Facebook.com/BlazingEDThe University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Psychology and UAB Psi Chi International Honor Society of Psychology will raise awareness of the severity of eating disorders with activities during National Eating Disorders Week, Feb. 24 – March 1.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality of any psychiatric illness and more than 30 million people will experience a diagnosable eating disorder during their lifetimes, according to the National Eating Disorders Association They estimate that 90 percent of college-age women are persistently dieting and one-quarter are at risk of developing an eating disorder.
Activities include a discussion panel consisting of treatment professionals and individuals in recovery from eating disorders at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, at the Brock Forum Building, Samford University. This event is sponsored by the Highlands Treatment Center.
Wednesday, February 26, will feature interactive activities on the UAB campus green from 12 - 3 p.m., including a scale smashing station (scales available for purchase from Psi Chi or bring your own), a tie-dyeing station (shirts available for purchase or bring your own), Zumba party, food trucks and more. Donations will go to the National Eating Disorders Association and Psi Chi.
A candlelight vigil will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 at The Edge of Chaos, Lister Hill Library, fourth floor, 1700 University Blvd., with survivors, those in recovery and those currently coping with eating disorders telling their personal stories..
All events are open to the public. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/BlazingED.