Eating disorders plague many people’s lives and are a struggle to live with.
According to National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, at least 30 million people suffer from eating disorders in the United States.
It’s National Eating Disorder Awareness Week at the University of Idaho. Throughout the week, UI will work to improve awareness of eating disorders, understanding of causes and treatments and empower students to be aware of those resources, according to UI’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week webpage.
The Women’s Center, Vandal Health Education and the Counseling and Testing Center are collaborating to provide events all week on campus. These events are geared to raise awareness about eating disorders and provide resources to those who are in need.
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week’s mission is to reduce stigma, improve access to treatment and provide information about eating disorders.
Here are the events UI is holding this week.
Monday
Zumba Without Mirros
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Place: Student Recreation Center
Tuesday
Health Hut
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Place: Idaho Student Union Building
Film Screening: “Embrace”
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Place: ASUI Vandal Lounge
Wednesday
Eating Disorder Informational Screening
- Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Place: Idaho Student Union Building
Body Positivity Mindfulness
- Time: 12 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.
- Place: Teaching and Learning Center, Room 223
Vandalizing the Kitchen: Quick Breakfasts
- Time: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Place: Student Recreation Center Classroom
Zumba Without Mirrors
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Place: Student Recreation Center
Thursday
Intuitive Eating Workshop
- Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Place: Student Recreation Center Classroom
Friday
Friday Crafternoons: We Rock
- Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Place: The Women’s Center
There are many things that can be done to help raise awareness about eating disorders. The first is to raise awareness about these life-threatening illnesses. Eating disorders are not lifestyle choices and have serious outcomes.
The second, is sharing appropriate resources can help an individual tremendously.
Another way is to direct people to life-saving information and resources about eating disorders.
These are not the only ways to help people with eating disorders because each person is different and each case is unique.
Resources on campus include the Counseling and Testing Center. They can be reached by scheduling an appointment by calling (208) 885-6716 and are located in Mary E. Forney Hall Room 306.
There is also information available on UI’s website about various Health and Wellness resources in the Moscow area.
Another resource is Clinical Nutrition Counseling. They provide nutrition counseling from registered dietitians at Gritman Medical Center. For more information, contact Gritman at (208) 883-6341.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce.