February 27 – March 2
Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses that have psychological, biological, and sociocultural causes. The good news is that prevention and recovery are possible.
The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to spread awareness of eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding them. This year, The Emily Program Foundation has partnered with universities in the Twin Cities and Duluth for a number of FREE events across the state in observance and celebration of eating disorder awareness.
Events
U of M Duluth Keynote Event: “Understanding Eating Disorders and how to support someone who is suffering” by Kitty Westin, MA, LP
Where: Bohannon 90, U of M Duluth
When: February 27
Gallery Hours: 7:00–8:30 pm
Kitty will share the story of her daughter, Anna Westin, who lost her battle with an eating disorder in February 2000 and how her family has turned the tragedy into hope. Kitty will leave participants with a basic understanding of eating disorders; the treatment and recovery process from an eating disorder; and how to best support a loved one who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder.* Free and open to all. http://www.d.umn.edu/hlthserv/
Film Screening of Beauty Mark
Where: Food Science & Nutrition Building, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 27
Gallery Hours: 6:00–8:00 pm
Beauty Mark examines popular culture’s emphasis on weight and looks through the eyes of Boulder-based psychotherapist and former world-class triathlete Diane Israel– who tells her own story while interviewing other champion athletes, body builders, fashion models and inner-city teens about their experiences relating to self-image. Discussion follow.
Presentation at St. Catherine University
Where: Saint Mary’s Residence Hall Lounge
When: February 27
Gallery Hours: 6:00–7:00 pm
Ashley Baldwin will lead a presentation and discussion on recognizing the signs, symptoms, and effects of eating disorders; how to effectively offer support to those struggling with eating disorders and body image; understanding and positively influencing the negative food and body image messages in our culture.
Art & Eating Disorders Gallery Exhibit
Where: Boynton Health Services, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 27–March 2
Gallery Hours: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex process, and it often brings up many uncomfortable emotions that individuals must face and eventually overcome. Self-expression through art serves as an important outlet for coping with this process. Art therapy is often a component of treatment and helps those suffering explore issues like body image and internal conflict. Individuals at various stages of their recovery created the work in this exhibit.
Empowerment Yoga
Where: Boynton Health Services, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 28
Time: 12:00–1:00 pm
Yoga therapy is often included as a part of eating disorder treatment. Empowerment yoga focuses on creating a noncompetitive and accepting atmosphere for practice. Instructors encourage individuals to connect with their bodies without judgment. Society often teaches us that exerting control over our bodies and “powering through the pain” is the best way to be healthy. Empowerment yoga challenges individuals to listen to their bodies, explore their limits, and ultimately come to a place of balance.
Film Screening of America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments
Where: Coffman Memorial Union Theater, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 29
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, film starts at 7:00 pm
Award-winning director Darryl Roberts examines America’s obsession with dieting and thinness in the compelling new documentary America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments. Roberts questions the experts about the promotion of fad diets, disordered eating, weight-loss surgeries, and the accuracy of the BMI.
Presentation at Hamline University
Where: Sorin Residence Dining Hall
When: March 1
Gallery Hours: 11:30-12:30 am
Jillian Lampert, PhD, MPH, RD, LD of The Emily Program will give a presentation on how to recognize the signs, symptoms and effects of eating disorders; how to effectively communicate and address eating disorder behavior in a college setting; how to support individuals before, during, and after treatment; and how to promote health and well-being through joyful activity, nutrition and self-care.
Presentation at St. Olaf College
Where: St. Olaf, Northfield, MN
When: March 1
Gallery Hours: 7:00-18:00 pm
Keri Clifton of The Emily Program will lead a discussion on the prevalence of eating disorders in university culture; how to recognize symptoms, effectively provide support to those who struggling with eating disorders and body image, and how to influence positive body image within your community.
* ”Understanding Eating Disorders and how to support someone who is suffering” is sponsored by The UMD Commission on Women; The UMD Department of Psychology; The UMD Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; the UMD Women’s Resource and Action Center; The Emily Program; The Junior League of Duluth; and UMD Health Services.
