An on-campus awareness group wants to change the way students picture a healthy body.

NIU C.A.R.E.S, which stands for Collegiate Awareness Regarding Eating Smart, will host a series of events during Body Image Awareness Week, today through Friday, to improve students’ body images. According to the week’s official proclamation, an estimated 8 million women and 1 million men are experiencing eating disorders in the United States. Almost 85 percent of American women are not satisfied with their weight, and 20 percent of college-aged women suffer from eating disorders, according to NIU C.A.R.E.S. pamphlets.

The group started 12 years ago with Kathy Hotelling, Counseling and Student Development Center director, leading the formation of NIU’s chapter, said Rebecca Smith, co-chairwoman of NIU C.A.R.E.S and a nutrition counselor for Student Housing and Dining Services.

“We have moved away from the negativity of eating disorders and have focused on body-image awareness, preventing eating disorders, increasing self-esteem and exercising for pleasure, not weight loss,” Smith said.

Freshman psychology major Chyvonne Gibson said women shouldn’t worry about what their bodies look like.

“There’s a difference between being healthy and being obsessed with the perfect body,” she said, “because no one has a perfect body.”

The week’s events include speakers who will discuss actions students can take to have better perceptions of their bodies. Topics include “How to Approach Someone with an Eating Disorder,” “Managing Food for Health When Short on Time” and “Pills, Powders, Potions.”

The largest event the group has organized is the Body Fair, which will take place from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Neptune Hall Central Fireside Lounge. Between 25 and 30 interactive booths will be set up, offering services like massage therapy and blood pressure screenings. They will be run by members of NIU Cheerleading, PAWS, various Greek organizations, NIU Health Services and others.

Another effort this week calls for students to quit hanging on to small jeans. Unwanted pairs can be donated to charity at the Campus Recreation Center throughout the week.

NIU C.A.R.E.S wants to make sure students know about the resources available to them, Smith said.

“NIU is so fortunate to have such an exceptional treatment team,” she said.

Body Image Awareness Week Schedule of Events

Today

5 p.m. — “How to Approach Someone with an Eating Disorder” – Dara Weil and Ellen Dunseth, Campus Life Building, Room 100

Tuesday

Noon – 7 p.m. — “Body Fair”, Neptune Central Fireside Lounge

Noon – 1 p.m. — “How to Help a Child with an Eating Disorder,” Kathy Hotelling Ph.D, Holmes Student Center, Blackhawk Cafe

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. — “Pills, Powders, Potions,” Judith Younginger, Ph.D, Neptune Central Fireside Lounge

7 – 8 p.m. — “Managing Food for Health When Short on Time,” Martha O’Gorman R.D., Nutrition Counselor and Beth Cranley, Athletic Trainer, Neptune Central Fireside Lounge

Wednesday

Noon – 1 p.m. — “Fashion in Movies,” Sarah Cosbey Ph.D, Rec Center Meeting Room

5 – 8 p.m. — Video and discussion, Dara Weil M.A., Campus Life Building Room 100

Thursday

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. — “Is it Possible to be Heavy and Healthy?” Ellen Parham Ph.D, Holmes Student Center, Blackhawk Cafe

Friday

Noon – 1 p.m. — “The Media and Body Image” Sarah Harlow M.S., Hall Director Douglas, Holmes Student Center, Blackhawk Cafe