Screen shot of Dan Grinstead courtesy of NBC Universal.

Cheers to Channel 9 News in Denver for this television segment and news article about social worker Dan Grinstead, who deployed to Afghanistan for year while in his 60′s.

A social worker for 35 years, Grinstead decided he wanted to serve his country by providing mental health care to soldiers. “I just couldn’t imagine myself sitting down talking with soldiers in anything other than a uniform,” he said.

During his year in Afghanistan the Iowa resident helped troops deal with a variety of issues including combat stress, relationships, loss of sleep, finances and the deaths of fellow soldiers. The commander of his battalion said Grinstead’s work was invaluable because he helped his comrades be better soldiers.

To learn more about how social workers help men and women in the armed forces visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Veterans Affairs Website by clicking here.

Here are SocialWorkersSpeak.org’s pick of shows social workers might be watching:

Pan Am. Photo courtesy of ABC.

Pan Am (Premieres Sept. 25 and October 9 at 10 p.m. on ABC): For young women in the early 1960′s landing a job as a Pan Am airline stewardess was one of the most glamorous gigs you could find. This show from “West Wing “director/executive producer Thomas Schlamme hopes to let audiences know how feminist and ahead of their times these women were.

Why social workers might like it: Some of the leading feminists of the 20th century were social workers, including Grace Abbott and Dorothy Height. And about 80 percent of licensed social workers are women. So it will be interesting whether social workers love or hate “Pan Am.”

The Playboy Club. Photo courtesy of NBC.

The Playboy Club (premiered Sept. 19 at 10 p.m. Eastern on NBC): This television show about Hugh Hefner’s legendary Playboy Club of the 1960s has already garnered controversy. Feminist icon Gloria Steinem is urging viewers to ignore it and NBC’s Salt Lake City affiliate will not air it. However, the creators of this program hope to follow in the footsteps of AMC’s critically acclaimed “Ad Men” by using the series to depict the changing social mores of the 1960′s.

Why social workers might like it: Like we said about Pan Am, social workers may be interested in seeing whether “The Playboy Club” takes the depiction of women to a deeper level or is as fluffy as a Playboy Bunny’s cottontail. Interestingly, social workers also have at least one link to the Playboy club. Social worker Nancy Downey Caddick, LCSW, DSW, worked at a Playboy Club in the 1960s and thought it was a good experience. To learn more about Downey Caddick click here.

Kat Dennings (left) and Beth Behrs in 2 Broke Girls. Photo courtesy of CBS.

2 Broke Girls (Premiered Sept. 19 at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS): This program about a Brooklyn waitress who finds the new, clueless employee at her diner is the down-on-her-luck daughter of a corrupt multmillionaire who lost his fortune, is already a critic’s favorite. The two find they can learn a lot from each other in an Odd Couple sort of way.

Why social workers might like it: “2 Broke Girls” has a fun premise, the writing is sharp and funny, and the show puts a spotlight on a neglected demographic — working class Americans trying to do more with less. Social workers can relate.

New Girl cast. Photo courtesy of Fox.

New Girl (Premiered Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. on Fox) Popular actress and singer Zooey Deschanel plays Jess, a woman who moves in with three guys after she gets dumped by her boyfriend. These guys offer offer her unexpected — and humorous — lessons on life and love.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers help people overcome life’s challenges, including relationship problems. So this program is sure to win a social work audience. But wouldn’t it have been neat if they had cast three social workers as Jess’ roomates and called the series “Jess and the Three Licensed Clinical Social Workers”?

Man Up! cast. Photo courtesy of ABC.

Man Up! (Premieres Oct. 18 at 8:30 p.m. on ABC): A group of male friends try to live in a modern-day world where the definition of masculinity is a lot more complicated and uncertain. In one episode star Mather Zickel (who portrays Will) must advise his son on how to handle a bully. Go the old fashioned route and knock the bully’s block off or follow Will’s wife’s advice and just turn the other cheek?

Why social workers might like it? As we said before being a social worker often entails helping people navigate relationship issues. This includes males who are trying to be better husbands, partners, fathers and sons. And hopefully this program will touch on issues dear to the heart of many social workers, including bullying and parenting.

Up All Night. Photo courtesy of NBC.

Up All Night (Premiered Sept. 14 at 10 p.m. on NBC): Veteran comedic actress Christina Applegate (remember her from “Married with Children”?) and Will Arnet play Reagan and Chris, a hard-working, hard-partying young couple who have their lives turned around with the birth of their first child.

Why social workers might like it: Although a comedy, “Up All Night” will hopefully give viewers a slice of what it is like trying to juggle a family and job with a desire for personal freedom and just a good night’s sleep once in awhile. Social workers often help families overcome such hurdles. So this sitcom should be a sure pick for social workers.

Mario Lopez of H8R. Photo courtesy of the CW.

H8R (premiered Sept. 14 on the CW): Host Mario Lopez hooks up celebrities such as Snooki Polizzi from “Jersey Shore” with people who repeatedly dissed them on the Internet.

Why social workers might like it: There is a lot of negativity in the news, in television shows and on the Internet and many people are obsessed with watching celebrity trainwrecks. Why do you think shows such as “Celebrity Rehab” on VH1 are so popular? Social workers should get a kick out of a show that instead tries to get celebrities and the folks who hate them to understand each other and reconcile. Can’t we all just get along?

Sweetie Pie's cast. Photo courtesy of OWN.

