|
ARE YOUR EATING HABITS HEALTHY?
FIND OUT AT THE NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS SCREENING PROGRAM
Are you dissatisfied with your body or have an intense fear of gaining weight?
Do you over-exercise, restrict calories or think about food all the time? Do
you avoid eating around other people, or feel that food has a power over you so
that you can’t stop eating even when you are full?
Don’t continue these unhealthy routines. If you are concerned about your
eating habits, or those of a friend, you may find it helpful to talk to
counselors at your college’s counseling or health center, who will be
offering anonymous screenings for eating disorders and information on how to
stop letting food, weight and calories control your life.
“Adjusting to college life can be difficult for many and the desire to fit
in can make students susceptible to eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and
compulsive overeating. 95% of people with eating disorders are between the ages
of 12 and 25 and the majority of those who have an eating disorder don’t
seek treatment, often as a result of shame or social stigma. The goal of the
screening event is to reduce the stigma attached to eating disorders and let
students know that help is available,” says Katherine Cruise,
Communications Manager for Screening for Mental Health, the nonprofit that
sponsors the National Eating Disorders Screening Program.
Counselors emphasize that even those who do not have a diagnosable eating
disorder can benefit from this program. Food concerns, body dissatisfaction and
low self-esteem can keep a student from achieving at school or sports and
hinders social activities like dating or being with friends. This program
offers education and screening to help students stop unhealthy eating habits
before they evolve into full-blown eating disorders.
As part of the program, students will hear an educational presentation, complete
a written self-assessment and have the opportunity to talk privately with a
health professional about their screening results. If appropriate, students may
be referred to the counseling center for a complete evaluation.
Colleges across the country are offering this education and screening program as
part of the National Eating Disorders Screening Program (NEDSP), sponsored by
the national nonprofit Screening For Mental Health. NEDSP is being held at
colleges nationwide in conjunction with Eating Disorders Awareness Week,
February 22-29, 2004. For more information, visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org.
|
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
×
