University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN’s JADE Presents a Week of Self-Image Workshops and Events

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., March 19, 2007) — Five million Americans suffer from eating disorders and more than 1,000 individuals die each year as a direct result. Cal State Northridge will host a series of events next month to shed light on the issues surrounding body image.

The "Mind, Body and Spirit" week is scheduled to take place April 16 through April 19. Sponsored by Northridge’s Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating (JADE), a peer educating program, University Counseling Services and the Klotz Student Health Center, the events are designed to help people better understand and prevent eating disorders. They also want to impart the skills necessary to improve body image and live healthy lifestyles. Throughout the week, participants will have an opportunity to hear from counselors and dietitians as well as take part in interactive activities created to raise self-esteem and provide tools for helping yourself and others.

The week begins Monday, April 16, at 9 a.m. with a presentation by CSUN alum Erin Naimi, a registered dietitian who will discuss eating disorders and the infamous "Freshman Fifteen"—the 15 pounds students allegedly gain their first year in college. She will also host "The Dieting Game," which will give participants tips on how to help improve self-esteem. Naimi’s presentation will take place in the Sierra Center Meeting Room on the east side of the campus off Etiwanda Avenue.

That same day, the Student Health Center Info Lounge in the University Student Union, on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Avenue, will become "A Room with a View," an interactive exhibit exploring the different dimensions of beauty from various cultures and perspectives set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include an eating disorder screening as well as counselors who can provide information regarding how to get help for participants or their loved ones.

Tuesday, April 17, is devoted to "Fat Brain, Skinny Body" with a multimedia presentation by Michelle Garb, a comedienne and actress. Garb will address such issues as anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating with factual information and comedy. Garb’s presentation will run twice in the morning from 8-9:15 a.m. and 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union. A U-MATTERdor Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Matador Walkway near the center of the campus. The fair will include free massages, food, giveaways, a balloon artist and a climbing wall.

On Wednesday, April 18, from 10-10:45 a.m., in the Thousand Oaks Room of the USU, Northridge sociology professor Melanie Klein will discuss the media’s influence on beauty norms and body image. "Room with a View" again will be taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Health Center Room at the USU.

The activities for Thursday, April 19, will be held at the Bayramian Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature an outdoor visual display featuring mirrors and statistics to help people "reflect on what’s real." People can also take part in the "Great Jeans Giveaway" by dropping off jeans that don’t fit anymore. The jeans will be donated to Meeting Each Need with Dignity (MEND). All clothing donations will be accepted.

For more information, please contact JADE at 818-677-7500 or go online to www.csun.edu/counseling.