Feb. 23, 2010 — "Celebrate Every Body Week" is a series of events, held through Friday, aimed at educating the U.Va. community on body image and eating issues. Events include "A Day Without Mirrors," "The Great Weigh Out," the "It's in Your Genes, Not in Your Jeans" T-shirt give-away and eating disorders screenings.

Celebrate Every Body Week seeks to promote a positive body image for women and men of all shapes and sizes through fun and informative activities and events. The week is run concurrently with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Information about treatment resources and how to help a friend who is struggling with an eating disorder are highlighted throughout the week.

• Great Jeans Giveaway
Instead of dieting or exercising excessively to try to fit unattainable image standards, donate your out-of-size jeans in exchange for a free T-shirt. Men's and women's clothing in good condition will be collected at the "Great Jeans Giveaway" table. All donated items will go to support the Shelter for Help and Emergency, which provides assistance to women leaving abusive relationships.
Through Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Newcomb Hall lobby
 
• "Spring Breakdown: Having Fun & Staying Healthy"
Join the Women's Center and students from Hoos Open to Preventing Eating Disorders to learn how to prepare for spring break in a healthy way.
Feb 25, 5 p.m., Newcomb Hall Kaleidoscope Center
 
• Groove Class
No dance experience necessary. Sample this drop-in class for free during "Celebrate Every Body Week." Sponsored by Intramural-Recreational Sports.
Feb 24, 7:15 pm, AFC room 2/3.
 
• Help: Eating Disorder Screenings
Concerned about your relationship with food, exercise, or your body? Visit the Counseling and Psychological Services Web site to take a confidential eating disorders screening online. Additionally, counselors at the Women's Center will offer free and confidential in-person screenings throughout the week and any time. Call 434-982-2252 for an appointment.
 
• Consider: A Day Without Mirrors
When looking in the mirror, compliment yourself. What is great about you? Perhaps it is your friendly smile, your sense of humor or your sincerity. Do this every time you brush your teeth.
 
• Great U.Va. Weigh Out
If the number on the scale is manipulating your mood, try taking a break from weighing. Keep numbers in perspective – fluctuations of several pounds day to day are normal. Many factors influence weight, including hydration, glycogen (fuel) storage, time of last meal, and for women, menstrual cycle phase. Instead of focusing on your weight, celebrate all your body does for you.

For information, contact Amy Chestnutt at aek4k@virginia.edu. Celebrating Every Body Week is co-sponsored by the U.Va. Coalition on Eating Disorders and Exercise Concerns.