Released on February 2, 1999
Associate Health Minister Judy Junor today underlined the many kinds
of help available to Saskatchewan citizens suffering from eating
disorders. Emphasizing the importance of prevention, she proclaimed
February 1-6 Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
"We are proud of our programs to help those suffering from eating
disorders, and their families. The most important challenge is to
prevent eating disorders," Junor said. "Health districts have given a
lot of attention to both approaches, with the full support of
Saskatchewan Health. They offer prevention and education initiatives,
community support, nutrition counselling and treatment."
To support the prevention of eating disorders, individuals, educators,
physicians and service providers can take advantage of a variety of
education materials. As well, service providers have been given
education and training to help individuals with eating disorders and
their families.
The theme of this year's Eating Disorder Awareness Week is
'Celebrating Our Natural Sizes'. Community groups throughout the
province have organized special events and activities to highlight the
actions that can be taken to combat eating disorders. Many
communities are participating in a Trash the Diet' campaign to
encourage individuals to stop unhealthy dieting and weight loss
practices.
Minister Junor said Saskatchewan people can be proud of efforts
to combat eating disorders through innovative programming.
Bridgepoint Center for Eating Disorders in Milden, Midwest Health
District, is an excellent example of an innovative program.
Bridgepoint offers an intensive eating disorder rehabilitation
program. Saskatchewan Health has funded the three-year
provincial demonstration project with $200,000 annually since
1997/98.
"Bridgepoint shows the value of partnerships and of developing
fresh approaches. Bridgepoint offers a unique treatment program
that has attracted international attention," Junor said.
The Center hosted an eating disorders workshop in September 1998
of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), a
Chicago-based organization. The conference was the first time
ANAD has assisted with projects in Canada.
Statistics show 90 per cent of North American women are
dissatisfied at some point with their body image. Up to
15 per cent of Canadian women experience many of the eating
disorder symptoms detrimental to physical or emotional health.
In Saskatchewan, it is estimated 1.5 per cent of females aged
15-24 experience anorexia nervosa and four per cent experience
bulimia.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4088
Note to Editors and Photo Editors
The following are selected activities taking place in support of the 1999 Eating Disorder Awareness Week. You are encouraged to contact the following for additional feature and photo coverage.
Estevan
The South East Health District will have a Display, Celebrating Our Natural Sizes, at the Estevan Leisure Centre Feb. 1-6.
There will also be a presentation, kNOw Dieting, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Monday, Feb. 15, at 7:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Barbara Wright
South East Health District
Phone: (306) 634-0415
Regina
The Regina Health District is holding a panel discussion, Visions and Longings - Interpreting Standards of Beauty for the 21st Century, Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2:00 pm at the Central Library. The panel will include discussions about eating disorders among children and adolescents.
For more information contact:
Bonnie Young
Regina Health District
Phone: (306) 766-7400
The University of Regina will be holding Celebrating Our Selves and Natural Sizes Week, Feb. 15-21. There will be a Series of events throughout the week.
For more information contact:
Susan McKay
University of Regina
Phone: (306) 585-4491
Prince Albert
The Prince Albert Health District is sponsoring a mental health clinical conference, Mental Health - Building Community Partnerships, Mar. 3-5 at the Prince Albert Inn. The conference agenda will include Disordered Eating and Women's Perceptions on its Causes.
For more information contact:
Al Adams
Prince Albert Health District
Phone: (306) 953-3855
Saskatoon
Saskatoon District Health is presenting, Eaten Alive, Saturday, Feb. 13, 1:00 - 4:00 pm at St. Joseph High School. Broadway actress and recovered anorexic/bulimic Mimi Wyche performs a one-woman show about eating disorders.
For more information contact:
Shannon Donnan
Saskatoon District Health
Phone: (306) 655-4671
Yorkton
The East Central Health District is sponsoring a symposium, Taking Body Image into the New Millennium, Thursday, Feb. 4, 8:00 am to 4:45 pm, at the Regency Room, Thrift Lodge Hotel,
Yorkton.
For more information contact:
Heather Torrie
East Central Health District
Phone: (306) 786-0604
Weyburn
The South Central Health District will be offering a presentation, kNOw Dieting, to a variety of community groups.
For more information contact:
Naomi Shanks
South Central Health District
Phone: (306) 842-8622
Swift Current
The Swift Current Health District is offering a public presentation on the prevention of eating disorders, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, at Swift Current Comprehensive High School.
In addition, eating disorder prevention packages have been distributed throughout the week to schools in the Swift Current, Rolling Hills and South West Health Districts.
For more information contact:
Rita Carswell
Swift Current Health District
Phone: (306) 778-5276
