First University Eating Disorder Awareness Walk Held at Boston University

BOSTON, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hynes Recovery Services and co-sponsor, the F.R.E.E.D. Foundation, announce the first University Eating Disorder Awareness Walk, WalkTowardRecovery, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2014, in response to poor body image, eating disorders and co-occurring depression in college students today.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/CG42761LOGO)

The event will be held at Nickerson Field on the Boston University campus.  Registration will be from 10 – 11 a.m. (event will proceed rain or shine).  The walk will feature university walking teams, a 50-member team from Hynes Recovery Services and a "virtual walk" component that will involve colleges from across the country.

"Although college is a time of great opportunity, it can often lead to feelings of vulnerability as students are faced with new social and academic challenges," said Dawn Hynes, MSW, founder of Hynes Recovery Services. "The resulting insecurities can often lead to increased levels of stress – a precursor to unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. It's important for us to create the space for students to discuss these issues openly and work together to reduce the stigma that eating disorders often carry with them, so that those needing the support can have the courage and strength to reach out."

A recent Healthy Minds Study (HMS) was conducted at nearly 100 colleges and universities across the U.S. The survey contains a number of items designed to assess the prevalence of disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction.  Some of the findings included:

• Preoccupation with body shape/weight and internalization of the "thin" ideal are highly prevalent
• More than 25 percent of students say they "need to be very thin in order to feel good about themselves"
• Sixteen percent of females report that food "dominates" their lives; eight percent of males report that food "dominates" their lives
• 15 percent of all undergrads screen positive for an eating disorder
• Twenty-eight percent of females and 12 percent of males worry about losing control over how much they eat
• More than one-third of students who screen positive for an eating disorder also screen positive for depression and/or anxiety
• Though nearly 60 percent of students with positive eating disorder screens perceive a need for help, about two-thirds have not received professional mental health treatment

"Events like this walk help those who are struggling with eating disorders see that they are not alone, that the community is there to support them in finding the appropriate resources," said Kim Dennis MD, CEDS, CEO and medical director of Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, a sponsor of the walk. "There is hope and help available for life-long recovery from an eating disorder. With the right support and treatment, students can live healthy and abundant lives."

The walk will be emceed by Candy O'Terry, a popular radio personality, singer/songwriter, TV and film actress and the creator and co-host of Boston's WMJX Magic 106.7's "Exceptional Women" radio show. Featured speakers at the event include:

• Gail Schoenbach, Executive Director of the F.R.E.E.D. Foundation
• Dr. Kim Dennis, CEO and Medical Director at Timberline Knolls
• Doris Smeltzer from Andrea's Voice Foundation
• Constance Rhodes from FINDINGbalance, who will also perform her song "More Than a Number"

The event will also feature a special art exhibit from the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iadep) titled "Imagine Me Beyond What You See." This travel exhibition features two components, a short film which narrates the stories behind the mannequin entries and artists; and 18x24 mounted posters of the mannequin entries. 

There is a walk registration fee of $10. Funds raised will help fund treatment scholarships for college students struggling with an eating disorder.  To register or learn more about the "WalktowardRecovery" event, visit www.walktowardrecovery.com.

About Hynes Recovery Services:
Hynes Recovery Services is dedicated to supporting college students seeking treatment for their eating disorder. Our specialty is transitioning these students either from home to campus or from a treatment setting back to their home environment, in addition to providing intervention support when requested. HRS is also a resource for the entire Massachusetts community, maintaining both a treatment directory and event calendar on-line, as well as sponsoring an annual university awareness walk and bi-annual symposium for high school and university staff. For more information, visit: www.hynesrecovery.com.

About F.R.E.E.D. Foundation
The FREED Foundation (For Recovery & Elimination of Eating Disorders) is a non-profit organization that was established in 2002 after Founder Gail Schoenbach received treatment for a long 23 year battle with bulimia. This organization provides speakers who present at high schools, colleges and universities, and various community programs educating students, teachers, parents, administrators and professionals about the seriousness and potentially life-threatening outcome for those struggling with an eating disorder. In addition, the FREED Foundation has been a member organization of the Eating Disorders Coalition for 12 years lobbying for mental health parity and eating disorders legislation in Washington DC, as well as also supporting local efforts on the state level. For more information, visit:  www.freedfoundation.org.

About Timberline Knolls:
Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders.  Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus.  Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy.  For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook – Timberline Knolls, and LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls.

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Contact:
Mary Anne Morrow
[email protected]
Tel: 602-359-6989

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

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