Hello!

With spring comes a sense of renewal and possibility. As schedules shift and routines evolve, it’s a great time to check in on your needs—and the needs of ones you love.

We’re here to support you with resources, insights, and services designed to help your family thrive this season. You are not alone.

All my best,

Dr. Pam McCaskill



office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com

734-416-9098

McCaskill Family Services Newsletter

Term: Spring | Issue 75| March 27 , 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Neurodiversity in Action event! Despite the rainy Saturday morning, we were excited to welcome our participants who came together to learn, connect, and support one another.

The conversations, engagement, and shared commitment to understanding neurodiversity made the day meaningful. It was inspiring to see families, educators, and community members come together in such a welcoming and collaborative space. We are especially thankful to the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and Parkview Professional Building for their collaboration and support.

Our mission is to create a place where people feel understood and supported, and events like this remind us of the power of community.

This Month We Recognize: Women's History Month

We acknowledge that numerous important heritage/awareness months and religious/cultural observances may occur at the same time. While we are highlighting one in this issue, this choice is not intended to diminish the significance of others. In alignment with our commitment to cultural humility and ethical professional practice, we aim to approach these acknowledgments thoughtfully and remain mindful of the diverse identities and experiences represented within our community.

A monthly newsletter addition from our

Dietitian and Eating Disorder Recovery Team.

The Medical Risks of Eating Disorders: What Many People Don’t See

Eating disorders are often thought of as issues with food, weight, or body image, but their impact goes much deeper. They can affect nearly every system in the body, including the heart, bones, hormones, and metabolism. Understanding these risks highlights why early intervention and comprehensive treatment are so important.

Heart Rate Changes

Eating disorders can significantly affect the heart. Malnutrition and dehydration may cause the heart rate to slow (bradycardia) or become irregular. In severe cases, this can increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, heart complications, or even cardiac arrest.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium are essential for proper nerve and muscle function. Purging behaviors, dehydration, and inadequate nutrition can disrupt these levels. This may lead to muscle weakness, dizziness, fainting, and dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities.

Bone Density Loss

Low nutritional intake and hormonal changes can reduce bone density over time. This can increase the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, making bones more fragile and more likely to fracture, even at a young age.

Hormonal Disruptions

Eating disorders often disrupt the body’s hormonal balance. These changes can affect metabolism, mood, growth, and reproductive health. For many individuals, this may lead to missed menstrual cycles, fertility challenges, and other long-term endocrine changes.

Amenorrhea (Loss of Period)

Amenorrhea means the loss of a menstrual period. Medical concerns typically begin after three months without menstruation, and it should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Gastrointestinal Issues (Slowed Digestion)

Eating disorders can slow down the digestive system. This may lead to symptoms like bloating, constipation, stomach pain, and feeling full very quickly. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may make it even harder for individuals to maintain regular eating patterns.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Not eating enough or going long periods without food can cause blood sugar levels to drop. This may lead to shakiness, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. In more severe cases, it can cause fainting or medical emergencies.

Lanugo (Fine Body Hair Growth)

When the body is not getting enough nutrition, it may try to protect itself by growing a fine, soft layer of hair called lanugo. This is the body’s way of helping to keep warm when body fat is too low. While it can be surprising to see, it is a sign that the body is struggling and needs proper nourishment



At McCaskill Family Services, our multidisciplinary team, including therapists, registered dietitians, and a registered nurse work collaboratively to provide comprehensive support for individuals and families navigating eating disorder recovery. Through coordinated care and personalized treatment, we help each person move toward a safer, healthier, and more sustainable path to recovery.

A monthly addition from our team of relationship experts: covering important topics, information, and answering common questions about romantic relationships.

In premarital counseling, couples can expect a supportive and structured space to explore the strengths of their relationship while also preparing for the challenges that naturally arise in marriage. Sessions typically focus on building strong communication skills, learning healthy ways to navigate conflict, and deepening understanding of each partner’s values, expectations, and relationship patterns.

Couples often discuss important topics such as finances, family backgrounds, roles and responsibilities, intimacy, and future goals. Many premarital counseling programs also include relationship assessments that help identify areas of strength as well as areas that may benefit from growth.



The goal of premarital counseling is not to determine whether a couple should get married, but to help partners feel more prepared, aligned, and confident as they begin their life together. Couples often leave with practical tools and a stronger foundation for maintaining a healthy, resilient relationship.

Hi there! My name is Sierra Sands and I'm a masters level clinician at McCaskill Family Services who specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Body Image/Self-Esteem Issues, Depression, Interpersonal Conflicts, and Struggling to Launch/Survive for Young Adults. I am also part of our comprehensive psychological evaluation team.

Thank you so much for staying in touch with the practice and I hope that you can use some of the useful information from our newsletter. If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment with me, please contact our office at 734-416-9098 or email us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.

Counseling Services