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BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDERS SPIKE New data released by mental health organisations Butterfly Foundation and ReachOut, shows a sharp spike in the number of young people seeking help online when it comes to body image and eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-five per cent more people visited ReachOut’s content about body image compared with the same time last year (16 March to 30 June 2019) and demand for support via Butterfly Foundation’s Helpline webchats has increased by 116 per cent in the past year. In addition, qualitative research by ReachOut (June 2020) demonstrates that young people’s concerns about body image has been amplified during isolation. Juliette Thomson, Manager of Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline, cites high demand for online support from those with eating disorders and body image issues, with an increase of 48 per cent in calls to the Helpline during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the same time last year. “Young people in particular have been seeking help via Butterfly’s online channels, such as webchat and email, in large numbers and we encourage anyone who is concerned about their own health or that of someone they know to seek help,” she said. Ashley de Silva, CEO of ReachOut, says that even for those young people not suffering from an eating disorder, negative body image can have a significant impact on their wellbeing. He adds that there are many important steps they can take to be body positive. “There are small things that young people can do each day to help them become more body positive, which can have big impacts,” he said. “Curating their social media news feeds, surrounding themselves with people who make them feel good and focusing on what their body can do are all great places to start.” For anyone concerned about an eating disorder, Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline is open every day between 8am and midnight (AEST). Call 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE), connect via webchat, or email support@butterfly.org.au. INDUSTRY UPDATES 7 SOOTHE CHILDREN’S COUGHS Oriental Botanicals Kids’ Cough Fighter includes ivy leaf to relieve children’s coughs. Also contains thyme and elecampane, which are traditionally used to clear respiratory mucus in Western herbal medicine. NO ADDED SUGAR Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • AUG 2020