Melrose Center event Feb. 18 explores link between sports and mental health

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — The public is invited to an event at Melrose Center that will feature a panel discussion about often under recognized mental health conditions among athletes. Topics will include:

• Training for performance
• When healthy becomes unhealthy
• Signs and symptoms of eating disorders
• How to support those in recovery

In a study of 1,445 athletes in Division 1 schools with the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) 1, about one in four female and one in ten male athletes were at risk of anorexia. In addition, 58% of females and 38% of the male athletes were at risk for vomiting, laxative, or diuretic abuse.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, risk factors for athlete include:

• Sports that emphasize appearance, weight requirements such as gymnastics, diving, bodybuilding or wrestling
• Sports that focus on the individual such as gymnastics, running, figure skating, dance or diving
• Endurance sports such as track and field/running, swimming
• Coaches who focus primarily on success and performance rather than on the athlete as a whole person

What: Breaking the Stigma--Athletes and Eating Disorders

When:: Thursday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where:: Melrose Center
3525 Monterey Drive
St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Register at melrose@parknicollet.com, call 952-993-6555 or register at eventbrite.com