empathetic but direct. Do not back down if the problem is initially denied.
Respond: By listening carefully.
Offer: Help and suggestions. You may want to encourage the person to contact you when there is a need to talk to someone.
Negotiate: Another time to talk and a time span to seek professional help.
Time: Remember to stress that recovery takes time and patience. However, there is a lot to gain by the process and a lot to lose if the choice is made to continue the existing behaviors.

Repetitive Stress Injury

Do you spend much of your day sitting at your desk? Are you concerned about repetitive stress injury or simply fatigue from spending so much time in the same position? Simple stretching exercises can help you to avoid both injury and fatigue. Go here to try some very simple yoga-type stretching exercises, most of which you can do right at your desk.

 

Stress

UUP Members can take advantage of LifeWorks, a consultation and referral service designed to assist members in meeting life's many challenges. LifeWorks offers a helpful audio recording title Managing Stress which explains ways to reduce stress through relaxation techniques and other methods. This and other materials are available for free from www.lifeworks.com (user ID: nys; password: 2670). LifeWorks consultants can also be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-362-9874.