Events to promote healthy eating and positive self-image

By Eric Reikowski, staff writer

The Oakland University community will observe National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Feb. 26 through March 3 with a series of informative and fun events leading up to the premiere of “America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments.”

Activities will kick off with a “Love Your Body” yoga class with live instrumental music from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, in Oakland Center Gold Room A.

The interactive presentation “Bye Bye Barbie: Fighting Media Messages” is scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, and from noon-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29, in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge. Free eating disorder screenings by professionals from the OU Counseling Center will be offered before and after each presentation. Additional screenings will be offered from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, in the Campus Recreation Center.

The premiere of “America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments” will take place from 6:30-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. Directed by Daryl Roberts, the documentary film sheds light on a variety of weight-related issues, such as the obesity epidemic and the national obsession with dieting.

The event will be followed by a panel discussion featuring eating disorder experts Laura Fishman, L.M.S.W.; Bethany Helfman, Psy.D.; Patrizia Jesue, R.D.; and Evan Stashefsky, M.D. The panel will answer questions from audience members and offer expertise on issues related to health and body image. Free refreshments will be provided.

The week will conclude with a performance of “Body Monologues” by the University of Michigan Body Peace Corps from 7-9 p.m. in O’Dowd Hall Room 203. The event will be followed by testimonials from individuals who have dealt with eating disorders.

National Eating Disorders Week at OU is supported by the OU Counseling Center, Graham Health Center, Campus Recreation Center, School of Health Sciences, Department of Communication and Journalism, and Helfman and Associates, P.C.

The community is also invited to celebrate a healthy body image by taking part in “Be Comfortable in Your Genes.” Sponsored by Graham Health Center and Campus Recreation, this initiative encourages everyone to donate jeans that are uncomfortable or contribute to a negative self-image. Jeans can be dropped off at collection boxes in the Campus Recreation Center, Ann V. Nicholson Apartments, Oakland Center, Center for Multicultural Initiatives and at various residence halls.

To learn more about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, visit the website at nationaleatingdisorders.org. For additional information on events at OU, view the flyer or contact the OU Counseling Center at (248) 370-3465.