Alberta Health Services is attempting to help those across the province dealing with eating disorders.
The Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta said in a release Wednesday that the first-ever symposium to address eating disorders from Feb. 22 to March 3 will ideally help promote awareness about their cause.
According a release, it is estimated that 2.7 million Canadians have an Eating Disorder and during the first wave of the pandemic monthly new cases of anorexia increased by more than 60 per cent, while monthly hospitalization nearly tripled compared to pre-pandemic rates.
“This is a truly unique opportunity for people who support those with eating disorders and disordered eating in the province - healthcare professionals in public and private care, teachers, those in the fitness industry, students from faculties like occupational therapy and social work, and people from many other professions and backgrounds can benefit from the presentations being offered,” said EDSNA Executive Director Lauren Berlinguette.
“We’ve been talking about, and seeing, the rise in incidences of those with disordered eating, but the capacity to treat and support isn’t there yet. This is a great chance to build on existing skills, and learn some new ones, in order to better serve those we are all trying to help.”
Throughout the week, the virtual symposium will be focused on “sharing knowledge, current strategies, best practices in the treatment and management of eating disorders, as well as, sharing available community resources, lived experience and messages of hope”.
The speakers range in specialties; including nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, recreational therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and dietitians.
Two of the keynote speakers are Dr. Laura Hill and Dr. Sara Morando, both experts in the field and will provide an instrumental learning opportunity to clinicians.
For more information on the event, check out edsna.ca/2022edpsymposiumab/.