It is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week through February 28, sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
The UMHS Endeavour looks at why this week is an important way to raise awareness about eating disorders for the public and students at American and Caribbean medical schools.
What is the Week About?
Press materials from the website for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week say it puts the “spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders and to improve public understanding of their causes, triggers and treatments. By increasing awareness and access to resources, we can encourage early detection and intervention, which can improve the likelihood of full recovery for millions.”
2015 Theme: I Had No Idea
For 2015, NEDA focuses on early intervention and “recognizing the diverse experiences of people personally affected by disordered eating. Too often, signs and symptoms are overlooked as insignificant behaviors when in fact many of these are early warning signs of eating disorders.”
Early Intervention & Prevention & More
NEDA says the following about early intervention and prevention:
- If someone is exhibiting signs or thoughts of struggling with an eating disorder, intervening during the early stages of development can significantly increase the likelihood of preventing the onset of a full-blown eating disorder. It also leads to greater chances of a full recovery. It can prevent years of struggle and can even save lives. A key goal of #NEDAwareness Week is to direct individuals to a free online screening for eating disorders at www.MyBodyScreening.org.
Help is available, and recovery is possible.
- Help is available, and recovery is possible. NEDA says, “While eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses, help is available and recovery is possible. It is important for those affected, and their loved ones, to remember that they are not alone in their struggle. Others have recovered and are now living healthy fulfilling lives. Let the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) be a part of your support network. NEDA has information and resources available via the NEDA website and helpline: www.NationalEatingDisorders.org, NEDA Helpline: 1 (800) 931-2237.”
(Top photo & inset photo) Photos: Courtesy of NEDA
About UMHS:
Built in the tradition of the best US universities, the University of Medicine and Health Sciences focuses on individual student attention, maintaining small class sizes and recruiting high-quality faculty. We call this unique approach, “personalized medical education,” and it’s what has led to our unprecedented 96% student retention rate, and outstanding residency placements across the US and Canada. UMHS is challenging everything you thought you knew about Caribbean medical schools.
Scott is Director of Digital Content & Alumni Communications Liaison at UMHS and editor of the UMHS Endeavour blog. When he's not writing about UMHS students, faculty, events, public health, alumni and UMHS research, he writes and edits Broadway theater reviews for a website he publishes in New York City, StageZine.com.
