Eating disorders explored at CSUN





Students, faculty and staff at Cal State Northridge will explore the issues surrounding societal pressures for a perfect body at the university’s ninth annual observance of Eating Disorders Awareness Week.


The week kicks off with a "Mind, Body and Spirit Fair" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon., Feb. 23 in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge.


"The fair is designed not only to raise awareness about eating disorders, but to give women and men a day to pamper themselves and to escape the stress of everyday life," said Ellen Mayer, a counselor at CSUN’s University Counseling Services and coordinator of the week’s events.


The day will feature a variety of free activities including massages, henna tattoos, psychic readings, aromatherapy, balloon animals, a character artist, a relaxing tea corner, and resource and information booths with tips on food, weight and eating disorders.


The week’s other activities include:


Author Leigh Cohn will discuss concerns and conflicts with food, weight, shape and appearance for both men and women from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Tues., Feb. 24. From 11 a.m. to noon in the Grand Salon he will lead a question-and-answer discussion, "Everything You’ve Wanted to Know about Eating Disorders but Never Asked!"


From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tues., Feb. 24 there will be a discussion, "Eating Disorders: Beyond Dieting," in the Pieza De Rocha Room of the Satellite Student Union at the corner of Zelzah Ave. and Lassen St. Participants will talk about the causes and symptoms of eating disorders and how to help oneself or a friend who may be suffering.


Nutritionist and body image specialist Sheri Barke will lead a discussion, "Body Talk: Freeing Yourself from Food and Weight Obsessions," from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wed., Feb. 25 in the Grand Salon. She will talk about dieting, media influences and body image, health fitness and body acceptance.


The films "Dying To Be Thin" and "Eating Disorders" will be screened from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 25 in room 112 of Sequoia Hall near the center of campus.


A multimedia presentation, "Fat Brain, Skinny Body," will be given from 11 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 26. Comedienne/actress Michelle Garb will talk about anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating disorders.


For more information, please call (818) 677-2366.



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