Posted on February 23, 2014 by Dr. Deah

I just returned from presenting at the Popular Culture Association Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I also had the honor to act as substitute chair for Dr. Susan Koppleman, of the Fat Studies track, and as soon as I get settled back into my routine and catch up, I will be writing about the amazing work being done in Fat Studies by people all over the country and Canada. But today I just wanted to dash off a quick blogette, because today is day 1 of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. But please please please remember that for those of us with an eating disorder or our friends, colleagues, or family members with eating disorders, EVERY WEEK is eating disorders awareness week. One week to call attention to this devastating disorder is better than nothing but still inadequate. If we devoted half of the resources, time, and energy to educating people about eating disorders that we spend on selling people diet products, well...actually, if we did that, there would be fewer people with an eating disorder...and a great many more informed people! That isn't about to happen any time soon, unfortunately, so until then we need to do our best to maintain our focus and offer support all year long. Sometimes awareness is not enough without information about what to do with the awareness. We have all heard the expression, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." In the case of educating people about eating disorders, this can be true. So I urge folks to go beyond the talking points, catch phrases, and advertising tie-ins and really find out the facts about eating disorders. Here are some sources. NEDA, Mental Fitness This week, I will be pinning about eating disorders on the WEGO Health 's Women's Health board and on my Cultivate a Positive Body Image board. If you have any resources to add please let me know! And in recognition of NEDA Week, order Dr. Deah's Calmanac and receive a free bumper sticker or magnet! Purchase the book from my website or in any of the following California bookstores: