Press Releases

Contact: Charles Senior, Public Affairs
(416) 847-0972
csenior@bellwood.ca

(Toronto, ON-January 15, 2008) Over the past 30 years, society has witnessed an explosive increase in the incidence of eating disorders. While eating disorders continue to have devastating effects on the lives of countless individuals and their families, the condition itself continues to be poorly understood.

On Monday, February 4th, 2008, Bellwood Health Services will host a Community Awareness Evening, "Are Eating Disorders Addictions?" facilitated by eating disorders specialist, Dr. Joan M. Johnston, MD. This educational event is being held in support of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 3-9, 2008.

Dr. Johnston is a Canadian family physician from Edmonton, Alberta, who has dedicated her practice to helping individuals afflicted with eating disorders. Her expertise emerges from more than 2 decades of personal recovery from anorexia nervosa. She brings both her own compelling story and her extensive clinical experience to her presentations. Dr. Johnston is also a writer and published author; her works include Feast of Famine, an autobiographical account of her struggles and recovery.

Bellwood's Community Awareness Evening will be of interest and practical help to those affected by an eating disorder, families and friends, educators, the general public and anyone working with individuals struggling with an eating disorder. Event details are as follows:

Date: Monday, February 4, 2008
Location: Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Markham, Ontario
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The event is open to the public; there is no admission fee, however registration is required.

Bellwood and Dr. Johnston will also host a one-day clinical workshop, "Eating Disorders as Addiction", on Tuesday, February 5th. This workshop will be of value to health care professionals and clinicians who work with, or have an interest in, eating disorders and treatment.

Bellwood Health Services Inc. provides residential and outpatient treatment for men and women across Canada struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse, problem gambling and sexual addiction. For more information, or to register for Bellwood's Eating Disorders Community Awareness Evening, or the "Eating Disorders as Addiction" clinical workshop, visit www.bellwood.ca or contact Jennifer Teran at 1-800-387-6198, Ext. 165.

-30-