About
The topic of eating disorders (EDs) is often considered taboo in homes and schools alike, with health classes concentrating on other subject matters (e.g., alcohol addiction, first aid, etc.), rather than eating disorders.
This is not to say that these are less significant issues, but the concern is that EDs are not properly and widely addressed. Compared to the global issues that dominate everyday conversation, the severity of the eating disorder epidemic remains hidden amongst the general public.
As a result, many teens and adults nowadays turn to online sources that may present misinformation, which is serious when medical diagnoses and health information are involved.
The digital world is filled with false health info from unqualified sources. Dr. Rachel Moon and colleagues published a study in the Journal of Pediatrics where they tested the accuracy of certain websites by entering 13 search phrases into the Google search engine. They found that about half of educational websites and less than a third of individual websites were medically accurate.
Through in-person presentations and surveys to over 120 high school students and an online website, Project Re-EDucate aims to spread factual, useful information about EDs.
This website contains interviews from three certified eating disorder experts, misconceptions about EDs, and more. Discussion at home and work surrounding EDs is important in RE-DEFINING the eating disorder experience, REFLECTING on eating disorder stigma around us, and RE-EDUCATING others– especially teens, the next generation of teachers and healthcare providers– about such a relevant health crisis. Though Project Re-EDucate was created for the Girl Scout Gold Award, the bigger mission is to raise ED awareness on a large scale.
You're not alone.
We're here to help.
CALL/TEXT THE NEDA HELPLINE AT (800) 931-2237 IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE MAY NEED ASSISTANCE.
*ABSENCE OF CERTAIN EATING DISORDER SIGNS/SYMPTOMS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE SHOULD NOT SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.
Created for Joselyn’s 2022 Girl Scout Gold Award