'U' recognizes national eating disorder week

As part of a panoply of events across the nation, several organizations at the University are commemorating National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which began yesterday.

"There's a lot of shame and embarrassment associated with eating disorders," said Sheril Szuch, state coordinator of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Because the topic is taboo, Szuch said, it is important to make information and resources about eating disorders widely available.

Szuch, a psychologist, opened the week in Ann Arbor last night when she spoke at the Michigan League, addressing the topic of "Friends Helping Friends: Eating Disorders and How to Help Those in Need."

"Friends and family (of those with eating disorders) go through their own pain," Szuch said. "One of the most frequently asked questions is 'What can I do for them, and what can't I do?'"

A poetry reading planned for tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the League underground will allow students to share thoughts on the issue.

"I thought a good way to express feelings about this as a sort of therapy is through writing," said LSA senior Megan Anderson, a peer educator at the University Health Service.

The poetry reading is being sponsored jointly by UHS and the League Programming Office.

Whitney Thomas, League programming office representative, said the poetry reading will not be limited to eating disorder issues, but will include a broad scope of body image issues.

"People are welcome to come and read their own poetry about all sorts of different perspectives of body image - height, weight, nose jobs, breast enhancements," Thomas said.

Also planned for tomorrow is a film screening sponsored by the women's studies department. In the film "Still Killing Us Softly: Advertising's Image of Women," writer Jean Kilbourne explores the techniques used by advertisers to exploit the insecurities of consumers, particularly the concerns about aging, body image, and sexuality. The film is scheduled to be shown at 8 p.m. in the Chemistry Building, room 1210.

In order to publicize the week, members of Students Promoting Eating Disorder Awareness and Knowledge will be handing out purple ribbons and informational sheets on the Diag, said SPEAK founder Michelle Bolek, a Public Health student.

The group is also planning a candlelight vigil on the Diag on Wednesday at 10 p.m. to remember those who suffer and have suffered from eating disorders.

Bolek said the events of this week are meant to spark further discussion.

"It's not just to talk about this for a week, but really an ongoing campaign," she said.

The University Psychological Clinic offers free, private eating issues assessments, screenings and referrals. For more information call 764-3471.

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