Screening military dependent adolescent females for disordered eating.

Eating disorders are increasing in frequency among adolescents. The active duty military population has a high prevalence of eating disorders. This study, conducted at a major medical center, determined the prevalence of disordered eating among military dependents and the correlation between adolescent and parent eating behaviors. Three hundred forty adolescent and parent pairs completed the Eating Attitude Test-26 question-based survey. Twenty-one percent of the adolescents and 26% of the parents met the criteria for disordered eating, with a strong correlation between at-risk parents and their adolescent daughters. Overall, the rate of disordered eating in this military sample was significantly higher than the comparable civilian population. Military families should be considered at high risk for disordered eating and eating disorders. Screening for disordered eating should be incorporated into routine practice to identify at-risk individuals.

Preparing children for travel in Asia.

Families are traveling with their children in increasing frequency. Travel to Asia offers children many opportunities to learn about new cultures and history. It also offers the potential for exposure to numerous infectious agents not commonly encountered in the United States. Families must begin to prepare for travel to Asia weeks before departure. Children should be up to date on routine vaccinations. Appropriate education should be given on arthropod avoidance and malaria prophylaxis. Additional education and possible prophylaxis should be completed for other infectious agents frequently encountered in Asia. With appropriate pretrip immunizations and prophylaxis, children can travel to Asia with minimal risk of acquiring infection. This article provides general advice to assist providers with pretravel preparation and education of families traveling with children to Asia.