First week of February proclaimed Eating Disorder Awareness Week

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City has deemed the first week of February Eating Disorder Awareness Week, from Feb. 1 – 7, 2016.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness of eating disorders, shed light on dangerous and pervasive myths, and promote prevention. A proclamation from the City says eating disorders have the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric illnesses and can develop in anyone, regardless of age, ethno-racial background, socioeconomic status, gender or ability.

Kimberly Strain of the BC Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness Committee wrote to Council in November 2015.

Based in North Vancouver, there are still many events in recognition of the week that can be taken part in anywhere in the province. On Friday, Feb. 5, PEDAW is encouraging people to wear purple to raise awareness for eating disorders.

PEDAW is lead by Jessie’s Legacy, an initiative in honour of a young woman who died due to complications from an long-lasting eating disorder.