7 The Victorian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education This TOTW can be included as part of the HPE Curriculum under Personal, Social and Community Health as well as the Personal and Social Capability. It can also be incorporated into a Wellbeing and Personal Development Program. It is useful for teachers to be aware of this information to better identify and assist students they may be concerned about.
Feb 26 to March 4 is International Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) EDAW is an international awareness event, fighting the myths and misunderstandings that surround eating disorders, which are serious mental illnesses. It’s estimated one million Australians have an eating disorder, and this number is increasing. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, a diet gone wrong or a cry for attention. From 26 February to March 4, we have an opportunity to raise awareness of eating disorders and encourage understanding and compassion towards those affected. What is an eating disorder? Eating disorders involve an unhealthy preoccupation with eating, exercise and body weight/shape. While eating disorders can certainly affect males and females of all ages and backgrounds, the average age of onset for eating disorders takes place during adolescence. What are some of the warning signs for an eating disorders? Warning signs in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) environment can include: • • • • • • • • • • •
Strong focus on body shape and weight (e.g. interest in weight-loss websites, dieting tips in books and magazines, images of thin people) Excessive or compulsive exercise patterns (e.g. exercising even when injured, or in bad weather, refusal to interrupt exercise for any reason; insistence on performing a certain number of repetitions of exercises, exhibiting distress if unable to exercise) Sudden or rapid weight loss/frequent changes in weight Fainting, dizziness Fatigue - always feeling tired, unable to perform normal activities Increased desire or complete unwillingness to discuss eating and exercise behaviours Social withdrawal or isolation from friends, including avoidance of previously enjoyed activities Noticeable stress or anxiety if not able to train or play No longer seeming to enjoy the sport/activity More self-critical or perfectionist in approach to sport/activity Heightened sensitivity to comments or criticism about body shape or weight, eating or exercise habits
ACHPER Victoria
#TipOfTheWeek – 26, Feb 2018
• • •
Depression or anxiety Moodiness or irritability Low self-esteem (e.g. feeling worthless, feelings of shame, guilt or self-loathing)
What can I do to promote health and well-being among my students? • • • •
Role model body positivity and healthy behaviours Focus on health, fitness, and fun! Talk about the many physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits of exercise Avoid measuring body mass or calculating BMI – health is more important than size.
What if there is a student I am concerned about? First thing is to be prepared, and know your limitations. How to approach • Be calm, honest and open about your concerns. • It is important you let the person know you are only raising your concerns because you genuinely care about them. • Come straight to the point and have examples to back up your concerns. • Tell them you are worried they have developed an eating disorder. • Be up front about your observations – it can be more difficult for the other person to deny things, if you have some solid examples. • Focus on feelings – yours and theirs. This will lessen the chance of what you are saying being interpreted as an attack or a judgment. • Use “I” statements. • Focus on behaviours and feelings you are concerned about rather than eating and weight. What to avoid: • Being critical • Commenting on the person's weight, size or shape, either negatively or positively • Giving simple solutions (‘just eat!’/‘stop bingeing’) • Trying to solve all the person’s problems • Saying or implying the person/problem is stupid, self-destructive, or shameful • Making promises you cannot keep Further information and support EDV website (www.eatingdisorders.org.au) has many fact sheets which may be helpful in your planning your conversation. The EDV helpline is available to discuss your concerns if you would like further support and can provide health practitioner details for your local area. The Helpline operates weekdays, contact 1300 550 236 or
[email protected] Eating Disorders Victoria provide education and training for teachers and fitness professionals in the area of body image and eating disorders. They also provide workshops and group programs for students, for both the general school community and for those students who may be at risk of an eating disorder. For further information regarding education and training offered by Eating Disorders Victoria, contact 1300 550 236 or
[email protected].
ACHPER Victoria
#TipOfTheWeek – 26, Feb 2018
