OSWEGO -- Helping people examine their attitudes
toward eating and body image is the motivation for Body Acceptance and
Eating Awareness Day, which is Feb. 18 at SUNY Oswego. SUNY Oswego will
offer free, anonymous education and screenings for eating disorders
from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Hewitt Union main lounge.
Local residents are encouraged to attend this event,
which is part of the National Easting Disorders Screening Program.
A highlight of the day will be a panel presentation
from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. titled "Narratives on Overcoming an Eating
Disorder." The panelists will share their personal stories of recovery
from an eating disorder.
"For some of us, the battle to attain a certain
shape or size becomes an obsession," says Dr. Barbara Streets, a
counselor at the SUNY Oswego Counseling Services Center. "The focus on
food, dieting and exercise goes way beyond what is normal or healthy
and leads to dangerous health effects and psychological pain."
Those attending the day's activities will have the
opportunity to take a short self-test assessing their eating attitudes
and talk briefly with a counselor about the results. Referrals to
treatment and support services will be made as needed.
There also will be healthy food samples, videos to
watch, free educational eating disorder brochures, and an opportunity
to win the Body Acceptance and Eating Awareness Wellness basket (for a
$1 donation, with proceeds going to Ophelia's Place).
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations to
attend this event should contact the Counseling Services Center at
312-4416 in advance.