Chicago-Based Treatment Center Participates In National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Bringing Attention To Fatal Diseases

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with anorexia or bulimia and another 25 million with binge eating disorder, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). As these numbers have continued to rise, so does the need to raise awareness. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW), Feb. 24 to March 1, is held annually to turn the nation's attention to these life-threatening diseases.

Working with NEDA and fellow official coordinators nationwide, Chicago-based Timberline Knolls, a leading residential treatment center, will encourage throwing out skinny jeans in favor of comfortable ones. For the "Embrace Your Genes" drive, Timberline Knolls will collect jeans at the admissions desk in the main building, located at 40 Timberline Drive in Lemont through Feb. 29. The practice of accepting the reality of your body and its capabilities by donating the jeans is symbolic of what Timberline Knolls helps residents do for their own self-image, according to Associate Medical Director Kimberly Dennis, M.D.

"The jeans drive is our way of sharing a message of hope and acceptance with the community," said Dr. Dennis. "This week has the potential to help those suffering silently with eating disorders take a positive step towards recovery, and for families to recognize how they can support their loved ones who may be suffering."

Other activities during the week will encourage positive body image among the residents and staff of Timberline Knolls, including:

- Monday, Feb. 25 - Opening day will be highlighted with distribution of a Believe In Yourself shirt designed by a Timberline Knolls resident, as well as hanging of officially colored eating disorders awareness ribbons on campus trees.

- Tuesday, Feb. 26 - Residents will engage in enjoyable exercise at a roller skating rink.

- Wednesday, Feb. 27 - Timberline Knolls residents along with the Lemont Junior League Women's Club and Lemont High School will reach out to the community for the "Embrace Your Genes" jean drive.

- Thursday, Feb. 28 - Residents will attend and a staff member will participate in live. exhale. align. perform., a positive body image performance at Columbia College.

- Friday, Feb. 29 - Closing ceremonies will include visits from Timberline Knolls alumni, creative performances, sharing of personal stories, and a time for letting go when negative body images will be burned.

About Timberline Knolls

Timberline Knolls specializes in helping women and adolescent girls 12 and older, offering treatment for complex co-occurring disorders that can include self-injury behavior (SIB), substance abuse, eating and other affective disorders. For more information on Timberline Knolls and the services offered, visit http://www.timberlineknolls.com.

About The National Eating Disorders Association & National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

The National Eating Disorders Association, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Seattle, sponsors NEDAW in hopes of increasing the awareness and prevention of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. During NEDAW, the National Eating Disorders Association challenges people to carefully consider and work to improve their own body attitudes. This event highlights the importance of getting real expectations, real role models, real information and real help while encouraging everyone to be comfortable in their genes by wearing comfortable jeans. More information about NEDAW activities is available by calling (206) 382-3587 or online here.