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Get ready to join hands and stand together for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, starting on February 26. This all-important week was first organized by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), dedicated to increasing public awareness about the grave realities of eating disorders and the many resources available for those struggling. NEDA's mission is to highlight the need for education, early intervention, and accessible treatment. So, let us participate enthusiastically, learn, and spread the word, being a beacon of hope and support for those battling eating disorders and contributing to the quest for prevention, healing, and health!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Founding of NEDA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) was founded to address the growing concern over eating disorders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initial Awareness Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>First National Eating Disorders Awareness Week was held to improve public understanding of eating disorders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>NEDA's Helpline Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>NEDA launched its helpline, providing a much-needed service for those seeking information and support.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Screening Tool Introduction</div><div class='timeline-text'>NEDA introduced an online screening tool for eating disorders to help identify warning signs and seek early intervention.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eating Disorders Awareness Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Recovery Act was signed into law to raise awareness and provide resources for treatment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual NEDA Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, NEDA Week shifts to a virtual format, expanding accessibility for global involvement.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in a NEDA Walk</h3><p class='facts-text'>NEDA organizes walks throughout the country during NEDA Week to raise awareness and funds. Join a walk in your city or create your own informal community walk. This active participation promotes camaraderie and support for those affected by eating disorders.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a body positivity workshop</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite a local healthcare professional, therapist, or recovery advocate to lead a body positivity workshop. Attendees can learn about developing a healthier relationship with their body and food, as well as strategies to combat harmful societal norms and pressures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a movie screening</h3><p class='facts-text'>A documentary or film that tackles the harsh realities, complexities, recovery struggles, and successes related to eating disorders can spark meaningful conversation. Consider movies like "To the Bone," "Embrace," and "Thin" which provide insightful perspectives on eating disorders.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hold an information session</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use resources from NEDA’s website to conduct an eating disorder awareness meeting in your school, workplace, or community center. Discuss the signs and symptoms, bust myths, and help individuals understand the importance of early intervention and available treatments.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to NEDA or related organizations</h3><p class='facts-text'>Funds are crucial to supporting the research, education, advocacy, and patient support efforts of organizations like NEDA. Donate directly, set up a fundraiser, or purchase merchandise from their store. Your contributions could go a long way in helping someone on their recovery journey.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Awareness and Education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the main reasons we love National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is that it shines a light on a subject that is often misunderstood. This week is all about educating the public about the realities of eating disorders, debunking myths and sharing vital information about prevention and treatment options.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Compassion and Support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This week allows us to demonstrate compassion and support towards those who are battling eating disorders. Participating in different events, joining NEDA walks, or even hosting an online session can make a huge difference to someone who feels alone in their struggle and could potentially encourage them to seek help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Contribution to a Greater Cause</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Donations during this week contribute towards crucial research, education, and support services for those affected by eating disorders. This gives everyone the opportunity to directly impact and improve the lives of others, making it a meaningful week that we can all participate in and contribute to.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>30 million people in the U.S. will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime</h3><p class='facts-content'>The statistic underscores the pervasiveness of eating disorders, making awareness about this public health issue crucial.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness</h3><p class='facts-content'>This alarming reality emphasizes the dire need for early detection, intervention, and comprehensive treatment plans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Men make up 25% of individuals with anorexia nervosa</h3><p class='facts-content'>While eating disorders are often depicted as female-dominated, the illness affects a significant number of men as well.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Adolescents with anorexia nervosa have 10 times the risk of dying compared to their same-age peers</h3><p class='facts-content'>This fact accentuates the severity of eating disorders in young people and highlights the need for prompt intervention.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Genetics play a significant role in susceptibility to eating disorders</h3><p class='facts-content'>Recent research shows that genetics account for approximately 40-60% of the risk for developing an eating disorder, emphasizing its classification as a bio-psycho-social disease.</p></div></div>
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