Sweetie Pie’s (premieres Oct. 15 at 9 p.m. Eastern on the Oprah Winfrey Network): This reality show follows Robbie Montgomery, a former backup singer for Ike and Tina Turner who opened her own soul food restaurant in St. Louis. But Montgomery’s restaurant is more than a business. She tries to help out members of her family and clashes with her headstrong son Tim, a former ladies’ man who is trying to settle down and be a family man.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers know some of the most difficult relationships to manage are family relationships. That is why this show might be a good pick. And the staff at OWN, who already work with social workers to review their upcoming documentaries, recommended social workers watch this program.

I Hate My Teenage Daughter cast. Photo courtesy of Fox.

I Hate My Teenage Daughter (premieres Sept. 30 at 8:30 p.m. on Fox): Face it, being a teenager can be one of the most difficult times in life. Especially for parents coping to understand their hormonally challenged, moodyoffspring. “I Hate My Teenage Daughter” is a sitcom that hopes to mix comedy with this real life drama.

Why social workers might like it: Many social workers work in schools, helping children and teenager get through some of the rockier times in their lives. It will be interesting to see whether this program hits the mark when it comes to depicting teen issues or is a flop with social workers.

A Gifted man. Photo courtesy of CBS.

A Gifted Man (premieres Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. on CBS): Actor Patrick Wilson protrays Dr. Michael Holt, an arrogant neurosurgeon who is haunted by his dead ex-wife Anna Paul (actress Jennifer Ehle). Before she died Anna worked with the poor in a free health clinic and she urges Michael to become a more humane person. Funny thing is only he sees her.

Why social workers might like it: Many social workers work in the medical, mental health, nursing home and veteran fields, helping clients get good care and empathy in sometimes impersonal settings. Wouldn’t it have been great if Anna had been cast as a social worker? Because we are sure there are plenty of social workers who can advise doctors on improving their bedside manner.

Allen Gregory. Photo courtesy of Fox.

Allen Gregory (Premiers Oct. 30 at 8:30 p.m. on Fox): This animated series follows Allen Gregory DeLongpre, a snobby seven-year-old being raised by gay dads. Comedy ensues when the formerly homeschooled Allen Gregory goes to public school and has to fit in. That is hard for for a second grader who likes a glass of Pinot Grigio at lunch.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers advocate for equal rights for all, includingthe GLBT community. Social workers are also in the forefront of getting equal treatment for the growing number of GLBT parents. We know this is an irreverant comedy along the lines of ”The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” but it will be interesting to see whether social workers think the portrayal of gay families is groundbreaking or stereotypical.

The jobs were due to be eliminated due to a budget shortfall, the article said. Tulsa Public Schools hopes its financial situation will improve by next year so it won’t have to put the social services program on the chopping block again.

“I find it gratifying that there are people in the public that really look and see what happens in schools and say to themselves we can’t let this go,” said Kay Sandschaper, director of special education.

Want to learn more about the invaluable work social workers do in school? Click here to visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Schools and Communities Web site.

Shay was a special guest of NASW at the Voice Awards in Los Angeles in 2010. Photo courtesy of NASW.

SocialWorkersSpeak.org planned to call social worker Shay Sorrells, who appeared on NBC’s  “The Biggest Loser,” to find out how her life is going.

Well, phillyBurbs.com beat us to it. Click here to read their interview with Sorrells, who was the heaviest-ever contestant to appear on the popular program.

The California resident continues to live a busy life. She lost even more weight, is in a partnership with Subway, and is a full time social worker at Boys Town.

Shay Sorrells answered questions from social workers on SocialWorkersSpeak.org. To read that article, click here.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Photo courtesy of NBC.

British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw has been cast to play a social worker in Kiefer Sutherland’s upcoming Fox television series “Touch,” according to this article in the Hollywood Reporter.

According to news reports Sutherland will play the Martin Bohm, the  father of a mute, autistic boy who is adept with numbers and can predict the future.

Mbatha-Raw will portray social worker Clea Hopkins who is concerned about the boy’s care but eventually will team with the father when she learns about the child’s abilities.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Danny Glover has been cast as  Arthur DeWitt, a professor who specializes in children who have special abilities with numbers. Child actor David Mazouz will play Bohm’s son Jake.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the daughter of South African doctor Patrick Mbatha and nurse Anne Raw, has played in the popular, long-running British sci-fi series “Dr. Who” and had a starring role in the cancelled NBC series “Undercovers.”

“Touch” will be the creation of Tim Kring, who created the superhero series “Heroes” that aired on NBC from 2006-2010. According to news reports Fox executives are enthusiastic about the project because Kiefer’s last series “24″ was a huge success.

“Touch” could air as a mid-season replacement, news reports said.

Q: Is anyone familiar with Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s work? How do you think she will do as a social worker?

Movie Poster

Social workers who watched an advance copy of “Field of Vision” said NBC’s made-for-television movie, which aired on June 11, accurately depicts bullying and the plight of foster children and could encourage young people to speak out against mistreatment of others.

“I believe it could influence youth to be more tolerant,” said David Shrank, MSW, who has worked with young children in the past but is currently an integrated case manager for the mentally ill in Trenton, NJ. “The movie was fairly accurate in showing the issues faced by a teen that has been in foster care.”

Despite generally positive feedback there was some criticism of the film.

Margaret Lorenz, MSW, a social worker from Floral Park, NY who has worked in schools for 15 years, said the characters in “Field of Vision” were “hokey” and the clichéd plot would turn off her middle school students.

“I did not like the movie — not at all,” she said.

