Cllr. Cormac Devlin, "Saint Michaels", Glenageary Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Telephone: +353 (1) 275 0786 Email cormacdevlin@ireland.com
.
COUNCILLOR WELCOMES
CD-ROM LAUNCHED BY
BODYWHYS
March 2006
Councillor Cormac Devlin welcomes the production of the Bodywhys CD-ROM by Minister Brian Lenihan:
Dún Laoghaire Fianna Fáil Councillor Cormac Devlin has welcomed the launch of the Bodywhys (The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland) CD-ROM "i-figure" by Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children Brian Lenihan TD recently.
The CD-ROM is aimed at 14 -16 year olds. It is an innovative support service being developed by Bodywhys, in conjunction with the Vodafone Foundation, to further support young people with eating disorders.
Councillor Devlin stated that "It is important that these modern tools are readily available to people looking for more information on how to prevent or want to address the issues of eating disorders. With over 200,000 people
in Ireland affected annually by an eating disorder it is important that promotion of this CD is widespread. While the CD-ROM is going out to all secondary schools in Ireland, I would encourage anyone looking for
information to call Bodywhys Helpline on 1890 200444 or email: info@bodywhys.ie"
Speaking at the launch Minister Lenihan welcomed this new support service as body image issues are a major part of any eating disorder and this can make it difficult for people to meet face to face. "There is no single, easily
identifiable cause for eating disorders. Contributing factors vary from person to person and can be a combination of cultural, familial, biological and individual influences" said the Minister.
Eating Disorders including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can be extremely serious for those affected and their families. Although these conditions are not specific to either gender, they particularly affect women. The symptoms of the disorders may range from mild to severe.
"Treatment of an eating disorder will require attention to both the physical and the psychological aspects of the condition and should always include respect for and sensitivity to the overall well being of the person" added
the Minister.
