National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2012

Today kicks of National Eating Disorders Awareness week. A week dedicated to shedding light and awareness on eating disorders and eating disorder recovery is near and dear to my heart so I hope to post a little this week on the topic. This year the awareness week runs February 26, 2012 - March 3, 2012. For more information on the main National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) click here. 


Some quick info on The NEDA (Source) :

• Organization = The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. We campaign for prevention, improved access to quality treatment, and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders. We work with partners and volunteers to develop programs and tools to help everyone who seeks assistance. Since 1999, our national toll-free helpline has assisted families,  friends and individuals find appropriate treatment. NEDA is proud that our website serves as an entry point for people around the globe to find information on eating disorders. We serve as an important and welcome first stop for those searching for resources.
• Mission = NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
• Vision = NEDA envisions a world without eating disorders.
• History = NEDA was formed in 2001, when Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention (EDAP) joined forces with the American Anorexia Bulimia Association (AABA) – merging the largest and longest standing eating disorders prevention and advocacy organizations in the world. The merger was the most recent in a series of alliances that has also included the National Eating Disorder Organization (NEDO) and the Anorexia Nervosa & Related Disorders (ANRED). 

(Source)

To kick off the week I thought I would link up to a few sites that share some insight on eating disorders and/or thoughts on body image: 

• Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders - General Information 
• Happy Birthday Barbie, Eat your Cake 
• My Personal Challenge: No Gym For One Year 
• Eating Disorders: Symptoms 
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Know your options 
• The Love Yourself Challenge!
• Operation Beautiful
• Recovery 101 by Bearing, Eating, Being 
• The Naked Face Project 
• Celebrities Who Battled Eating Disorders 
• Faith based Eating Disorder book recommendations 

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Whether you, or someone you know or love, has directly experienced an eating disorder, I hope you can take a few minutes to reflect this week on the significance of the illness and how it is, unfortunately, far too widespread in todays society. Taking just a moment today to reflect on the issues could prevent a lifetime of hurt and struggle. Remember how special you are, how much you are loved and, most importantly, how much God values YOU for who you are TODAY. 

More to come this week. . .