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It's Eating Disorders Awareness Week, thanks to Bill Dodd

Times-Herald - 2/27/2018

Feb. 27--The week of Feb. 26 to March 4, 2018 was proclaimed Eating Disorders Awareness Week by the state Senate this week, based on a resolution by Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), his office announced.

In the United States, 30 million individuals suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life, Dodd's office spokespeople said.

"I've seen firsthand how painful and difficult these disorders can be," Dodd said in a statement. "I've had a loved one who suffered from an eating disorder. I've also seen that recovery is possible. And I can attest to the importance of awareness, understanding and a strong support network for those on the journey towards recovery."

The resolution, sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association, Cielo House, and State Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma, passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and is coauthored by nearly one dozen Senators and Assemblymembers, Dodd's office said.

"The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to shine the spotlight on eating disorders and put life-saving resources into the hands of those in need," National Eating Disorders Association CEO Claire Mysko said in the prepared statement. "It is estimated that over 1.6 million California residents are currently struggling with an eating disorder, which are serious and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses. We are grateful to California Senators Dodd and (Scott) Wiener for their support in bringing attention to this campaign."

Ma went further, noting that "having a healthy body image can be challenging with the images assumed to be 'normal' or 'ideal' in the media and entertainment industry. During Eating Disorders Awareness Week, start the conversation with the individuals in your life about living a healthy lifestyle. Since this is a disease that often hides in plain sight, it's important to learn the warning signs and know where to go to get help. We need to teach our kids how to have a positive relationship with food, exercise, and their body image."

Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, added that "eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are misunderstood, stigmatized, and undertreated, and impact both women and men, and people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Especially as we see increasing rates of eating disorders among our young people, now is the time for the government to step up and take a more proactive role in prevention and treatment of this critical public health issue."

Cielo House Co-Founder Sofia E. Keck also weighed in, saying, "awareness is the first step towards recovery. As a leader in eating disorder treatment, Cielo House is honored to co-sponsor this resolution to continue our mission of healing together."

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has resources available on its website for those wishing to learn more, get support or help raise awareness.

Dodd represents California's3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties.

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