“Field of Vision” is the latest in a series of Family Movie Night Films sponsored by Proctor & Gamble and Walmart and supported by Moms4FamilyTV.

 Social workers are some of the nation’s leading experts on bullying and foster care. Officials at Moms4FamilyTV reached out to the National Association of Social Workers to get social workers’ opinions on the film.

“Field of Vision” centers around Corey (actor Joe Adler), a shy yet smart foster child who must adjust to a new town and school, and Tyler McFarland (Tony Oller), the popular captain and quarterback of a high school football team on the cusp of winning the state championship.

Corey (Joe Adler), right, is assaulted by bully Nick Burris (Dane Davenport). Scene from movie.

Corey, who keeps a cherished photo of his dead mother with him at all times, joins the football team but is soon bullied by some of his teammates. Tyler must decide whether to keep silent or report the bullying and jeopardize his team’s championship bid.

Tyler’s mother Jody (Faith Lord), who is also the high school counselor, tries to help Corey acclimate to his new environment, learn more about his deceased mother, and find the birth father he never knew. And Tyler’s little sister Lucy (Alyssa Shafer) has a magical video camera that shows images that confirm Corey is being bullied and offer hints to where Corey can find his father.

“I loved the movie,” said Artan Hughes, MSW, a school social worker from Detroit. “It started out slow and I was confused about the video camera but when things started picking up I was on the edge of my seat to see what was going to happen next.”

 Francine Parker, LMSW, a certified school social work specialist from Hutchinson, KS, said some of the scenes in the movie of family members kissing each other, eating together, and reading at bedtime were a bit Pollyannaish. Still, it was wise for filmmakers to include the scenes to show young people what family relationships can be like, she said.

Parker said children will also get a better picture of what it is like to be a foster child who may be grieving a dead parent and absent siblings and compelled to live in the homes of strangers in unfamiliar communities.

Tyler (Tony Oller) in a scene from "Field of Vision.'

“Youth may see they take their family relationships for granted,” Parker said.

Lois Swearington, MSW, just ended her master’s degree internship at two schools in Los Angeles Unified School District 8. Bullying was also the subject of her research proposal this past year, she said.

Swearington said the use of football in the film is a good way to draw in young people, especially middle school children. She also said Tyler’s decision to do what is morally right or what is best for self is a good lesson for children, although Lorenz said Tyler’s character is so “heroic” it would be difficult for anyone to believe he was conflicted about helping Corey.

 ”I think it was a great concept because that is something that teens will not only be faced with in school but as they enter the work field as they get older,” Swearington said. “This seems like a great family movie that can start conversation in small groups or classrooms.”

Two National Association of Social Work staffers who reviewed the movie, Bekki Ow-Arhus, MSW, LICSW, and Kamiilah Omari, MSW, LLMSW, also thought the portrayal of bullying was accurate. However, they had serious concerns about the actions of Jody, the school counselor and mother of Tyler and Lucy.

 Jody actions may have violated ethical and regulatory rules in some states, they said. These violations included discussing Corey’s case with her family, talking to Corey about his foster care status and deceased mother in a hallway where other students could hear, and independently searching for Corey’s birth father without consulting the courts or a social worker who may have handled his foster care case.

 ”She had huge confidentiality issues,” Ow-Arhus said. “All that private detective stuff was inappropriate.”

“If they are going to truly portray the reality of school personnel having to deal with a foster child and finding out information about biological parents and connecting them to biological parents, they have to connect to that system (social workers and the courts),” Omari said. “That is not optional.”

The filmmakers could have gotten around this problem by having Jody mention that she consulted with authorities before attempting to connect Corey with his birth father, Ow-Arhus and Omari said. Still, the two social workers liked the movie and thought it was uplifting and educational.

“Corey was dealing with what a lot of foster kids or kids who have lost a parent deal with — grief and loss,” Omari said.

“It was an interesting movie and I liked the fantasy camera,” Ow-Arhus said.

To watch the “Field of Dreams” trailer click here.

Social workers play a vital role in helping young people overcome life’s hurdles. To learn more visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Kids & Families Web page by clicking here. NASW has also taken a strong stand against bullying. To read more about NASW’s position, click here.

Kiefer Sutherland in a scene from "24."

Fox has given the go-ahead for a pilot to be shot of “Touch,” a sci-fi drama starring actor Kiefer Sutherland and a key social worker character, according to news reports. If it is greenlighted, the series could run during the 2011-12 season, reports said.

Sutherland will play Martin Bohm, a father with an autistic son named Jake who can predict future events with numbers. A “plucky and inexperienced” social worker named Clea Hopkins investigates Martin for alleged poor parenting and wants to put Jake in a residential home.

However, when Clea recognizes Jake’s ability to see the future she becomes and ally. According to this article on io9, a Website that tracks sci-fi news, Martin, Jake and Clea will likely work together to prevent future tragedies.

Touch will be the creation of Tim Kring, who created the superhero series “Heroes” that aired on NBC from 2006-2010.

Fox says “Touch” has an extraordinary script. And although the plot does not sound promising io9 said Sutherland, who was popular on Fox’s action drama “24,” could pull this off.

However, SocialWorkersSpeaks.org wants to know what social workers feel about the inclusion of the Clea Hopkins character. It seems her role follows the stereotypical depiction of social workers as “baby stealers.” But is there a chance  Clea Hopkins could depict a social work hero?

Tamara Tunie stars as medical examiner Melinda Warner on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit." Photo courtesy of NBC.

