By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)/rdnewsNOW

2.7 million canadians

Virtual symposium on eating disorders in Alberta runs Feb. 22-March 3

Feb 18, 2022 | 3:43 PM

The Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA), in conjunction with the province’s health authority, is hosting a virtual symposium later this month, free to attend for all Albertans.

The 2022 Alberta Health Services (AHS) Eating Disorder Symposium runs Feb. 22 to March 3, and is the first event of its kind in Alberta.

The EDSNA says the symposium is ideal for anyone who has been touched personally or professionally by an eating disorder. It 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.

“This is a truly unique opportunity for people who support those with eating disorders and disordered eating in the province – health care 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,” says 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.”

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It’s estimated that 2.7 million Canadians have an eating disorder, with new cases of anorexia skyrocketing more than 60 per cent during the pandemic’s first wave in 2020.

There are barriers to getting help, including long waitlists. Organizers hope the symposium will also shed light on resources offered through AHS, community partners and the EDSNA.

The symposium will feature two keynote speakers: Dr. Laura Hill and Dr. Sara Morando, who are both experts in the field and will provide an instrumental learning opportunity to clinicians. Other speakers will include nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, recreational therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and dietitians.

For more information and to register, visit EDSNA.ca.