#United States #Denver #Eating Disorders #EDCare #Athlete EDGE®

EDCare's Athlete EDGE® Program Expanded

EDCare has recently expanded its Athlete EDGE® program in Denver, Colorado, now catering to adolescent athletes aged 13 to 17. This pivotal enhancement aims to provide specialized care focused on athlete-centered treatment for eating disorders, serving students ahead of their graduation or transition to college.

As evidenced by research, adolescent athletes face increasing occurrences of eating disorders, especially within high-pressure sports settings. Studies reveal that a considerable 35% of high school athletes exhibit symptoms of disordered eating. If not addressed, these issues can jeopardize their academic performance, sports endurance, and long-term health. Thankfully, early interventions have been shown to yield better recovery outcomes, lower injury rates, and bolster resilience—both in sports and overall life.

The Importance of Early Intervention
Riley Nickols, PhD, CEDS-C, serves as the Senior Program Advisor for Athlete EDGE® at EDCare. He highlights the unique challenges athletes encounter as they navigate the pressures of performance, nutrition, and body image. "By extending our program to include adolescents, we’re not only aiming to improve their relationship with food and body image but also assisting them in establishing resilience that extends beyond their sports careers," Nickols stated.

This early support proves essential in fostering health and stability in young athletes, setting a solid foundation for both their academic and athletic futures.

Why Tailored Care is Necessary
Adolescent athletes operate under distinct pressures that significantly affect their nutrition and overall identity. Research indicates that those wrestling with disordered eating behaviors are statistically twice as likely to face injury during competitive sports seasons. Given the ongoing mental health challenges adolescents face, the need for specialized programs like Athlete EDGE® is more urgent than ever.

Director of Nutrition Services at EDCare, Linda Steinhardt, MS, RD, CSSD, CEDS, emphasizes the rapid changes associated with adolescence, noting the importance of addressing the nutritional needs of young athletes undergoing physical and mental shifts. "Our adolescent program empowers young athletes and their families to manage their nutrition positively, reduce their injury risks, and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. This approach reinforces their resilience against harmful diet culture and promotes sustainable recovery," she explained.

Program Elements
EDCare’s Athlete EDGE® offers several crucial components designed to support adolescent athletes:

• - Targeted Support for Adolescent Athletes: Addresses unique sport-specific pressures surrounding performance, nutrition, and identity.
• - Family-Centered Approach: Provides parents and caregivers with actionable tools and continuous support.
• - Academic Collaboration: Works with school staff to ensure student-athletes can progress academically while receiving care.
• - Flexible Care Levels: Offers Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient services with evening options for accessibility.

Operated by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, the program blends mental health care, physical health, nutrition, and sports performance to personalize treatment for each adolescent athlete.

Support for Adult Athletes
Additionally, EDCare’s Athlete EDGE® program caters to adults aged 18 and older, extending a comprehensive range of care options—from Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programming to 24/7 Residential treatment for those requiring the highest levels of support.

By expanding its services, EDCare reinforces its dedication to delivering evidence-based care that safeguards the health, enhances performance, and fosters sustainable recovery for athletes across all ages.

About EDCare
EDCare stands as a leader in providing thorough eating disorder treatment services, offering various programs tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals struggling with these disorders. By empowering individuals via evidence-based treatment methods, EDCare is committed to guiding them through their journey toward recovery. For more information, visit www.eatingdisorder.care.