Social workers do not get the credit they deserve for protecting abused and neglected children, an actress who stars on  NBC’s “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” and was a regular on the soap opera “As the World Turns” says.

“You guys are the unsung heroes,” Tamara Tunie told National Association of Social Workers Executive Director Betsy Clark after an April 5 child abuse death briefing on Capitol Hill. “You only hear the bad stories, not the good ones.”

Tunie is celebrity spokeswoman for the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths. NASW is a member of that coalition, along with the National Center for Child Death Review, the National Children’s Alliance,  the Every Child Matters Education Fund and the National District Attorneys Association.

Child abuse is a serious problem that may be even larger because it is underreported, coalition members said. Child abuse death rates in the United States are triple that of Canada and 11 times greater than Italy. Seven children die each day in the United States from abuse and neglect.

The participants in a 2009 Summit on Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths among other things called on a national strategy to combat the problem and additional funding so child protective workers and other frontline workers have smaller caseloads. Clark said at the congressional briefing that professionals who protect children also need increased training and there should be more public education programs about “secret” social problems such as child abuse and neglect.

“I don’t think the average American understands this area of legislation,” Clark said. “I do think public education is an incredibly good tool if we can get it out there.”

Actress Tamara Tunie and NASW Executive Director Betsy Clark greet after the Congressional briefing.

Tunie said members of the coalition approached “Law and Order: Special Crime Victims Unit” about getting celebrity support for their campaign and she agreed to become spokeswoman.

Tunie, who portrays medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner on “Law and Order,”  said social workers are sometimes blamed in the media for not protecting children. However, the actress said she realized the media was reporting isolated incidences and not covering the thousands of positive stories about social workers keeping children out of harm’s way.

Tunie commends social workers and other professionals who protect children, saying she does not know how they could keep composed and professional while handling sometimes horrific cases of child abuse and neglect.

“When I saw the magnitude of the problem there is no way I couldn’t help,” said Tunie, her eyes brimming with tears. “Being an actor gets you influence and people listen to what I have to say.”

UPDATE: Tamara Tunie returned to Congress on July 12, 2011 to speak on the behalf of the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths. To watch that House Ways and Means Human Resources subcommittee hearing on C-SPAN click here. You can also read hearing testimony on the House Ways and Means Committee Website by clicking here.

To learn more about how social workers help children, visit NASW’s “Help Starts Here” Kids & Families Website by clicking here.

Jane Pauley

Tracy Whitaker, DSW, ACSW, director of the National Association of Social Workers’ Center for Workforce Studies, took part in an interactive online chat with veteran newscaster Jane Pauley on Jan. 11.

The online chat on an AARP Web site (www.AARP.org/Jane) was a discussion of social work as a career and a way to give back to society for people aged 50 and above.

Tracy Whitaker

Pauley is host of AARP’s “Life is Calling” segment, which airs monthly on NBC’s Today Show. Youth counselor Sylvia Abrego-Araiza also participated.

To read a transcript of the chat, click here. 

Interested in a social work career? To learn more about what social workers do and find accredited social work schools visit BeASocialWorker.org!

Which new shows might attract social worker fans? Here are SocialWorkersSpeak.org’s picks:

Mereille Enos plays lead detective Sarah Linden and Joel Kinnaman is policeman Stephen Holder in The Killing.

The Killing (Premieres in March on AMC): This crime drama, which will open with the murder of a 17-year-old girl in Seattle, offers a new twist. It will follow not only the detectives trying to solve the case but also how the murder affects the victim’s parents and siblings.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers often assist crime victims or their survivors, helping them get grief counseling and other services.  Oftentimes police dramas overlook the aftermath of crimes, focusing more on nabbing the perpetrator. Wouldn’t it be great if The Killing featured a social worker?

Coming Home (Premieres in March 13 on Lifetime): In this reality show real-life military families get surprise reunions.

Why social workers might like it: The military employs more social workers with s master’s degree than any other sector. Social workers play a key role in helping military families cope with deployments, stress, and other issues.

Perfect Couples (Premieres Jan. 20 at 8:30 Eastern on NBC): This sitcom follows the antics of three couples with wildly different relationship styles.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers do a lot of family counseling. They  may get a kick out of a sitcom that tries to delve into how complicated relationships can be.

Shameless (Premieres Jan. 9 at 10 p.m. Eastern on Showtime): In this dark comedy critically acclaimed actor William H. Macy plays the alcoholic head of a dysfunctional but close knit family. Actress/singer Emmy Rossum (Phantom of the Opera) portrays Fiona, his 19-year-old daughter who bears the brunt of caring for her five siblings.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers help families overcome many crises, including drug and alcohol addiction, financial problems and mental illness. They may like this program for its unflinching look at issues many families experience.

Lights Out (Premieres Jan. 11 at 10 p.m. on FX): Actor Holt McAllany plays Patrick “Lights” Leary, a one-time boxing champion who is struggling to find a purpose in life outside the ring.

Why social workers might light it: Social workers help people of all ages improve their lives. In fact, the preamble of the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics says the main mission of the profession is to “enhance human well being and help meet the basic human needs of all people.” We think that means washed-up boxers too!

Harry’s Law (Premieres Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. Eastern on NBC): SocialWorkersSpeak.org is a little biased on this one because we love actress Kathy Bates (remember her chilling portrayal of the psychopathic yet cheery book fan in “Misery”?). In this drama she plays lawyer Harriett “Harry” Korn.  Harry got fired from her high-powered job at a top Cincinnati law firm and decides to open her own practice in a shoe store. Despite her brusque exterior Harriett has a heart of gold. In fact she takes in a down-on-his-luck, suicidal ex-felon and makes him her legal aide.

