Eating disorders focus of awareness events on campus early next week
Caitrin Shirazi
Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: News
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The awareness week is a collective effort of healthcare providers, eating disorder professionals, social workers, educators and other individuals dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers involved with eating disorders and the importance of early intervention and treatment.
The week stresses methods that have been proven to be effective, such as sharing personal testimonies. Information will be distributed on the signs, dangers and treatments of eating disorders at schools, community and fitness centers and places of worship with the hope it is available to anyone who needs it.
The theme for this year's awareness week is "Until Eating Disorders are History."
Monday's event will focus on body image and healthy lifestyles. Kristina Rieken, a dietitian from the Children's Hospital Eating Disorders Program, will lead a discussion titled "Scales Are for Fish: Body Image and Healthy Lifestyle."
Rieken's presentation will address how people view their bodies in comparison to the "flawless" images the media projects as beautiful and ideal. The event is free and lunch will be provided for those who attend.
"College age students are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders," said Marti Rosen-Atherton, director of the UNO Counseling Center. "How we view our bodies affects so many areas of our lives."
She said eating disorders not only affect a person's physical health, but also cause many problems with emotional and mental health.
"Our self-esteem, relationships and emotional well-being are all influenced by our perceptions of our size and shape," Rosen-Atherton said. "This program will focus on making healthy lifestyle choices and appreciating your body - all at the same time."
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