Are you comfortable in your genes? The campus-wide effort to send the message "Be comfortable in your genes" kicks off Feb. 26 as the university offers programming during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

NEDAW is the nation's largest eating disorders outreach effort, and several campus offices and student groups are joining forces to promote eating disorder awareness. While the key message highlights the fact that body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors, it also calls attention to some of the new discoveries surrounding the role of genetics in the development of eating disorders and supports the fact that eating disorders are serious illnesses, not choices.

"Every day researchers are discovering more about the influence of genetics and finding that while environmental factors may pull the trigger, genetics load the gun," says Lisa Macke, Assistant Director of Clinical Services at the Counseling Center.
TTU has scheduled a series of events:

• Great Jeans Giveaway, Monday, Feb. 26-Friday, March 2
Dig those gently used skinny jeans from the back of your closet and donate them to Genesis House. Donate a used pair of jeans at the Fitness Center during the week and receive a free fitness class.

• The Dressing Room Project: A Day Without Mirrors, 10 a.m., Monday. Feb. 26
The majority of mirrors in the Roaden University Center, residence halls and the library will be covered in an effort to encourage everyone to focus on positive internal qualities.

• Free Eating Disorder Screenings, Counseling Center, 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Feb. 27, and 1-3 p.m., Thursday, March 1
Are you concerned that you may have an eating disorder? Come to the RUC, Room 307, for a fast, free screening.

• Tyra Banks Confronts Her Critics, Women's Center, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27
Come to Pennebaker Hall, Room 203, to watch a tape of Banks addressing recent tabloid photos and erroneous information regarding her weight. She uses her talk show as a platform to raise awareness about eating disorders.

• Healthy Eating on Campus, RUC 371, noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28
Cathy Cunningham will present a program on how to make healthy food choices. Bring a brown-bag lunch and attend this informal talk.

• Eating Disorders: Voices of Recovery, RUC 342, 11 a.m., Thursday, March 1
Watch a video featuring individuals who have recovered from eating disorders telling their stories. Lisa Macke will facilitate a discussion following the video.

Co-sponsors of TTU's events are the Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, Fitness Center, Greek Life, Health Services, Office of Residential Life, Panhellenic Council, Office of Student Affairs and the Women's Center.

During NEDAW, information about eating disorders can be picked up in any of the offices, as well as the Bookstore. If you suspect that you or someone you love has an eating disorder, call the Counseling Center staff at 3331 or the Health Services staff at 3320.

The NEDA toll free number is 800-931-2237.