Why social workers might like it: Most social workers have a soft spot for the most vulnerable in our society. They may find a new heroine in Harry.

Skins (Premieres Jan. 17 at 10 pm. On MTV): Based on a British series, this envelope-pushing drama follows teens who are dealing with sex, drugs, and other issues young people experience.

Why social workers might like it: Many social workers work in schools and have first-hand experience guiding teens through this critical phase of their lives. Social workers may be good judges of whether this program is accurate or simply exploitive.

Heavy (Premieres Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. on A&E): This program follows morbidly obese people who decide to do what it takes to lose weight.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers often help clients live healthier lifestyles. However, social workers have been concerned about weight loss reality shows because they focus more on getting people to lose weight instead of making long-term lifestyle changes and addressing personal issues that may contribute to weight gain (Click here to read “What’s Wrong With Weight Reality Shows”  on Social WorkersSpeak.org). It will be interesting to see whether social workers think Heavy is an improvement on the weight reality show model or the same old, same old.

Beyond Scared Straight (Premieres Jan. 13 at 10 p.m. on A&E): When the documentary “Scared Straight” premiered in 1978 it made TV history and won an Emmy and Academy Award. The documentary followed a group of juvenile delinquents who visited a New Jersey prison to meet hardened criminals who used bullying and tough love tactics to show them where they could end up if they didn’t mend their ways. Since then “Scared Straight” programs have multiplied across the nation and have been adapted to strike a chord with savvier, more jaded 21^st century youth. Each week A&E’s program follows participants in these programs.

Why social workers might like it: Social workers may have a lot in common with this show. They help prison inmates in jail and ex-cons readjust to life outside prison walls. Social workers also provide counseling and other services for youth. A big question will be whether social workers agree with the tactics used in Beyond Scared Straight.

Social workers, are there other new shows or returning programs you plan to watch? Let us know. Leave your comments below.

There has been a rash of reality television shows dealing with weight and dieting in recent years, including “The Biggest Loser” on NBC, “Ruby” on Style Network, and “Dance Your A** Off” on Oxygen.

Are these programs exploitive or are do they really encourage viewers to live healthy lifestyles?

We asked a panel of social workers who are experts on health and wellness issues to comment on television shows that focus on weight. The panelists are:

Francis L. Battisti, PhD, LCSW, BCD: CEO of Battisti Networks, a multi-discipline consulting firm specializing in individual and organizational transformation and life enhancement. Battisti is also professor of psychology and human services at the State University of New York — Broome Community College Campus.

Lorette Lavine, MSW, LCSW: A social worker at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, adjunct instructor at the Loyola University School of Social Work, and adjunct faculty member at the university.

Judith Matz, MSW, LCSW: Director of the Chicago Center for Overcoming Overeating, Inc. and co-author of “The Diet Survivor’s Handbook: 60 Lessons in Eating, Acceptance and Self-Care” ($12.95, Sourcebooks Inc.) and “Beyond a Shadow of a Diet: The Therapist’s Guide to Treating Compulsive Eating” ($37.50, Routledge).

Deirdra Robinson, MSW, CSW, PhD: Member of the clinical faculty at the University of Kentucky, program manager of the Appalachian Community Cancer Network, and vice president of the National Association of Social Workers Kentucky Chapter.

From left: Francis Battisti, Lorette Lavine, Judith Matz and Deirdra Robinson.

Q: Why are there so many television shows about losing weight? Are Americans obsessed with this issue?

BATTISTI: To place the weight issue in perspective let’s review the data. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reports obesity rates increased dramatically in the last 25 years. A 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with RTI International, found that direct and indirect costs of obesity are as high as $147 billion annually. A 2009 Health Affairs journal study concluded that the costs of hospitalizations related to childhood obesity rose from $125.9 million in 2001 to $237.6 million in 2005. From this perspective, I believe that the increase in the number of television shows that focus on weight issues is a direct result of the aforementioned data.

LAVINE: I agree the shows reflect the fact more people watching television are overweight and morbidly obese. American adults and children are suffering from this serious health problem at an enormously high rate. The networks are also hoping to gain viewers as well.

MATZ: Our culture also has an unhealthy preoccupation with weight — and with dieting as a way to lose that weight. If you look at the scientific research people can actually be healthy at a lot of different body sizes. The problem is that dramatic weight loss makes for good TV ratings. It speaks to people’s fantasies that if they can just become thin enough other problems — such as low self-esteem, relationship issues, or general dissatisfaction with life — will melt away along with the pounds.

ROBINSON: I think there has always been a cultural preference to people who are skinny. People who are overweight or obese carry a label and are outcast. The television show explosion, I believe, is the result of the reality show phenomenon coupled with America’s obsession with being thin. It’s a perfect marriage. Offer people who are severely obese so other Americans can offer justification as to why that isn’t their situation.

Ruby on Style Network.

Q: Do you think these television programs inspire others to get up and lose weight?

LAVINE: I actually do believe that “Ruby” and “America’s Biggest Loser” do inspire others to try to lose weight. Viewers see these people work very hard to achieve goals, which seem to be almost impossible from their first weigh-in to last. These shows also illustrate the fact that it takes a team of supporters to achieve their weight loss goals. Support is so important in losing the weight and keeping it off. There is also an emphasis on living a healthy lifestyle, not just dieting and shedding pounds.

