National Eating Disorders Awareness Week starts next week

Alison Clarke
WVoN co-editor 

February 26 is the start of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Organised and run by non-profit NEDA (the National Eating Disorders Association), this year’s theme – “Everybody knows somebody” – reflects a growing awareness of eating disorders.

Lynn Grefe, president and CEO said: “This week is so important to spreading awareness and understanding the seriousness of eating disorders.

“Most everyone does in fact know someone affected by an eating disorder, so let’s come together to begin supporting those friends and working toward prevention.”

The aim of NEDAwareness Week is to prevent eating disorders and body image issues in the longer term, while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment.

Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses – not choices – and it’s important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviours that shape those disorders.

NEDAwareness Week is a collective effort of primary volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment.

This year, NEDA is once again asking everyone to do just one thing to help raise awareness and provide accurate information about eating disorders.

NEDAwareness Week participants can contribute in any of the following ways:

• Distribute info pamphlets and put up posters
• Write a letter to your local paper
• Register as a volunteer speaker or host a volunteer speaker
• Post information on Facebook or arrange interactive and educational activities such as a meditation and yoga event, panel discussions, fashion shows, body fairs, movie screenings, art exhibits and more.

As an official NEDAwareness Week participant you can be involved in any way that works with your schedule, resources, community, and interests.

These events and activities are vital to attracting public media attention – on local, national and international levels.

So what are you waiting for? Log on to the website and get going.