Raise Awareness for Eating Disorders Week

Eating disorders don't discriminate.

They are an equal-opportunity, life-threatening mental health concern for men and women of all body types and ages.

That's the message NYIT School of Health Professions student Samantha Basile wants to spread on campus with a series of activities and a social media campaign to mark Eating Disorders Week, Feb. 21 to 27.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) website, "eating disorders—such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder—include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues." They have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder and 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life, says NEDA.

The week's on-campus events include free eating disorder screenings on Thursday, Feb. 25, 12:30-2 p.m., using NEDA's online questionnaire. Laptops or tablets will be available in the lobby of the Student Activity Center (near the Bears Den) in Old Westbury and at the student lounge at 26 W. 61st St. in Manhattan. Students can answer a series of questions during the confidential, three-minute screenings that will determine if their eating habits are of concern, and counselors from NYIT will be present to discuss results.

For Basile, a health science major, member of NYIT's softball team, and president of the Student-Athlete Advisor Committee, the campaign has personal resonance: she has both family and friends with eating disorders.

"This is important because you can be affected at any moment by a loved one or best friend who develops an eating disorder," says Basile. "With our changing society and the idea that we have to look perfect, we need to be aware of the issues now more than ever."

After interning at NEDA in fall 2015, Basile met with a coordinator from the online health community Proud2BeMe and NYIT Senior Director of Counseling and Wellness Alice Heron-Burke to coordinate a campaign for NYIT.

"Many students do not think that eating disorders are a big deal or think that they only happen to certain people," Basile says. "You do not have to look a certain way to have one. There is no 'type.' "

Eating Disorders Week Social Media Campaign Activities

Help reinforce positive body images and experiences by participating in a social media campaign to raise awareness of eating disorders. Use the hashtags #Proud2BeNYIT and #NEDAwareness to share content on your social media channels:

• Monday, Feb. 22, No-Filter Selfie: Post a picture of yourself without makeup or filters on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms to send a "proud to be me" message to your followers.
• Tuesday, Feb. 23, Pass it Forward: Hand out business cards with a positive message: "Today is a beautiful day because of you, Snap. Post. Pass." Pick up the business cards at several offices, including Career Services, Campus Life, and Athletics.
• Wednesday, Feb. 24, Be Confident: Wear an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Take a photo of your look and share it on your favorite social media platform.
• Thursday, Feb. 25, Post Your Passion: Post your hobbies, passions, or news about what motivates you. Promote your own clubs and organizations and the things people may not know about you.
• Friday, Feb. 26, Role Models: Share thoughts about and photos of role models and mentors who encourage and motivate you.