Jenni Schaefer, best-selling author of “Life Without ED” and “Goodbye ED, Hello Me,” will share her story of triumph over eating disorders and offer advice on how to attain a positive body image and healthy lifestyle during a special appearance next month at Cal State Northridge.
Schaefer’s speech is part of the university’s annual observance of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which takes place Feb. 28 through March 6. Schaefer is scheduled to speak from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 4, in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.
Hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States observe Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) as a way to educate students about eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors.
“EDAW increases awareness about healthy body image and provides hope and support for individuals and families,” said Allie Mojarradi, student coordinator of CSUN’s Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating, or JADE, a peer education program dedicated to the awareness and prevention of eating disorders. “In a society where the media bombards us with unrealistic standards of beauty and thinness, it is important to participate in events that encourage us to embrace our bodies and be educated about eating disorders.”
Schaefer is an internationally known author and speaker on eating disorders. She has talked about the subject on such television shows as “Dr. Phil” and “Entertainment Tonight” and in such publications as Cosmopolitan and The New York Times. She is a consultant with the Center for Change and a member of the Ambassador Council of the National Eating Disorders Association. She is a board member of “Eating Disorders Recovery Today,” a Gürze Books publication, and is on the professional advisory panel of Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T.).
Schaefer is an active Nashville singer/songwriter and often concludes her talks with at least one song. Following her March 4 lecture, she will answer questions and sign books.
Her appearance at Northridge is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so those planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. by calling (818) 677-7500.
The event is sponsored by Cal State Northridge’s Associated Students, University Student Union and JADE.