According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA, 2016), 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about becoming too fat and engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors.  With the best-known contributor to eating disorder behavior being body dissatisfaction, recent studies are showing the median onset of eating disorder behaviors as 12-13 years of age (NEDA, 2016). These statistics are very real and alarming. It is our responsibility to bring awareness and education to our young ladies growing up in such a culture.  

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Traci Haynes, Registered Dietitian of 30 years with a specialization in eating disorders for the past 15 years is the founder of the R.I.S.E. Strong Program.  R.I.S.E. is a movement Traci has developed through years of working with young girls who have been exposed to today’s unrealistic, harmful and socially constructed messages about food, exercise, body and self.   R.I.S.E. participants will learn to listen to their body’s need for energy and respectfully respond.  They will understand joyful body movement, learn positive self-talk tools and have the opportunity to connect with their peers in a unique, safe, inspiring environment.

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It is said that a culture is formed by the stories our children are told. It is time for us to form a new story of self-love, acceptance, compassion, respect and value.  We have the opportunity to empower this generation with a new message.  What an honor it is for R.I.S.E to be a part of this new story.