The much respected and beloved Hedda Bolgar, PhD is hosting a book signing for book, Healing Your Hungry Heart: recovering from your eating disorder, 2011, Conari Press, Sunday afternoon from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on January 29 in Los Angeles (Brentwood).

Hedda, ever generous and now 102 with a full practice and a schedule full of interviews, is opening her home for mingling, a lovely buffet and a short (15 minutes) talk by author, Joanna Poppink, about using this highly praised interactive book in recovery work.

More about Hedda: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/02/local/la-me-1002-lopez-bolgar-20111002

More about Healing Your Hungry Heart: http://amzn.to/ip5siH

Books will be available for purchase. If you already have a copy, please bring it, and Joanna will sign it.

RSVP to Joanna@poppink.com and receive Hedda’s address.

Visit Joanna online at: http://eatingdisorderrecovery.com

XOXO

Last year I became the official ambassador for the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) and I am so excited about the National Conference coming up! This March the BEDA Conference will be held in Scottsdale, AZ at the Firesky Resort & Spa, which from the pictures looks like PARADISE! I’ve never attended a conference at such a luxurious location as this and I’m looking forward to not only learning more about binge eating disorder and making new friends, but partaking in some of the spa amenities as well, if I have time! This conference is going to be great and I am so happy I can be a part of it!

During the weekend I will be very active throughout the conference, I am scheduled to start the weekend of festivities off with the Conference Welcome and Introductions, be a panelist on the No More Silence, No More Stigma! How Telling Our Stories Can Help Others panel discussion, and I will moderate the Eating Disorders, Weight Bias, Low Self-Esteem, Bullying and “The War on Obesity:” Where Do We Go From Here? panel discussion.

Early bird registration ends February 25th, so register now for the discounted rate!

For more information about BEDA, the complete conference schedule, and registration visit www.bedaonline.com

I hope to see you there!

XOXO

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Save the date for this “must attend” conference. Topics will include the latest research, clinical treatment tools, nutritional counseling, co-morbid conditions, children/adolescents, obesity, food addiction, recovery, family support, advocacy, the “war on obesity”, health-at-every-size, mentoring, status of BED and the DSM-V, and much more.

•Keynote Speakers: Jess Weiner and B. Timothy Walsh, MD.

•Experts on BED, obesity, food addiction, advocacy, and families

•Pre-Conference Learning Session: “An Internal Family Systems Approach to Binge Eating Disorder”

•Tracks for individuals, family members, and treatment professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chevese Turner
Chevese.turner@bedaonline.com
(410)570-9577

Plus Size Beauty Queen Becomes Spokesperson for Binge Eating Disorder Association

Plus Size Beauty Queen, Chenese Lewis Joins BEDA’s Mission to Promote Positive Body Image and Awareness of Binge Eating Disorder

(Severna Park, MD) July 27, 2010 -The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced today that Chenese Lewis has become an official ambassador, joining the effort to increase awareness around unrealistic “body-perfect” ideals, binge eating disorder and several associated conditions, including compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States affecting 3.5% of females and 2% of males. One in every 35 U.S. adults has the disorder and its prevalence amongst those seeking weight loss treatments, including bariatric surgery is up to 50%.

Chenese Lewis is a positive body image and self esteem advocate who made history by being the first woman crowned Miss Plus America in 2003. She is the current president of the Hollywood chapter of the National Organization for Women and creator of Hollywood NOW’s “Love Your Body Day”, an annual event where women of all sizes come together to promote positive body image. As a keynote speaker she lectures at national workshops, seminars, and universities around the country including the University of California, Davis “Celebrate Your Body Week” and is the host of PLUS Model Radio, the #1 podcast for plus size women. Her unique story and prestigious career have been featured by countless media outlets such as Dr. Phil, The Insider, and Figure Magazine.

“BEDA’s members are struggling with humiliation and embarrassment around their weight or are dangerously restricting food intake after bingeing in order to maintain a weight they deem suitable. BEDA is creating a community to support recovery and acceptance in a manner that is safe, builds self-esteem and tears down the walls of shame” states Chevese Turner, BEDA founder and chief executive officer. “

The Association is also taking the issue of “weight-bias” head on. With an increasing focus on the overweight and obese, it is well documented that weight-related bullying and discrimination is on the rise. According to studies done by Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, individuals who experience weight-bias (i.e bullying, teasing, and discrimination) are more likely to turn to food for comfort rather than diet. “This is critical information as a link has been made between the internalization of weight stigmatization and binge eating” Turner states. “Fortunately, the message that Ms. Lewis promotes of self esteem, loving your body, and promoting a broader definition of beauty is exactly the kind of role model our members need and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Ms. Lewis will participate in the BEDA 2011 National Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, March 31-April 2, 2011, at the Firesky Resort and Spa. BEDA’s conference will provide professionals who treat binge eating disorder and its associated conditions with the opportunity to network, expand their knowledge base and augment their treatment repertoire. It will also provide a track for individuals with binge eating disorder, compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. This track will welcome families and friends, and will promote BEDA’s efforts to build a community for those seeking recovery and support.

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is a national organization focusing on the need to increase prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder. BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, high quality of care, and recovery for those who live and those who work with binge eating disorder through outreach and support, education, and resources. For more information visit www.bedaonline.com.

To learn more about Chenese Lewis visit www.cheneselewis.com

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