TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama will join with hundreds of other campuses around the country during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Feb. 26-March 2 to raise awareness about the multiple factors -- including genetics and sociocultural pressures -- that influence the development of eating disordered behaviors and negative body image.

The key message for 2007 National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is “Be comfortable in your genes. Wear jeans that fit the REAL you.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, there will be an Eating Disorders Awareness Week Kickoff at UA in both the Ferguson Center from 11a.m.-2 p.m. and the University Recreation Center from 4-7 p.m.

The following is a schedule of events at UA for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week:

Monday, Feb. 26 – In the Ferguson Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and at the University Recreation Center from 4-6 p.m. there will be information tables that will have written materials on eating disorders in college students, resources and tips to help someone who may have an eating disorder and/or negative body image, and other related information.

Dr. Jean Kilbourne, an internationally acclaimed speaker on the powerful influence media has on important health issues, like eating disorders, addictions and negative body image, will present “Deadly Persuasion: Advertising and Addiction” on Monday, Feb. 26 from 7- 8:30 p.m. in Morgan Auditorium . She has been deemed “Lecturer of the Year” by the National Association for Campus Activities.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 – Information tables highlighting the influence of the media on negative body image and eating disorders, media literacy activities and ways to advocate and promote healthier body images will be set up in the Ferguson Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and at the University Recreation Center from 4-7 p.m.

Dr. Mike Perko of UA will speak from 3:30-5 p.m. in the University Recreation Center social activity space about performance enhancing drugs when he presents “Taking One for the Team.”

There will be a week-long “Great Jeans Giveaway” event in which people are encouraged to donate their jeans “that they have been trying to squeeze into” to local charities. Drop off locations will be in the Ferguson Center, the University Recreation Center and residence halls (Burke, Rose Towers, Tutwiler, Lakeside, Riverside) on campus.

UA sponsors include the Counseling Center, Healthy Campus Initiative, Health Education and Wellness of the Student Health Center, University Recreation Center, Women’s Resource Center, and Housing and Residential Communities.

For more information about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, please contact Sherrelle Hudson, coordinator, UA Healthy Campus at 205/348-4930, shudson@sa.ua.edu or Dr. Kerry Luke of the Counseling Center, coordinator, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week at 205/348-3863, kluke@sa.ua.edu.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.