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Educational Presentations

MEDA's Connect to Confidence program aims to educate students, parents, teachers and staff so they can feel empowered to live healthy lives both within and outside the school or university setting.

Since 1994, MEDA has been a presence in educational settings delivering important messages to students, parents, teachers, staff and the general public. It is our experience that these educational materials and presentations are most effective when used as a prevention or education tool.

All MEDA presentations are based on the philosophy of MEDA's Teaching Body Confidence curriculum. Presentations integrate the concept of the 5 A's (Assertivness, Awareness, Acceptance, Action and Activity) as integral pieces in a person's development, both physically and emotionally.

While certain presentations are geared toward the topic area of eating disorders, many focus on how individuals can increase their body confidence through areas such as media literacy, learning cues around stress, school or family and how to address them in healthy ways. The goal of all presentations is to further individual's belief in him/herself and to understand the power of a postive self-image. Just as an eating disorder is never just about weight or food, our presentations attempt to integrate the many dimensions that are necessary for a healthy, balanced life!

Presentation costs can range from $250 - $450 depending on group size and topic. Please contact 617-558-1881x22 to book a presentation or to hear about more presentation options.

"Inside Eating Disorders: A Personal Perspective"

This workshop is an excellent way to educate students about eating disorders. A recovered individual will share his/her experience of having an eating disorder, including how it felt to struggle, the recovery process, and the role food currently plays in his/her life. Basic definitions of eating disorders and tips on how to help a friend who may be suffering will also be discussed. Appropriate for students and adults.

"Insatiable Cravings: An Inside Look at Compulsive Overeating"

This workshop covers the signs and symptoms of compulsive eating and binge-eating disorder and the physical complications that can arise as a result. The speaker will explore psychological factors that contribute to the development of this eating disorder and discuss the impact it has on daily living. The recovery process, including specific coping skills, will also be addressed.

"Well-Kept Secrets: Eating Disorders on the College Scene"

Geared towards college faculty and staff, this workshop addresses how an eating disorder develops, warning signs and symptoms of disordered eating, aspects of the college environment that lead to eating disorders, and how to help individuals who may have an eating disorder.

"Mind Over Media: Body Image and Self-Esteem in the Media Age"

This workshop explores the messages embedded in today's advertisements and encourages students to use critical thinking skills when confronted with such images. Topics such as size discrimination, body acceptance, and healthy weight management are also discussed.

"Fast Food Facts"

This workshop will focus on the role of fast food in our culture, and the ups and downs of its role in our lifestyles. The presentation includes information about nutrition and the media's role in advertising food products.

"Understanding Eating Disorders"

Geared toward parents and teachers who have no previous education regarding eating disorders, this presentation addresses the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, as well as assessment and treatment options.

"Promoting Positive Body Image in Children"

Participants will discuss the importance of body image and self-esteem in young children. Techniques that foster the development of a positive body image and curriculum strategies for the classroom will be discussed. An excellent resource for early childhood educators and parents.

"ED 101"

This clinical presentation will define the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Participants will learn how to assess a student/client for an eating disorder, receive guidelines for helping someone with an eating disorder, and discuss the important components of an eating disorder treatment team. This presentation is geared towards guidance counselors, nurses and healthcare professionals who have had experience working with eating disorders.

"Teaching Body Confidence"

This 5 hour training workshop is based on the book Teaching Body Confidence: A Comprehensive Curriculum for Girls written by Rebecca Manley, president and founder of MEDA. Teachers receive an overview of eating disorders and learn the basics of the Teaching Body Confidence Curriculum. Topics in the curriculum include the five A's: assertiveness, awareness, acceptance, action, and activity, as well as media influence and self-esteem. This training will also give tools on how to adapt the curriculum for boys. A discount on The Teaching Body Confidence Book will be given to all attendees.