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Username: Newsfromnaspe
Post Number: 99
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 8:53 am: |       |
NEDA Launches Its Coach & Trainer Toolkit: Reaching out to gyms & athletic departments to end eating disorders
August 4, 2010 – New York – The National Eating Disorders Association [NEDA] has launched a new educational toolkit (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/uploads/file/toolkits/NEDA-Toolkit-Coaches_07-2010.pdf) aimed at coaches and trainers. Created specifically to educate and raise awareness with gyms, athletic programs and athletic departments across the nation, this will expand NEDA’s library of toolkits and will support NEDA's "It’s Time to Talk About It" campaign. Created as a resource for athletic directors and their staff, this toolkit will inform them about the facts behind eating disorders, as well as help them identify those affected specifically within a gym or athletic setting. It is also written as a guide to possible treatments. NEDA has already brought in key partners for its Toolkit program, and plans to expand it through appropriate channels nationwide.
As Lynn Grefe, CEO of NEDA has said, "We are pleased to bring this information to the world of sports and coaching. Eating disorders have certainly found their way into athleticism and sports competition, so it is important that people in authority know how to recognize the symptoms, understand the illness and what to do next to help the athlete. For too long, eating disorders have been ignored or set aside in the name of victory, and we believe that the health of the individual should come first. We trust others would agree."
"The Coach and Trainer Toolkit, developed by the National Eating Disorders Association, has the answers that many coaches and trainers need to best help their athletes. Strongly recommended as a resource for all coaches, trainers, and physical education teachers," says Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH, RD.
"As the global trade association for the health club industry, IHRSA actively educates our clubs and suppliers and provides them with the necessary tools to effectively serve their members and clients," said Joe Moore, president and CEO of the IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. "The NEDA toolkit will serve as valuable resource for our members to implement as they continue to promote a balanced healthy and active lifestyle."
The Toolkit includes frequently asked questions and common myths about eating disorders, strategies for assisting both men and women, information on the female athlete triad, how to handle eating disorders in a team or school setting and also has stories and recommendations from athletes themselves. NEDA’s toolkit program was originally developed in response to requests by educators for a simple, easy-to-use format to find answers to questions and concerns and has since been expanded to respond to the needs of parents and now gyms and athletic departments. "Each toolkit developed for NEDA is targeted to a specific audience’s needs and is updated as new research and information becomes available. So they will always be a relevant and an important tool for those who use them."
Bonni Branciforte, founder of the Gymtime Foundation, which is funding NEDA’s new toolkit says, "The Gymtime Foundation is extremely proud to make this contribution to the National Eating Disorders Association to help with education and prevention of eating disorders within the sports community."
For more information, please contact Jaclyn Ferrara at 212-993-6464 or via email at jferrara@thinkcannon.com.
Formed in 2001, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA advocates for prevention, improved access to quality treatment, and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders. NEDA works with partners and volunteers to develop programs and tools to help everyone who seeks assistance. NEDA’s national toll-free helpline has assisted thousands of families, friends and individuals find appropriate treatment. NEDA is proud that its website serves as an entry point for people around the globe to find information on eating disorders. The organization serves as an important and welcome first stop for those searching for resources. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org |
