Nearly 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, according to National Eating Disorders Association. In recognition of National Eating Disorders Week from Feb. 22 to 26, the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC) has put together a number of activities to draw attention to this epidemic and to promote a positive body image for University students.
“We want students to feel comfortable with themselves through a healthy body image,” said Dr. Alissa Brown, a SHAC staff psychologist. “One of the events is an art installation on loan from the Renfrew Center, a national eating disorders treatment program in the Philadelphia area, in the SHAC waiting areas. The art on display is part of an exhibition called “The Art of Recovery” and was created by patients at the Renfrew Center.”
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Events
Sponsored by SHAC February 22-26, 2010
• All week – The Renfrew Center Foundation presents “The Art of Recovery” – an exhibit of artwork by women in recovery from eating disorders. Artwork will be on display at SHAC throughout the week, and staff, faculty, and students are welcome to stop by to view the artwork.
• All week – information and resources will be available throughout the campus in the Wilson Dining Hall, Cappuccino’s in Whitecar Hall, McNeil STC Coffee Lab, the J.W. England library, and Barnes and Noble bookstore.
• Mirrorless Monday! Monday, Feb. 22 - Mirrors in selected buildings will be covered with white paper to remind individuals that what they see in the mirror does not define them. Students are encouraged to leave messages about positive body image and what they value in themselves and others.
• The Great Jeans Giveaway! Thursday, Feb. 25 – Feel comfortable in your genes – wear jeans that fit the REAL you. Are you wearing jeans that are uncomfortable or that don’t fit you properly? Please bring any jeans that don’t fit– too big, too small or just the wrong fit. SHAC will collect jeans all day in the ARC and donate them to a local shelter. There will be a table set up in the ARC lobby with jeans that students can decorate and write on with messages supporting healthy body image. Write all over the jeans and see your messages on display.
• Closing Reception – Friday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. Please join us for the Closing Reception at SHAC. A Renfrew Center art therapist will discuss the themes and interpretation of these powerful images. Refreshments will be served.