MATZ: There is no doubt that these shows cause people to feel that they need to do something about their weight. Unfortunately this “inspiration” usually does more harm than good. Weight loss reality shows normalize unhealthy behaviors such as restricting dieting and over exercising. The focus on weight loss as motivation to change one’s lifestyle hurts the people participating in “The Biggest Loser” as well as viewers who believe that they too, should engage in diet-driven behavior.

ROBINSON: I have differing opinion than Judith and Lorette. I think these programs offer those who are obese or overweight a normalization option, a “see, they are like me attitude.” However, these types of television programs use a hygienic approach. This means they are done in a sterile, non-realistic environment. There is little sustainability. I don’t believe this is motivating, as most viewers will simply say, “If I had those resources, I could weigh 120 pounds, too.”

Q: What about the argument that these shows can be downright exploitive?

BATTISTI: These programs are primarily geared toward keeping audience members high by keeping viewers watching by editing and selectively showing “emotionally charged” moments. The message directly or indirectly given is that, if the participant tries hard enough or wants it hard enough, they can make it happen. This naïve concept leads directly to bias and ridicule. If this biased concept was true, two-thirds of our population would not be obese. The issue is not about losing weight — it’s about developing life-long lifestyle change. And this does not occur by watching a television show. In fact, television watching can add to the misinformation concerning what needs to be done to develop a healthy lifestyle.

MATZ: All reality shows, whether they focus on weight or any other issue, appeal to our desire to find out what’s going on in the lives of others. We can watch how someone else is handling life’s challenges and say, “I feel like that sometimes,” or, “At least that’s not me.” In a sense, any reality show is exploitive of its participants; but regardless how you feel about reality shows it’s always important to treat people with respect. The problem with reality shows that focus on weight is that there is an implicit message of shame that the person is not okay.

Q: Eating or overeating can be tied to a person’s emotional state. Would these shows be improved if they examined what factors in a person’s life contributed to their weight?

ROBINSON: I don’t know if addressing the origin of the weight problem is the key. I believe how or why someone is the weight they are is important but not the defining issue. Individuals have to believe and be empowered and these types of shows don’t offer enough practical approaches to doing something about it. Rather, it’s about the drama of the issues.

MATZ: As to focusing on how people became heavy, that’s an interesting question. Focusing on why someone is fat presumes that weight is always within our control. It’s important to keep in mind that weight is a characteristic and not a behavior. Although our lifestyle certainly can affect our weight, science shows that our set point — or natural weight — is determined in large part by our genetics. We stay in our set point range if we eat when hungry, stop when satiated, and move our bodies in a way that is comfortable. Human physiology has been programmed through evolution and adaptation to respond to times of famine in ways that maximize species survival; our bodies are actually wired to fight against weight loss. Each time the body defends itself against a diet it becomes more efficient at storing fat. When we diet, our set point gets reset at a higher weight, so one of the many reasons for weight gain is the increase in dieting over the past few decades. As for psychological factors, people who are fat have no more or less issues than people who are thin. And there are thin people who engage in very serious eating disordered behavior. There are compulsive eaters who are “normal” weight and there are fat people who do not overeat. So focusing on how some came to be their current size is not necessarily an answerable question. Focusing on why people have trouble practicing caretaking behaviors would be a more useful concept.

Scene from "Dance Your A** Off" on Oxygen.

Q: “Dance Your A** Off” on the Oxygen Channel has contestants compete against each other by doing dance routines and losing weight. Does this program send a positive message about physical activity? Or does it hold heavier people up for derision by having them compete in sometimes skimpy attire?

LAVINE: I am not particularly a fan of “Dance Your Ass Off” but in today’s environment I think that anything that encourages increased physical activity is definitely a positive thing. The skimpy attire is for the television ratings. In general the things that are for ratings do not usually appeal to me but that is part of the media hype…so be it!

ROBINSON: This show exploits the concept of “Dancing with the Stars.” These people aren’t judged by their talent or their dancing technique. The concept of health isn’t promoted. The topic of self-esteem and confidence and healthy choices are not addressed. This show seems to be more focused on mirroring “Dancing with the Stars” in a way that gathers ratings.

MATZ: Reality dance shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” have been immensely popular with TV viewers. I hope these programs send a positive message that physical activity doesn’t have to be tedious — dance is a wonderful way to move one’s body and have fun at the same time. The problem with the show “Dance Your A** Off” is that it uses contestants’ weekly weigh-ins to determine the scores, which then promotes unhealthy behaviors such as over-exercising and restricting. It also sends the message that if you exercise and don’t lose weight it’s not worth it. I would much prefer to see reality shows where people of all sizes are invited to compete and the focus is on talent rather than weight. As for skimpy attire, people have different levels of comfort as to how much skin is revealed on TV shows. I am no more or less uncomfortable with skimpy outfits when a person is heavy than when a person is thinner.

Q: National Association of Social Workers member Shay Sorrells was a popular contestant on “America’s Biggest Loser.” Amanda Davis, another social worker, appeared on The Dr. Oz Show for a weight loss challenge. Sorrells said her weight loss inspired her to help others live healthier lives and eat better. What role should social workers take in helping clients lose weight?

BATTISTI: The ecological systems and social work, strength-based perspectives offer ideal concepts to address the obesity issue. Social work intervention needs to be based on a firm understanding of the psychosocial elements within the family structure and the ecology system within which the individual lives. Oriented toward strengths and competence of the client, the strengths perspective represents a collection of ideas and techniques that identifies a lens of empowerment through which to view the world of the client. The strengths perspective connects with the essence of the social work profession. It articulates the core values of integrity, distributive justice, dignity and worth of the individual and the quality of therapeutic relationship.

