TAMIU Presents Talks on Eating Disorders Feb. 5, 6

Texas A&M International University will present an informative talk entitled "Who's in Control--Food or You?" at 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 5 and again at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 6 in Bullock Hall Room 101.

Admission is free and members of the community are invited to attend this informative presentation.

Guest speaker will be Debra Russell, TAMIU Coordinator of Services for Special Populations.

Russell, who holds a Master's degree in Counseling from California State University in Stanislaus, will examine serious, life-threatening eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating .

She will describe the symptoms of eating disorders, possible causes, treatment options, and offer recommendations for developing healthy eating habits.

Individuals who suffer from eating disorders, and family members and friends who are trying to help someone cope with an eating disorder are encouraged to attend this informative talk.

After Russell's presentation, a Weight Management Support Group organized by the University's Student Health Services will meet at 5:00 p.m. in Bullock Hall Room 219 to discuss weight control issues. The group will meet weekly to discuss the latest information on weight management, share weight loss tactics, and to offer encouragement and support.

A support group for persons who suffer from anorexia or bulimia may also be formed if interest is expressed in such groups.

Approximately 1 percent of adolescent girls develop anorexia nervosa, a dangerous condition in which people intentionally starve themselves, and another 2 to 3 percent of young women develop bulimia nervosa, a destructive pattern of excessive overeating followed by vomiting or other "purging".

The key to overcoming an eating disorder, says Russell, is early treatment.

"The longer abnormal eating behaviors persist, the more difficult it is to overcome the disorder and its effects on the body," Russell added.

For more information on the eating disorders talks at TAMIU February 5 and 6, please call the University Student Health Services Department at 326-2235.

TAMIU office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

31 January 1996