NDSU's Counseling Center will offer free eating disorder screenings during the National Week of Eating Disorder Awareness, Feb. 22-26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ceres Hall room 212. Appointments are suggested and can be made by calling 1-7671. All screenings are anonymous and last 30 to 45 minutes. People who show symptoms of an eating disorder will be encouraged to make an appointment for a full evaluation.

Symptoms of an eating disorder include being dissatisfied with your body, having an intense fear of gaining weight, over-exercising, restricting calories, avoidance of eating around other people and feeling that food has a power that won't allow you to stop eating even when you are full.

The program offers education and screening to help students stop unhealthy eating habits before they evolve into full-blown eating disorders. "Even people who do not have a diagnosable eating disorder can benefit from this program," says Marlys Borkhuis, assistant director and counselor at the center. "Food concerns, body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem can keep a student from achieving at school or sports and hinder social activities like dating or being with friends."

Online screening also is available at www.ndsu.edu/counseling.

In addition to the screenings, NDSU organizations including Active Minds, Wellness Education Leaders and the Student Dietetic Association will participate in a project called “Operation Beautiful.” The mission of the project is to post anonymous notes in public places for other people to find. Post-its will be made available at display tables with examples of positive statements that can be distributed to others on campus. For more information, go to operationbeautiful.com.