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Walden Behavioral Care

Educational Presentations

MEDA's Connect to Confidence branch envisions living in a society free of eating disorders, disordered eating and obsessions about food, weight and body shape.

MEDA has been educating the New England area on eating disorders and related topics since 1994. It is our experience that these educational materials and presentations are most effective and useful in eating disorder education and prevention.

An educational presentation is led by a trained Educational Associate, is one hour in length and is limited to a maximum of 80 participants. The presentations include time for Q and A.

Please contact Holly Hemenway at 617-558-1881x15 or e-mail holly.hemenway@medainc.org 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.

Please contact Holly Hemenway, the Director of Education and Outreach at 617-558-1881 ext. 15 or by e-mail at holly.hemenway@medainc.org for information about programs for students in grades K-5.