FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Mike Judson
(801) 431-7350 or mjudson@tsggroup.com

February 9, 1999, Orem, Utah-Foundation For Change, a non-profit charitable foundation devoted to eating disorder awareness and education, is offering free information about eating disorders to all Latter-day Saints with a family member, friend, ward member or patient who is suffering from anorexia, bulimia or a related eating disorder.

The Foundation is making the free information widely available in preparation for the upcoming national Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 20-28, 1999). The theme for this year's nationwide campaign is "How to Help a Friend." To emphasize the theme, Foundation for Change is providing several resources designed to help Latter-day Saints understand the causes of eating disorders and how to reach out to those who struggle.

Among the free brochures and papers available are:

• "When Thinness Becomes an Obsession" - an article by eating disorders expert Harold A. Frost, Ph.D.
• "Do You Have an Eating Disorder?" - a self-scoring evaluation to determine whether an individual is prone to eating disorder behavior.
• "Eating Disorder Characteristics" - a chart describing the physiological, medical, behavioral, emotional and cognitive characteristics of persons with eating disorders.
• "Anorexia and Bulimia, How Family and Friends Can Help" - a brochure for family and friends of eating disorder sufferers.

Family members and friends who suspect that someone they love is suffering from an eating disorder should call the Foundation for Change at (801) 224-8277 to order information or should visit the Foundation's Web site at www.foundationforchange.org to read the information on-line.

LDS medical and mental health professionals can also view or order "Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide for Professionals." Another available article is "Spiritual Issues and Interventions in the Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders," a reprint from Eating Disorders - The Journal of Treatment & Prevention which is modified from a version of the article that originally appeared in the AMCAP (Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists) Journal. Additional materials and consultation for medical and mental health professionals are also available through the Foundation by calling (801) 224-8277.

The Foundation for Change, based in Orem, Utah, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation, established in January 1998, that is devoted to eating disorder awareness and education. The Foundation promotes involvement by individuals and organizations in researching and communicating the cause, effect, prevention and treatment of eating disorders. The Foundation also provides financial assistance for the treatment of eating disorders and sponsors research to further understanding of the psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual elements of the healing and recovery process.