LAVINE: Social workers have a role cut out for them working with clients that are overweight. It could be a coaching, therapeutic role which helps a person to achieve his/her goals along with other disciplines advising them on proper diet and exercise. It is all part of a successful weight loss program and in my opinion it could help someone keep the weight off.

MATZ: Social workers have an obligation to promote practices that help our clients improve their lives. It is imperative that social workers understand the research related to dieting, health and weight, and that we offer services that foster our clients’ physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Statistically 95 percent to 98 percent of people who embark on diets will gain back the weight and two-thirds will end up heavier than their pre-diet weight. Instead, we need to lead the way in influencing policies and offering services that will support healthful and sustainable lifestyles for our clients and our communities. I co-wrote “Beyond a Shadow of a Diet: The Therapist’s Guide to Treating Compulsive Eating” because social workers and other mental health professionals do not usually receive training in these areas.

ROBINSON: Social workers have a unique understanding of how individuals function in their own environments. Of course social workers should be leading this charge. We understand the needs of individuals — their need for support, direction and education. And we also understand how to mobilize the community to best support the individual. Social workers are critical to the issue of obesity.

Q: If you could create a television program to encourage people to lose weight how would it be formatted?

MATZ: Rather than creating a TV show that focuses on weight loss I would much prefer to see people who struggle with overeating and poor body image learn how to strengthen themselves physically and emotionally so that they can live more fully in the world. Since I co-authored “The Diet Survivor’s Handbook” with my sister and fellow social worker Ellen Frankel my ideal show would feature us as Diet Survivor Sisters. We would create a “Diet Survivors” reality show where people would make the revolutionary decision to quit dieting. Instead therapists, dieticians and exercise physiologists would teach participants how to make peace with food by ending the deprivation of diets and learning to honor their hunger and fullness. Participants would improve their health and fitness level by finding ways to exercise that feels comfortable and joyful. Ultimately, each participant would follow her dream, whether it’s to climb a mountain in the Himalayas, learn to scuba dive off the coast of Belize, or hike along the coast of Italy. Diet Survivors would focus on creating a supportive and collaborative environment rather than encouraging competition among participants and viewing weight loss as the ultimate goal. Any takers?

BATTISTI: The ideal television presentation would consist of two interconnected segment venues.  The first venue would assemble a team of professionals (medical professional, dietitian, exercise physiologist and social worker) who possess a clinical background in obesity for working with participants.  The show would be aired once-a-month for a year and would follow the clinical treatment of the participants.  From diagnosis, to treatment, to maintenance, each participant would be observed, interviewed and triaged.  The true focus of editing would be to offer a snapshot of diagnostic treatment.  The second segment venue, which would be offered during the other three weeks of the month, would focus on different modalities of health intervention with different participants.  Developing a healthy lifestyle and successful ecological intervention approaches, which have been put in place and offer hopeful results, would be the content of this segment venue. Examples of successful ecological interventions could include:  Shape-Up Summerville, a city-wide health enhancement program, successful worksite health intervention programs funded by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and   the Sustainable Nutrition Application Program (SNAP), a Blue Cross/Blue Shield funded childhood-family obesity intervention program. A health promotion model would be used as the format of this show.

LAVINE: I like the “Biggest Loser” format where there is a competition as well as teamwork. This is supportive and challenging at the same time. However, I think that there could be more focus on healthy eating. They do share recipes at times but the show is mostly about the exercise and the competitions. Personally, I would put more emphasis on food preparation and how to adjust a person’s eating habits. But again, I would also look at what captures ratings as I feel that the more people that are reached by these shows the better. Obesity is a serious problem and can lead to so many other medical problems — diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure and eventually death. A sad fact is that many young people will not live to be as old as their parents due to poor eating habits and obesity. That is not only sad but intolerable.

ROBINSON: I would create a show that offered individuals who were obese weight loss options that are sustainable.  The physical fitness component would be about personal bests – how much did the person push him or herself to do their personal best.  This could easily be calculated using stats.  Additionally, I would give participants points for healthy cooking.  I would give them a food that most people enjoy and ask them to research and prepare a healthy version of it, perhaps using the taste testing method like on ”America’s Next Great Chef.” The most important component would be offering participants points for documentation – food diaries and workout logs. Research shows this is what causes lifestyle changes – and that’s the only place where success in weight loss occurs.

For more information on how social workers help consumers live healthier lifestyles, visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Health and Wellness Web page by clicking here.

They are:

Photo courtesy of CBS.

Mike & Molly  (Premieres Sept. 20 at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS): This sitcom follows the romance of overweight policeman Mike (Billy Gardell) and school teacher Molly (Melissa McCarthy).

Why social workers might like it: Social workers often help clients live healthier lifestyles. Mike & Molly offers a more realistic take on overweight people. It will be interesting to see what social workers have to say about this program.

Raising Hope (Premieres September 21 at 9 p.m. Eastern on Fox): This comedy follows four generations of a working class family struggling to live together under one roof and make ends meet.

Why social workers might like it: Americans are struggling in this tough economy but many television programs focus on the rich and famous. Raising Hope may offer a more realistic picture of what many Americans are experiencing. Plus it features veteran comedic actress Cloris Leachman (Remember her manic portrayal of Frau Blucher in “Young Frankenstein”?)

No Ordinary Family (Premieres September 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC): A family gains super human powers after their plane crashes in toxic waters.

