In recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Week in February, WellWorks Nutrition Counselor and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Selena Baker is urging students, faculty, staff and community members to learn how to serve as an advocate for themselves and others.
“Building awareness and an open conversation around eating disorders is key to recovery, as is early intervention. We’re looking to increase the visibility of local services and are excited to get the word out with a series of fun, informative events,” said Baker.
Baker stressed that resources are available on campus and in the community for anyone who may be battling an eating disorder or who wants to help friends or family members who have been impacted by an eating disorder.
“OHIO’s Eating Disorder Support Team serves students who are struggling with food and body image, and offers support to students who are coming to campus following eating disorder treatment,” explained Baker.
The team includes a group of physicians, counselors, a psychiatrist and liaisons with athletics and the Ping Center. Additional resources are available on-campus and in the community for non-students, including one-on-one nutrition counseling with Baker at WellWorks, which is open to everyone.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), “Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health concern.” NEDA, a non-profit aimed at providing support for individuals and families impacted by eating disorders, offers free resources on its website and through a toll-free helpline.
To help build awareness of this important issue in Athens, Baker and her team of nutrition students will be co-hosting the following events during NEDA Week (Feb. 25 – March 3) alongside Shelby Martin, clinical psychology PhD student, and Briana Weisner, counseling and psychological services intern. All students, faculty, staff and community members seeking support or information are encouraged to attend both events.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019: Tabling
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Stop by the WellWorks NEDA-Week table on the first floor of Baker Center to connect with a dietitian, pick up information on eating disorders prevention and treatment and discover how to help a friend in need.
Wednesday, Feb. 27: Awareness and Resource Presentation, Nutrition Tips & Free Healthy Snack, Film Screening of Embrace and Discussion
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Porter 104
Join Shelby Martin, graduate student in clinical counseling, Briana Weisner, predoctoral psychology intern, Selena Baker, WellWorks nutrition counselor, and the WellWorks nutrition student team during NEDA Week to build awareness of eating disorders, on-campus resources, and the hope and healing that recovery brings. The evening’s film screening and discussion features "Embrace" — an uplifting documentary by body image activist Taryn Brumfitt.
Ongoing information about nutrition and eating disorders will be made available on the Ohio University WellWorks Facebook page. For more information about eating disorders or to find support resources, visit the National Eating Disorder website or call WellWorks to set up a nutrition counseling session with a registered dietitian, 740.593.2093. Students seeking additional information are encouraged to reach out to the Eating Disorders Support Team.
WellWorks, an initiative of OHIO’s College of Health Sciences and Professions, offers a wide array of wellness services to Ohio University employees as well as the surrounding area. From massage to nutrition to personal training, we have your wellness needs covered.