Summer is a time for fun, relaxing, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Unfortunately, if you have an eating disorder, summer can quickly lose its shine. While the sunny months may seem like an inconvenient time to get eating disorder treatment, it is important to remember that the best time to start treatment is now. Still unsure? Read what The Emily Program community had to say when asked, “Why should I start treatment this summer?”
The Emily Program is thrilled to announce our new podcast, Peace Meal. Peace Meal covers topics related to eating disorders, body image issues, and how society may contribute to distorted thinking. Join us as we sit down with eating disorder field leaders, medical professionals, and those in recovery to shed a light on eating disorders, body-related biases, and so much more! New episodes are out the first Monday of every month.
Our first mini-episode, Introducing Peace Meal, is out NOW! On this episode of Peace Meal, we talk to The Emily Program founder Dirk Miller. Dirk shares how his recovery from alcoholism and bulimia set him on a mission to help others who are struggling.
In 46 B.C., Julius Caeser declared that January 1st would be the first day of the year, partially to line up the calendar with the sun and partially to honor Janus, the God of Beginnings. The Romans celebrated the New Year by making offerings to Janus, exchanging gifts, and noting the holiday as a time of celebration and honor. This was the first time that the New Year was formally celebrated.
Now, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day continue to be celebrated around the world. In Spain, individuals eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each day of the month, for good luck. Those in Germany celebrate by eating doughnuts called Krapfen. In Brazil, people toss flowers into the ocean as an offering to the Sea Goddess and in Demark, plates are smashed to bring good luck. In the United States, loved ones may share a kiss based on the thought that the first person you see in the New Year will suggest how the rest of the year will go.
The Emily Program is excited to announce our new social campaign, Beside Me When. Beside Me When aims to encourage dialogue around eating disorder recovery and showcase stories of healing and hope. We believe that talking openly about eating disorders will change the culture of secrecy and shame, thus encouraging treatment and recovery.
We reached out to The Emily Program community and asked them to share their best holiday advice to those in eating disorder recovery. Here is what they said!
*Photography by Alex Hsiao and Nancy Linden.
Over the weekend, The Emily Program hosted a community event to celebrate its 25th anniversary of providing eating disorder treatment and recovery. The celebration took place at our Saint Louis Park location in Minnesota and hundreds of community members, staff, and former clients came out to celebrate with special guests Jessie Diggins, Amy Klobuchar, and Kitty Westin.
