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• Nation/World SECTION2• PAGE 3-PLAINDEALER-HERALD.FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 1.1985 Addiction to overeating is aided by a new group ihuch like A A By John O'Brien United Press International PITTSBURGH -- Bob used to devour a half gallon of ice cream, down candy bars, cake, soda pop, ready-to-use icing right out of the package and cereal with milk. Then he'd be ready for dinner. Now, six years later, he's drop­ ped ISO pounds, 14 waist sizes to a 32, and is a believer in Overeaters Anonymous. The 25-year-old non-profit OA, with chapters in every state and some foreign countries, virtually duplicates the 12-step principles and regimen of Alcoholics Anonymous to help members defeat food in a battle for self- control. An official at OA's Torrance, Calif., headquarters estimates OA has 85,000 to 100,000 members worldwide. "I've eaten a half gallon of ice cream and then some, and not stopped there, but gone on to all sorts of Junk," said Bob, 34, of Pit­ tsburgh, a volunteer publicist for the- group's local chapters, who like most members prefers his surname not be divulged. Six years ago Bob had 265 pounds hanging from his 5-foot-7 f rame. His weakness was anything with sugar: He could down a naif pound of his favorite nonpareils in no time. But Bob Joined OA, lost 120 pounds in a year, and since has stayed around 145. Bob's food binges could strike any time day or night. Sometimes he'd take a break at work and down a half dozen packaged items from a vendinj&nachine. "Many peopMave an addiction to sugar," he said. "I believe it is perhaps an extreme sensitivity ... and it's very common." "It's like an alcoholic. His body does not metabolize alcohol the same way and they have a craving for more and go en to the point of blacking out •..., The overeater takes one of whatever and can't stop at one. The first of OA's 12 steps is to "admit I am powerless over food and my life has become un­ manageable," said Bob, who call­ ed spiritual awakening important. " I th ink (compuls ive overeating) is an addiction. It has every characteristic," said Dr. Abraham Twerski, clinical direc­ tor of the psychiatry department of St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh who oversees several addiction centers and other pro­ grams. Twerski says the notio that com­ pulsive eating is a result of underlying problems or frustra­ tions probably is not true. "A lot gain relief from ner­ vousness by taking food," he said. "But I think it's oversimplifying to say the overeater eats simply to resolve anxiety. It's kind of a com­ pulsive overeating, they are sort of driven to it. "Granted, it relieves anxiety. But overeating doesn't depend on something underlying -- it's a primary disease that they have got a compulsion to eat. And that's probably the major i ty of overeaters?" •' He said alcoholics have both a psychological and physical crav­ ing for drink, and the compulsive overeaters' experience is similar. "There is probably some physical problem we haven't put our finger on yet," he said. Twerski calls Overeaters Anonymous "a damn good group." "A person who works on the 12 steps can develop/a personality change that is bard to acquire even with intensive therapy," he said. Bob called the third OA step very important. "That is to come to believe in something greater than yourself, that you can. define on your own terms that can restore you to sani­ ty," said Bob, noting even non- religious people are welcomed. "That sort of implies you're in­ sane and that's not a nice admis­ sion. "But many people look at their lives and have to conclude they're insane, but Just not instutionallz- ed. So they care about God as they see him." About 93 , percent of OA's members are women. In fact, Bob and his wife, who has lost 60 ids, met at an OA meeting, is an accounting clerk and father of one, but the membership cuts across jdl socio-economic boundaries. There is no member­ ship fee but participants may make donations. Shop around when choosing modern day care centers By Patricia McCormack United Press International • NEW YORK - Don't pick a day care center because of a sales pitch, glossy brochure or spotless reception area with pictures of Mother Goose on the walls. Rather, shop around, ask ques­ tions and ask for references. Also, inspect the premises and look for certifications. . , -- St rit's even good to drop^in for a surprise visit before «jgping up. This is one way of making sure the first time around you didn't get the cook's tour. Your child's well- being and safety are some of the stakes. The American Academy of Pediatrics says such pre-planning before enrolling your child is the best course. To help, the Academy has put out a bulletin full of ques­ tions to ask. Here they are: --Is the center willing to allow you to visit and observe your child any time? Parents should be allowed to drop in on their child at will. --Who are the child watchers? "Workers should have warm, f r iendly personal i t ies , " the Academy says. They should enjoy their work. There should be enough of them to guarantee each child's needs are met and enough to get every child out in the event of an emergency, say a fire. The director, incidentally, should have a background in early childhood education. --Is the facility licensed or registered with the state? --Is there a supervised space for * cWM Who needs rest and quiet? - * ~ ' the child helped in making home-to-center tranSltionkat start of the day? And in making center- to-home transition at end of day? (Children should not be dumped at a day care center or picked up on the run.) --What is the center like physically? Playground and play area should be safe? "Look for loose-filled cushioned surfaces beneath all climbing equipment. Building should have adequate heat and light as well as proper plumbing and ventilation. Stair­ ways should be equipped with han­ drails children can reach. Exit doors should be clearly marked." --Is the center clean? "Atten­ dants should wash their hands fre­ quently. Specifically, they should X ' wash their hands before feeding, and after diapering or helping the child use the toilet. In addition, the diapering surface should be clean­ ed and sanitized with a solution such as diluted bleach water. There should be adequate f acilites for the children to wash, as well." --Are there a variety of ac­ tivities for the children? Plenty of books and toys? Time should be appropriately scheduled for play, crest, meals, other activities. How much time Jta spent watching television? What programs are l v i e w e d ? • • • • --Does the center provide ade­ quate health services? All centers should have a medical consultant - preferably, a pediatrician or ' another doctor knowledgeable in child health when a pediatrician is not available. Staff should be able to fully explain emergency medical set up to you. Ask how emergency contact information is maintained and updated. "... remember that a day care center should function as a supple­ ment to, not a substitute for, the attention and care your child receives at home," the Academy said. QUALITY FURNITURE & BEDDING WEILERS ANNUAL RED TAG SALE! OUR FINAL 1984 INVENTORY MARKDOWN! Our loss is your gain. Trucks are arriving daily with the merchandise we ordered at the January Furniture Show. We must make room by liquidat- BlfKngKod Spinal Guard I Twin Sets $199w 1 Full Sets '269" 1 Queen Sets *359" INCLUDES BOTH PIECES Limited Quantities Come in today! Recliners Strato Lounger, Flexsteel, Franklin, Hallmark. 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