National Eating Disorder Awareness Week activities planned at SSU

Feb. 3, 2012

"Everybody Knows Somebody" that has an eating disorder and that is the theme for this year's National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAW).

Each year Shawnee State University participates in the week with activities and events to teach people more about eating healthy and preventing eating disorders. Last year all 50 states and 29 other countries participated in NEDAW.

This year NEDAW activities at Shawnee State are from Monday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, March 1. Most of the activities are in the University Center.

The aim is to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment.

According to experts, eating disorders are serious life-threatening illnesses – not choices – and it's important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that create the disorder. Eating disorders are about feelings, not food.

Events are planned every day beginning Monday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, March 1. On Monday at 6 p.m., the week kicks off with an Art Exhibit opening at the University Center Lobby East followed by a "Drunkorexia" with Chemical Dependency Counselor Alan Siebel and an introduction to a life-size Barbie.

After that, all the mirrors in the university bathrooms will be covered until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, and women are asked to go one day without makeup.

Other events planned for the four-day period Monday through Thursday are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eating Disorder Screenings in the University Center Lobby West and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nutritional Challenge in the Bear's Den.

Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Clinical Counselor Jessica Priode and the Resident Advisors present "Magazine Collage" in the UC Lobby East. Tuesday evening Sara Yusko presents "Body Image and the Media" from 6 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m. Keenan Perry presents "Body Image" on the dangers of fad diets and the importance of good nutrition and immediately following from 7 to 8 p.m. Brandon Lamma presents "Know Diet," both in UNC 230.

Thursday, noon to 1 p.m. is "How to Help a Friend" with Dr. Rhoni Maxwell-Rader in the Bear's Den Annex.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Counseling and Psychological Services office at (740) 351-3608.