National Eating Disorders Awareness Week recognized at SSU

February 13, 2013

In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other eating disorder.

The National Eating Disorders Association has named the week of Sunday, Feb. 24 to Saturday, March 2 as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) to educate and offer help to those who have eating disorders. The theme this year is “Everybody Knows Somebody.”

During the week, several events are planned. On Monday, all the mirrors on campus will be covered and inside-out T-shirts will be made. The Art Show opens Monday evening in the University Center Lobby East at 6 p.m. with a real life Barbie unveiled.

Other events include:

• Monday through Friday, a healthy food bar will be an option in the Bear's Den.
• Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eating Disorder Screenings in the University Center Lobby and a “Nutritional Challenge” with Keenan Perry and Nursing Students will be in the Bear's Den.
• Tuesday, a Take It Off (Makeup) challenge all day and “How to Help a Friend” from 6 to 7 p.m. with Dr. Rhoni Maxwell-Rader in the University Center, Room 215.
• Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m. “Body Image and the Media” Sara Yusko, residence coordinator at SSU, University Center, Room 215.
• Thursday, “Healthy Food Choices and Nutrition” from noon to 1 p.m. in the University Center, Room 214.

All the events are free and open to the public.

Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health and relationships. They are not a fad, phase or lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional and physical health.

People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

Participate in NEDAW and learn more about eating disorders at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/