Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 26-March 4

A week for "Diversity in Mind, Body and Spirit" is planned in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's 10th annual observance of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 26-March 4.

The Eating Disorder Education and Prevention Student Association planned all activities sponsored on campus with the goal of fostering healthy ideas and encouraging students to develop self-esteem and self-respect based on wellness principles. All events are free and open to the public.

The week begins with the presentation "Let's Talk About Men's Bodies (and Women's, Too!)" by Leigh Cohn at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the ballroom of the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St. Cohn, co-author of "Making Weight: Men's Conflicts with Food, Weight, Shape and Appearance," estimates that 80 percent of women have dieted and there are an equal number of men who want to lose weight or put on pounds of muscle. His presentation will address the objectification of men and women, the resulting problems of eating disorders, poor body image, concerns over sexuality and low self-esteem. More information on Cohn can be found online at www.gurze.net/site12_5_00/leighspeaks.htm.

The week continues Feb. 28 with a movie, "How to Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Minutes," at 7 p.m. in the Nebraska Union. On March 1, Charlie Foster, a counselor in Counseling and Psychological Services at UNL's University Health Center, will present "Cultural Perspectives on Eating Disorders and Body Image" at 7 p.m. in the Nebraska Union. A fashion show emphasizing "Diversity in Mind, Body and Spirit" will begin at noon March 2 in the Nebraska Union. The week's activities will conclude March 3 with "Fearless Friday" which will celebrate a day without dieting.

There will be displays in the Nebraska Union Alcove throughout the week sponsored by Eating Disorder Education and Prevention Student Association. These events include a Tree of Positivity (encouraging people to write positive thoughts on a leaf to make the tree blossom) and a Scale of Fortune (stand on the scale which gives results that make you feel great, time after time). Individuals will also be able to donate jeans which no longer fit at the Great Jeans Giveaway locations including the NU Alcove, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week activities and sorority houses. The Great Jeans Giveaway is sponsored by Greeks Promoting Positive Attitudes.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week began as a national outreach campaign sponsored by the Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention organization, a national nonprofit organization. Activities at UNL are sponsored by the Eating Disorders Education and Prevention Student Association; SHINE; Greeks Promoting Positive Attitudes; University Health Center; Campus Recreation Center; Montage; Student Alumni Association; Pepsi Student Events Fund; Alpha Delta Pi; and the Women's Center. All events are free.

CONTACT:Jennifer Snyder, Marketing Coordinator, University Health Center, (402) 472-7459