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COLUMBUS – The Health and Behavioral Wellness Council of Greater Colorado Valley also known as the Wellness Council, met to discuss developmental disorders and youth’s health.
The group met April 13 at the Colorado County Courthouse on the first floor, Room 106, 400 Spring St.
Hatch Founder and Director Loueva Hatfield spoke before the Wellness Council about developmental disabilities, which she said is usually present at birth. She said developmental disorders can lead to disabilities which can lead to impairment. She said a lot of it starts in the brain. Hatfield said some of the evident limitations include physical, learning, language and behavior.
She mentioned some of the impairments that can result in delayed development such as chromosomal abnormalities (Down’s Syndrome), chemical imbalances (ADHD), sensory impairments (autism, blindness, deafness), and others.
She said early intervention is key. Getting rid of stigmas associated with delayed development and helping people to understand that people are not broken has been a goal of Hatfield.
The Wellness Council’s April campaign targets vaping and eating disorders. Two additions the council said can be overlooked. Clinical Manager Kim Poré at TEXANA Behavioral Clinic in Columbus spoke about the effects of e-cigarettes on youth.
Poré said she wanted to dispel the myth that e-cigarettes are not harmful. She said that the liquid in them can be detrimental, and the color and flavors can be enticing for youth. She said marketers have made them to look “cool and harmless to youth.”
The dangers of this drug are not only limited to the ability for the device to explode, but she also mentioned the dangers of marijuana including synthetic marijuana now being in vapes and how some brands can be purchased online.
Dr. Mazie Leftwich also spoke about eating disorders and stressed that mental health disorders are not a sign of weakness.
The five types eating disorders she mentioned are PICA, ARFIC (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), Binge Eating, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
She said some of these disorders can stem from genetics, biochemistry, environmental issues or personality traits.
Leftwich said therapy is key to help the person to rethink how they see themselves.
At the end of the meeting, the Columbus Lions Club donated $2,000 to the Wellness Council to go towards the Mental Health Deputy Fund.
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 11 at noon.
