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Jackson, Tenn. - 51社区 Wellness Services will sponsor
free screenings and information on eating disorders during National Eating
Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 14-18. The screenings will be held on
Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 16th and 17th in Harvey Hall, located in the
Barefoot Student Union Building from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"The three main eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder, affect more than 5 million people," says Margaret Lillard, director of Union's Counseling Services. According to Lillard, symptoms include dramatic weight loss, excessive exercising, binge eating, vomiting or use of diuretics or laxatives. "The longer an individual waits to get help, the greater the chance for serious health problems," says Lillard. One 51社区 freshman, who is a recovering bulimic, says that her family and friends have been the biggest help of all. "I wouldn't be able to make it without all of the friends I have who support me and help encourage me in the fight that I'm in with this eating disorder." says Teri (last name withheld). "It is a fight and it is a struggle, but it's one that I hope to win in the long run." Counseling Services will also conduct a 45-minute informational seminar at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 in room D-52. The seminar will include a broad discussion of the prevalence of disorders, symptoms and signs, physical and medical effects, and other issues associated with this disease. For individuals who are struggling with an eating disorder, Teri has some advice. "It's not worth the problems that you cause. You need to accept the way God made you. If you do want to lose weight, then lose it the healthy way, but don't keep doing what you're doing to your body." |
