Let UCF be your mirror!
It is officially Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW), and the University of Central Florida is raising awareness through events that promote self-love and acceptance. Sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), EDAW is a week-long campaign that aims to inform the public about eating disorders and to support those who are affected. This year, NEDA’s theme is “Get in the Know,” a message that highlights the importance of public education. According to the organization, public awareness is a vital first step in successfully helping the community of individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA not only provides informational resources on their website nationaleatingdisorders.org, but also organizes walks and awareness campaigns.
UCF is doing its part to spread NEDA’s message by hosting workshops that encourage self-love in a themed week it dubs “Love Your Body Week.” One of the most recognized departments participating in this campaign is the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC), which is hosting themed exercise classes beginning February 26th and continuing through March 3rd. A “Golden Rule” themed cardio dance class was one of the first events to kick off the week, encouraging students to “treat others the way they wish to be treated.” In this class, students were surprised with a studio room decorated with yellow balloons and goodie bags that contained inspiring notes, candies, and golden eggs filled with confetti to celebrate their success! Additional classes included a “Country Lovin’ Cycle,” “2000s Feel-Good Throwbacks F45,” and “Love on a Leap Day Yoga.” The fun will continue until the end of the week, ending with a highly anticipated “Ima Let You Finish Loving Your Body, But Wait (Ye vs Tay) Cycle45,” class and “Barbie Love Yoga.” It’s not too late to sign up!
Additionally, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Wellness and Health Promotion Services (WHPS), Student Health Services, and Care Services, partnered together to host “UCF Loves everyBODY,” an event aimed at bringing the UCF community together to celebrate everyone’s health and well-being. Students were able to speak to dieticians, play with dogs, take photos, and donate their old blue jeans, while learning how to keep their bodies healthy!
For more information, go to nationaleatingdisorders.org or search “NEDA” in the UCF Events calendar.
