Features
Eating disorders continue to affect American males, too VIRGINIA LUCERO
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ating disorders have become prevalent in the United States. According to statistics it is estimated that eight million Americans have an eating disorder – seven million women and one million men. An eating disorder is defined by extremes in eating behavior such as severe reduction in food intake, overeating, or distress or concern about body weight or shape. Most of the information in the media about eating disorders is directed toward females but males are usually overlooked. Even after losing 70 pounds Mike Cooper, music major, found it difficult to acknowledge the loss. “I still feel huge,” said Cooper. “It’s a
body image thing.” For Cooper, divorce and unemployment were part of the dynamics that influenced his turnaround and his desire to lose weight. “Actually what happened is somebody cared for me unexpectedly, and that person made me appreciate life again.” In Cooper’s case he feels is was a selfhate thing. “It’s not suicide; it’s not death,” said Cooper. “You manifest death in small ways such as overeating, destructive patterns in relationships and absence of self-care.” An estimated 10 to 15 percent of people with eating disorders are males. Male celebrities who have suffered with an eating disorder include Elton John and Daniel Johns. Through the late 1980’s Elton John con-
chaffeybreeze.com | Dec. 6, 2010
fessed that he suffered with bulimia. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a cycle of binging and self-induced vomiting. In a 2004 interview on ABC, Johns talked about his struggle with anorexia. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by selfstarvation and excessive weight loss. Both of these disorders are life threatening. Nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder. “There are a lot of guys with body issues,” said Cooper. “We are not allowed to talk about it…we’re not allowed to have feelings.” Cooper’s future plan is to teach music. He plans to earn a master’s degree and possibly a Ph.D. in music education. Students can receive health and diet information at the Student Health Services Center in the AD building.
JUSTIN KENWARD
Mike Copper poses as he discusses his view on eating disorders
Success centers prepare students for finals DONNA DAVIS
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inals are coming up the week of Dec. 11-17. The math and writing centers are there to help students with tutoring or getting caught up with their homework. The Student Success Center provides free tutoring study groups. The center also
has learning activities that help students succeed in their classes. Workshops are available for extra credit for all math and science classes. The students must bring their ID when they use the centers. Karvita Verma is working as the lab apprentice at the front desk in the math center. The instructors of the math success cen-
ters are Jeff Brower and Leonard Crow. The hours of operation for the math success center is Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The disability program has special hours for its students. They can meet Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The writing center is also open to help students. The instructor of the Writing
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Center is Robert Rundquist. The hours for the writing center are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. To confirm a spot for the workshops or study groups offered the writing center call to make an appointment. These centers offer students an excellent way to help with all their courses, especially during finals week.
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