Eating disorder awareness spreads at Southeast
Rita Childers
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Campus Events
Eating disorders may be closer than they appear. According to a National Eating Disorder Association survey, "four out of ten Americans either suffered or have known someone who has suffered from an eating disorder."
This year, National Eating Disorder Awareness week runs Feb. 24 through March 1. Southeast Missouri State University is hosting events throughout the week to spread awareness of eating disorders.
Events include news radio host, Faune Riggin's lecture "How You Look is Not What You Are" on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in Glenn Auditorium, an Eating Disorder Recovery Panel on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in Towers Dormitory Room 207 and a showing of the documentary "Killing Me Softly" on Feb. 27 at 12 p.m. in Crisp Hall Room 125. Additionally, the Center for Health and Counseling staff will be giving eating disorder screenings on Feb. 25 before and after the lecture, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UC lobby and Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Towers Cafeteria.
The eating disorder screenings will be completely private and "will be evaluated by a trained therapist who works with students with eating disorders," Clinical Faculty Associate Deborah Cohen said.
Any student can come to these events because eating disorders affect a large amount of people, licensed professional counselor Linda Vogelsang, said. Even if a student doesn't have an eating disorder "they probably know someone" who does. By attending these events students can teach people to see the warning signs as well as be able to help a person with the illness. The NEDA website, http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, states that NEDA is not only about increasing knowledge but, the "importance of promoting positive body image as well."
Eating disorders are more prevalent in females, but numbers in males are growing. "We are seeing more and more males with the disorder, especially bulimia," Cohen said. Society has a big effect on the causes of eating disorders, Cohen explained.
"Most fashion models are thinner than 98 percent of American women," the NEDA says, showing a distorted view. Jenni Schaefer, who is recovering from an eating disorder, writes in her book "Life Without ED," "for role models in the media who have healthy, beautiful bodies" instead of rail thin unwholesome figures, the image is hard to see.
For help or information on eating disorders come to the event next week or contact the center for Health and Counseling at 986-6191.
This year, National Eating Disorder Awareness week runs Feb. 24 through March 1. Southeast Missouri State University is hosting events throughout the week to spread awareness of eating disorders.
Events include news radio host, Faune Riggin's lecture "How You Look is Not What You Are" on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in Glenn Auditorium, an Eating Disorder Recovery Panel on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in Towers Dormitory Room 207 and a showing of the documentary "Killing Me Softly" on Feb. 27 at 12 p.m. in Crisp Hall Room 125. Additionally, the Center for Health and Counseling staff will be giving eating disorder screenings on Feb. 25 before and after the lecture, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UC lobby and Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Towers Cafeteria.
The eating disorder screenings will be completely private and "will be evaluated by a trained therapist who works with students with eating disorders," Clinical Faculty Associate Deborah Cohen said.
Any student can come to these events because eating disorders affect a large amount of people, licensed professional counselor Linda Vogelsang, said. Even if a student doesn't have an eating disorder "they probably know someone" who does. By attending these events students can teach people to see the warning signs as well as be able to help a person with the illness. The NEDA website, http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, states that NEDA is not only about increasing knowledge but, the "importance of promoting positive body image as well."
Eating disorders are more prevalent in females, but numbers in males are growing. "We are seeing more and more males with the disorder, especially bulimia," Cohen said. Society has a big effect on the causes of eating disorders, Cohen explained.
"Most fashion models are thinner than 98 percent of American women," the NEDA says, showing a distorted view. Jenni Schaefer, who is recovering from an eating disorder, writes in her book "Life Without ED," "for role models in the media who have healthy, beautiful bodies" instead of rail thin unwholesome figures, the image is hard to see.
For help or information on eating disorders come to the event next week or contact the center for Health and Counseling at 986-6191.
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