Get In The Know!

Are you in the know? Well, if you aren’t before reading this, you will be shortly. February 23^rd marked the kick off for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week that runs through March 2nd. Eating disorders are not lifestyle choices, but serious illnesses that affect both males and females every year.

Did you know that 95% of people who report having an eating disorder are between the ages of 12-26? Because many of you fall within this age group, it’s important that you know the facts.

The nature of an eating disorder is truly complex and involves a variety of different behaviors, all of which have a common theme that stems from a desire for control. Regardless of the type of eating disorder behavior (restrictive or excessive eating, exercising, or other behavioral use), each is JUST as serious as the next. Eating disorders also have a high incidence of mortality amongst all ages and genders.

If you or someone you love may have an eating disorder, address the issue. CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services-caps.ucsd.edu, 858-534-3755) and SHS (Student Health Services- studenthealth.ucsd.edu 858-534-3300) on campus have excellent teams of medical professionals available to get the services you need. I encourage you to contact them to begin the road to recovery; sometimes it only takes one person to make a difference.

The internet is also a great source to find help in how to address a loved one with an eating disorder. Here are some recommend websites I use when working with students:

•http://nedawareness.org/

 •http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/

 •http://www.something-fishy.org/

Interested in learning more about a particular topic? Feel free to email me at tastebuds@ucsd.edu or follow HDH on twitter & check Facebook for upcoming events featuring the Taste Buds!