UPT ADDRESSES EATING DISORDERS DURING

NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK

TITUSVILLE, Feb. 20 --  As part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW), the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville will host a series of events and presentations to raise awareness about eating and body image concerns.

UPT, under the leadership of Judy Berneburg, Director of Counseling and Student Development, and Dr. Erica Altomare, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has teamed up with the National Eating Disorders Association to help fight the cultural pressures which are so strong for girls and women, and more and more for boys and men, that people are literally dying to be thin.

The theme for EDAW 2003, “Listen to Your Body,” includes tips for eating a healthy balance of foods and recognizing and accepting the natural diversity of body shapes and sizes.  As part of this, the public is encouraged to participate in the events scheduled during the week of February 24-28:

Monday, February 24:  Watch “Perfect Illusions:  Eating Disorders and the Family” at 10:00 p.m. on PBS Television.

Tuesday, February 25:  Attend a Brown Bag Luncheon from 12:15-12:45 p.m. in Henne Auditorium of the Broadhurst Science Center.  Dr. Altomare will discuss, “Eating Disorders:  What You Should Know and What You Can Do.”

Wednesday, February 26:  Come and enjoy the “Celebrate Your Body” Fair, featuring face molds, neck massages, and information tables on self-esteem, nutrition, eating disorders, stress management and wellness, from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the J. Curtis McKinney II Student Union.  Freebees and chances for prizes are part of the event, with coupons from Papa Carone’s Restaurant, Pizza Hut and Little Caesar’s.

Thursday, February 27, provides the students with a special opportunity to “Speak Out for Healthy Self-Esteem” and protest dysfunctional media messages by creating a display board in the Student Union.

Friday, February 28:  Everyone is encouraged to commit to “Fearless Friday” – a day without dieting or obsessing about diets, weight or body image.

For more information about eating disorders and the events, please contact Judy Berneburg at 827-4465.  In addition, visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org or call the National Eating Disorders Association at 800-931-2237.

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