Contact: Maridith Geuder
Two Division of Student Affairs units at Mississippi State are collaborating next week to provide information, testing and advice about healthy eating habits and body image.
The university's Longest Student Health Center and Counseling and Testing Services are providing a series of free, public programs to coincide with Feb. 23-29 National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Titled "Body Positive," the campus program is designed to promote body acceptance and healthy habits, said counselor Claire van Ogtrop. "We want to provide accurate information about eating disorders and educate the community about the harmful effects of media messages about body image," she explained.
Van Ogtrop said both men and women are encouraged to attend. "A recent national survey of college-age women showed that more than 90 percent had tried to control their weight through dieting, and we know that approximately 11 million men and women around the nation struggle with eating disorders," she added.
In addition to emphasizing acceptance of each individual's unique appearance, activities also will provide information about eating disorders and how to seek help, said Jennifer Fuller, Longest's health educator. "We'll be in Colvard Union and at the Sanderson Center throughout the week to provide a variety of information," she said.
Specific activities, times and places for the events include:
--Monday, Feb. 23, display on eating disorder myths, facts and prevention, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Colvard Union; 4-8 p.m. at the Sanderson Center.
--Tuesday, the 24th, a "Great Jeans Giveaway," 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Drill Field. Participants will be encouraged to give away their too-tight jeans and accept their "genes." The MSU Panhellenic Council, the governing body of campus social sororities, is co-sponsor.
Also on Tuesday, a 3-8 p.m. Sanderson Center display of body images as portrayed in various media; a 3:30-7:30 p.m. eating disorder screening conducted by counseling center staff members.
--Wednesday, the 25th, "Great Jeans Giveaway" continues 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Drill Field. Also, a 3-6 p.m. Sanderson Center display on dieting and body image.
--Thursday, the 26th, a 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Colvard Union display on the risks and consequences of eating disorders.
Also, a 7 p.m. Thursday presentation at Lee Hall auditorium by Stacey Kole, Miss Arizona 1998. A motivational speaker who has successfully battled anorexia, she is the author of "Satisfying the Starving Soul." Her presentation is sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ.
For more information about "Body Positive" events, telephone the Counseling Center at (662) 325-2091.