Southeast Launching Events in Observance of Eating Disorders Awareness Week
02/13/2017

Katie Diebold, registered dietitian with Chartwells Dining Services at Southeast Missouri State University, will be the keynote speaker Feb. 21 at a presentation highlighting events during Eating Disorders Awareness Week Feb. 20-25. At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, Diebold will present, “Healthy Eating and a Positive Body Image.” She will discuss the basics of healthy eating by showcasing “My Plate,” a visual representation of how to set up a plate at each meal. She will also discuss positive body image -- what it is, why it is important and how to improve it. Diebold graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in dietetics and completed her dietetic internship at Southeast. After passing her registered dietitian exam, she worked with SoutheastHealth. “While I liked the clinical side of dietetics, my true passion is in food service,” Diebold said. “I was lucky enough to land my dream job at Southeast Missouri State University as the campus dietitian for Chartwells.” She is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Southeast. Eating Disorders Awareness Week events will begin with an eating disorders recovery panel at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 in the University Center Redhawks Room. Participants will listen to the recovery experiences of several who have overcome eating disorders and how they learned to cope. Mary Ann Farmer, a counselor with expertise in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders will be present to facilitate discussion and answer questions. A documentary titled “Someday Melissa” will be shown at noon Feb. 22 in Crisp Hall Room 125. This documentary chronicles the story of 19-year-old Melissa Avrin who lost her life to an eating disorder. Created by Melissa’s mother Judy, the film was inspired by the writings in Melissa’s journal. Jessica Rawson will present a free Hip Hop Zumba class at 5:30 p.m. and Rebecca Hurt will present a free Body Barre class at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Student Recreation Center Group Fitness Studio. Southeast dietetic interns will give a presentation titled “Getting Healthy with Mindful Moderation” at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 in the University Center Redhawks Room. The presentation will focus on living a healthy lifestyle in the maze of unhealthy choices. Concluding the week will be a cooking demonstration at 11 a.m. Feb. 25 in the Dearmont Hall kitchen.  At this session, members of the Southeast Student Dietetic Association will demonstrate how to prepare and cook some easy nutrient dense meals.  Samples and recipes will be provided from this event. Throughout the week, free and anonymous screenings from University Counseling Services staff and volunteers will be available for those wishing to determine whether they may be at risk for developing an eating disorder. These screenings will be available for 30 minutes before each event, except the two group fitness classes Feb. 22. A life-size Ken and Barbie will be on display at Recreation Services, where those who are interested may join the #SEMObodyproud campaign, participate in other activities and get information and door prizes throughout the week. The week’s events are sponsored by the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success, the College of Health and Human Services, Counseling and Disability Services, the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, the Department of Communication Disorders, the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, the Department of Human Environmental Studies, the Department of Nursing, the Department of Social Work, the Department of Psychology, the Department of Theatre and Dance, Recreation Services, the Southeast Department of Athletics and the student Dietetic Association. For further information on the week’s events, contact Sara Wagganer, assistant director of fitness and wellness at Southeast who chairs the Eating Disorders Awareness Week Committee, at swagganer@semo.edu or (573) 651-2367.   Photo Caption: Katie Diebold, registered dietitian with Chartwells Dining Services at Southeast Missouri State University