Wednesday, 17 February 2010 18:52

Remuda Ranch, Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders (http://www.remudaranch.com/) and MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-Age Kids) have partnered to help educate parents, teachers and students about eating disorders and related issues.

"MASK is excited to be trained by an organization ofthe caliber of Remuda Ranch," said Kimberly Cabral, president and founder of MASK (http://www.azmask.org/). "Our partnership will equip us to further our mission in bringing awareness to eating disorders, anxiety and depression. Additionally, our goal is to hold self-esteem workshops for our youth."

Remuda Ranch, Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders celebrates its 20th anniversary this year in treating women, teens and children with eating and anxiety disorders. Since opening in 1990, Remuda Ranch has treated more than 10,000 patients with its intensive, inpatient treatment programs.

It's estimated that more than 11 million individuals in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders. More people die from eating disorders than any other mental illness.

"Eating disorders can occur in all ages, weights, genders and races," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, staff psychologist at Remuda Ranch. "The sooner we can treat or prevent an eating disorder, the better. Often when we think of someone who is anorexic or bulimic, we tend to think ofthe most extreme cases.

It's important to remember that eating disorders are the most secretive of all mental illnesses. As parents, teachers and friends we need to be able to recognize early warning signs."

For more information on workshops provided by MASK throughout the valley, visit www.azmask.org or call 480-502-5337.