Why social workers might like it: The premise is a bit far-fetched but could allow the writers to explore real-life issues that social workers help families overcome.

My Generation (Premieres September 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC): This fictional docu-drama follows the lives of nine Austin High School students over 10 years.

Why social workers might like it:  The teenage and early adult years are some of most stressful times in a person’s life. And social workers often deal with clients in this age group and may relate to the some of the issues My Generation addresses.

Outlaw (Premieres September 15 at 10 p.m. Eastern on NBC): Jimmy Smits stars as a Supreme Court Justice who resigns from the bench and becomes an advocate for justice on issues including gay marriage and the death penalty.

Why social workers might like it: Any program that pairs a topnotch actor such as Jimmy Smits with serious social issues is sure to attract social workers.

School Pride (Premieres October 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC): In this show a team goes to troubled schools and gives them extreme makeovers by installing fancy new electronic equipment or even exterminating rats.

Why social workers might like it: School social workers work every day in schools, helping students get the services and counseling they need to thrive and learn. And they often have to do this job amidst budget cuts and the threat of layoffs.

TV Watching Tip: If you don’t have time to view a new show or do not have a digital video recorder you can often catch full episodes on the network TV Web sites or Web sites such as HULU.com. Television shows can also be download from iTunes.

QUESTION: Social workers, what new fall television programs do you plan to watch this fall? And are any social workers interested in reviewing these and other shows for SocialWorkersSpeak.org, the Web site designed to get social workers talking about and influencing how they and issues they care about are portrayed in media?

Cindy Chupack. Photo courtesy of the Humanitas Prize.

News reports said “Love Bites,” a proposed dramedy on NBC, would feature a social worker named Annie as the main character.

However “Love Bites” creator Cindy Chupack, a former writer and executive producer for HBO’s hit “Sex and the City,” telephoned SocialWorkersSpeak.org Wednesday evening to say plans have changed.

Annie’s profession will be a Museum of Natural History worker instead of a social worker, she said.

“I wanted to call you myself because basically I had originally written that Annie was going to be a social worker,” Chupack explained. “But we’ve since changed it.”

“They had that wrong in the press and I’ve been complaining that it’s not updated and now I got your interview request and I was like, ‘See, we have to update this.’”

SocialWorkersSpeak.org knows some social workers will be disappointed by this development. Chupack offered some consolation.

“I’m still a big supporter of social workers and we’ll have some character who is,” she said.

Becki Newton, a star of the cancelled series “Ugly Betty,” will reportedly play “Annie,” at least in the pilot episode. The program is supposed to examine love, relationships and marriage. Chupack said it is still uncertain whether NBC executives will like the show and pick it up.

“We don’t even know — we’re not on the air yet,” she said. “We’re a contender to be on the air next fall at NBC.”

Photo of Shay Sorrells courtesy of Lane Bryant.

Subway will pay California social worker Shay Sorrells $1,000 a pound to continue shedding weight during the 9th season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” which premieres Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Sorrells was the heaviest ever contestant on the program when she competed during the eighth season. She weighed in at 476 pounds but lost 170 pounds by the season finale. Sorrells, who was born to a drug-addicted mother and passed from foster home to foster home, is now a social worker committed to helping families in distress.

“It was mind-blowing enough to hear (trainer Bob Haper) say that my story inspired millions,” Sorrells said in this Los Angeles Times article.  ”As a social worker, that’s my goal. And then I heard him say ‘$1,000 a pound.’ And I thought, ‘Did I hear that right?’ ”

Social workers often help people improve improve health and adopt better eating habits. To learn more visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Eating Disorders and Healthy Lifestyles Web pages. And tell us what you think about Shay Sorrell’s story! Leave comments below.

Photo courtesy of Screenrant.com

Several movies and television programs featured on SocialWorkersSpeak.org are up for Golden Globe Awards. They include the film “Precious,” about an overweight, abused and pregnant teen girl who finds hope through literacy; the “Glee” high school musical television series; “The Messenger,” which is about soldiers who must deliver death notices to families; and “The Princess and the Frog,” the first Disney film to feature a black princess.

“Precious” was nominated for Best Drama Motion Picture. Actresses Mo’Nique and Gabourey Sidibe from that film are up for best supporting actress and best actress in a drama, respectively. Actor Woody Harrelson was nominated for best supporting actor for his role in “The Messenger.” “Glee” may win a Golden Globe for best television series comedy or musical and series regular Lea Michele was nominated as best actress in that category. And “The Princess and the Frog” is a contender for best animated feature film.

The Golden Globe Awards will air on NBC on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. EST.

Q: We want to know what television programs, movies, and actors you think should get a Golden Globe. Please leave your comments. The Associated Press list of nominees is posted below.

MOTION PICTURES

Before and after photo of Shay Sorrells photo courtesy of dietsinreview.com.

California social worker Shauntina “Shay” Sorrells was eliminated from “The Biggest Loser”  (NBC on Tuesdays), which aired its season finale on Dec. 8.

Shay grew up in the foster care system, struggled with weight all her life, and said her size affected her ability to work with clients. She was the heaviest ever contestant on the program at 497 pounds but so far has lost more than 170 pounds!

Social workers can continue to follow Shay’s progress on her Facebook page. And for fans of the show the new season premieres Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. Central).

Q: Did Shay’s appearance on “The Biggest Loser” help portray the social work profession in a positive light?

To find out more about how social workers help people deal with weight and other health issues visit the National Association of Social Workers “Help Starts Here” Healthy Lifestyles Web page.