Timberline Knolls and Ladies of Lemont to Host Community Event Focusing on Eating Disorders During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

LEMONT, Ill., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's theme for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week), held February 26 – March 3, is "Everybody Knows Somebody."  NEDAwareness Week is the nation's largest national outreach campaign to raise consciousness about the seriousness of eating disorders. In order to help increase awareness of these devastating disorders locally, Timberline Knolls, a leading residential treatment center for women and girls located in Lemont, and Ladies of Lemont (LOL), a local women's group, will be hosting a special event 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 1 at the Lemont Township Community Center, 16300 Alba Street.

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The event will feature ED 101: The Facts about Eating Disorders, a 30 minute educational film that illustrates the four types of eating disorders. Nationally recognized experts, including Kim Dennis, MD, medical director of Timberline Knolls, are interviewed in the short film as are families sharing their personal stories, hopeful journeys of recovery and rock musical footage sung by Broadway and American Idol performers.

Guy Oberwise, LCSW, primary therapist and mood disorders coordinator at Timberline Knolls will lead a discussion following the film.

"We invite all members of our community and the surrounding areas to learn more about eating disorders and hear personal stories of help, hope and recovery,"  said James Gresham, chairman and CEO of Timberline Knolls. "This film and event will shed light on how shattering these disorders can be for those struggling and their families. With appropriate treatment and resources, life-long recovery is possible."

The event is free, open to the public, and geared towards students, parents, middle and high school teachers, counselors and administration. The film has been shown nationwide at hundreds of schools already, up through the college level. A teacher in Hinsdale, Ill., said, "We showed ED 101 to our sophomore health classes followed by a discussion panel after the film with an individual in recovery. At least five girls came forward to the school social worker to discuss their eating disorder-related issues (either for themselves or their friends). One girl confided that her story was very similar to Sami (the person in recovery in the ED 101 film) and said that it was a relief to hear that she was not alone. Parents and students alike are calling to rave about the program."

LOL is a new informal group providing an opportunity to gather on a monthly basis to share interests, talents or needs. The group gathers at the Lemont Township Community Center.  Along with uncovering their passions and hobbies, LOL hopes to take their knowledge and information to Lemont to help better the community.

"Co-hosting this event with a wonderful center like Timberline Knolls is a way that we can share very important information with people in our community," said Kathy Henrikson, founder of LOL.  "After seeing the film myself, I felt very moved. Our group is excited to help bring this to others so they too will be better informed about the growing problem of eating disorders."

ED101 provides hopeful information from those who have recovered and from those who treat eating disorders. The film counters the shame associated with eating disorders and captures the courageous spirit of those who refuse to be bound by it. 

For more information about the event, please contact Kathy Henrikson at [email protected].

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.

About Ladies of Lemont (LOL):

LOL meet monthly to discuss issues, interests, talents and personal goals. For more information about the group or to join, call Kathy Henrikson at 630-863-3411 or email [email protected].

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

Available Topic Expert: For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link.

Dr. Kim Dennis

http://www.profnetconnect.com/kimdennis

SOURCE Timberline Knolls