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I Had No Idea …

February 13, 2014

I HAD NO IDEA (National Eating Disorders Awareness Week logo)NIU will host several events between Friday, Feb. 21, and Friday, Feb. 28, in recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

The annual campaign to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families: “I had no idea … that you can be too thin … that over-exercising can lead to an eating disorder … that 35 percent of ‘normal’ dieters progress to pathological dieting … that an eating disorder can kill you or lead to permanent physical damage … that (I, my daughter, son, sister, brother, friend) had a problem.”

At NIU, the campus community is encouraged to wear purple all week long to show support of eating disorder recovery.

Meanwhile, from Monday, Feb. 24, through Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Holmes Student Center Glass Gallery will display artwork portraying various body types. Visitors can put themselves in the shoes of other people and imagine what it might be like to have bodies different from their own.

All events are sponsored by the Counseling and Student Development Center, Health Enhancement, Victim Advocacy Services, the Women’s Resource Center, Campus Recreation and the School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences.

For more information, call (815) 753-1206.

Lifesize BarbieFriday, Feb. 21
Information Table, Holmes Student Center (by TCF Bank)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ask questions and find information about eating disorders, eating disorder treatment and how to help a friend with an eating disorder. The table also will be staffed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24.

Monday, Feb. 24
The Joy of Eating, Wirtz Hall 306
6 to 7 p.m.

Food is more than just fuel for our bodies. It can satisfy our hunger while providing pleasurable flavors to satisfy our taste buds. Come for hands-on cooking activities and prizes.

Tuesday, Feb. 25
Males and Eating Disorders, HSC Illinois Room
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Eating disorders do not only affect females. They look different in males, and a growing number of males are affected by eating disorders. The discussion will offer insight on recognizing the warning signs.

Wednesday, Feb. 26
Body Positive Mediation, Campus Life Building 200
Noon to 1 p.m.

Come for an hour of guided mediation to help bring peace to your body and soul – the perfect activity for the middle of your week.

I Had No Idea: Panel Discussion, Faraday 143
6 to 7:30 p.m.

This panel discussion will shed light on what it means to have an eating disorder and what it takes to recover. Come for a unique opportunity to learn from individuals who have struggled with eating disorders and worked toward recovery.

NEDA logoThursday, Feb. 27
Decoupage & Discussion, Campus Life Building 100
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Decoupage is one style of art that is sometimes used in the treatment of individuals with eating disorders. Come let out your creativity with some art therapy.

Friday, Feb. 28
Yoga for Every Body, Rec Center Studio 2
Noon to 1 p.m.

Come for a free, body-loving yoga class. No previous yoga experience is necessary.