Walk highlights the National Eating Disorders Assn

Posted: Wed, Oct 17, 2018 10:14 AM

Luther College is holding its first National Eating Disorders Association Walk on Saturday morning. Money raised through the event will fund education about eating disorders, prevention and support, as well as advocacy and research initiatives.

Luther student and Walk organizer Jacey Davis says, "The purpose of the walk is to come together as a community to show those who may struggle with an eating disorder that they are not alone. We stand with them and want to help fight eating disorders. My hope is that this will become an annual event. Our current fundraising goal is $5,000. We have already raised $2,576 and have 100 people registered for Saturday's Walk."

According to Davis, college students are in a transitional period that can create additional stress and make them more susceptible to disordered eating. "Being away from home with a new meal plan can really change someone's diet. Having to monitor your own eating and schedule time in your busy day for meals can be a challenge for plenty of people. Additionally, many students are worried about the idea of the 'freshman fifteen' and may allow this concept to alter their eating habits," explains Davis.

"Most registered individuals are college students," says Davis, "but the event is open to anyone and everyone. We would appreciate as much support and participation as we can get, especially since this is the first NEDA Walk in the area."

Check-in for Luther's NEDA Walk will begin at 9:30 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Decorah pool parking lot. In addition to the walk, there will be music, yoga, prizes, guest speakers and photo opportunities by the Luther bell. Participants can register online at https://nedawalk.org/decorah2018 before 2:00 p.m. Friday, or in person on Saturday morning.

The NEDA Walk organization began in 2009. Each year, more than 20,000 people participate in walks nationwide to raise money for those affected by eating disorders. According to the organization's website, more than 30 million Americans struggle with eating disorders at some point in their lives. For more information about eating disorders visit NEDA's webpage at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or call the National Helpline is 1-800-931-2237.