USU events to focus on positive body image
Every day, gym memberships, tanning salons, plastic surgery, liposuction and implant expenses drain the wallets of people who are not satisfied with their body image.
One of the goals for Positive Body Image Week, which is sponsored by USU’s Health and Wellness Center, is to help people save some money and be happy with their bodies just they way they are.
Merica Redd, senior in dietetics and communication volunteer for Positive Body Image Week, said many people struggle with their body image, ultimately leading to poor self-esteem and a possibly leading to eating disorders.
Ninety-five percent of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25, according to www.state.sc.us. Redd said comparing one’s body with someone else’s is a contributing factor to this.
“We want to help people focus on how they feel rather on than what they look like,” Redd said. “We don’t want people to compare themselves to other people.”
Encouraging people to maintain a positive body image, learning more about eating disorders and how to approach family and friends and how to keep a healthy balance between diet and exercise are the key ideals for this week’s events, Redd said.
“People judge themselves based on what they should look like and one of the goals of this event is to minimize that,” Redd said. “We want to boost people’s energy and self-esteem.”
Redd said she hopes the Positive Body Image Week will help people focus on personal health and concentrate on having a positive body image.
“You’re not defined by a size two,” said Lauren Jenson, senior in dietetics and volunteer coordinator for Positive Body Image Week. “Every woman and man is beautiful and we want to encourage everyone that every body shape is.”
Monday’s theme will focus on “what’s inside” and Tuesday fliers will be distributed giving tips on how to keep a positive body image.
Wednesday will be “guilt jean giveaway” where students and faculty members are encouraged to donate jeans they cannot fit into to CAPSA, the Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency, where they will be given to battered women.
At noon Thursday in the TSC Auditorium two guest speakers will be presenting as part of the week. USU Wellness Center registered dietitian Brooke Parker will speak to the audience on how to eat healthy. Fashion designer and Bridgerland Applied Technology College professor Collette Pulsipher will speak on dressing and accessorizing every body shape.
“We want to accentuate the beauty of every body shape because beauty is not only outside but inside,” Jenson said.
–candice.sandness@aggiemail.usu.edu