CSUN Plans Events on Eating Disorders

Cal State Northridge will kick off a weeklong series of performances, discussions and lectures to raise awareness of eating disorders beginning Monday.

Screenings for possible eating disorders will be offered, in addition to other activities designed to educate, nurture and help men and women express feelings about their body image.

Monday’s fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University Student Union’s Grand Salon.

“My hope is that people will come, enjoy themselves and . . . learn something about healthy lifestyles as well as problems associated with disordered eating,” said Ellen Mayer, event coordinator and CSUN therapist.

Depression, relationship problems and idealized media images can all lead to eating disorders, Mayer said. “Food can become a coping mechanism for stress and problems in one’s life.”

This is CSUN’s third year participating in Eating Disorders Week, which was created by colleges nationwide to increase awareness of binge eating, bulimia and anorexia--problems that experts estimate affect 5% to 10% of women nationwide and up to 5% of men. The late Princess Diana, pop star Paula Abdul, Jane Fonda, Elton John and Joan Rivers are among celebrities who have been affected by an eating disorder, Mayer said.

Other activities planned for the week are:

* “Food for Thought: A Love Affair with Cherry Jelly Beans”--a play exploring the realities of living with an eating disorder written from actual patient journals. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Music Building Room 105.

* “Voice of Courage”--speakers from various backgrounds share personal experiences with eating disorders. Audience participation encouraged. 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the University Student Union’s Thousand Oaks Room.

* “Dying to Be Thin”--a lecture by Carolyn Costin, an eating disorders specialist and author on the subject. 12:30 p.m. Thursday in the University Student Union’s Santa Clarita Room.

All sessions are free.

For more information, call (818) 677-2366.