Martin's Point Offers Free Eating Disorders Screenings, Lecture

Anonymous Screenings Open to Public

Martin's Point Health Care is one of several Maine organizations to participate in the upcoming National Eating Disorders Screening Program taking place throughout the U.S. February 14 - 18.

"We take this issue very seriously, as there are literally millions of Americans who suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating, which can be life-threatening disorders," says David H. Howes, president and chief medical officer at Martin's Point. "We're offering these screenings to help people understand if they may have a problem in this area."

In Portland on February 12, Martin's Point will participate in "Room with a View," an experiential health fair at the University of Southern Maine, designed to inform individuals about the risks associated with eating disorders and to encourage women and men of all ages to nurture their bodies and self image.

This event and other Eating Disorder Awareness Week activities are organized and sponsored by the Southern Maine Chapter of Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention (EDAP).

Martin's Point has scheduled events at the following locations, which are free and open
to the public:

February 15 á In Brunswick, Martin's Point will hold an anonymous screening from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at its facility on the Old Bath Road at Cook's Corner. The screening, available for adults and teens and for both sexes, will include an educational presentation, a questionnaire, and a private screening with a health clinician. Please call toll free at (877) 494-5251 for more information or to reserve a spot in the screening.


February 17 á In Portland, Martin's Point will offer a free lecture on the topic from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Martin's Point Health Education Center at 331 Veranda Street in Portland. Please call (800) 260-6681 to reserve a space.

Established in 1981, Martin's Point Health Care employs 290 healthcare professionals who serve 44,000 patients at clinics in Portland, Windham, Brunswick and Newington, N.H. Headquartered in Portland at 331 Veranda Street, Martin's Point accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare Plans.

For more information on Martin's Point Health Care, its Health Education Center or other programs, visit the Martin's Point website at www.martinspoint.org.
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NOTE to media: Available for media to talk on this issue during the week will be Jessica Biggie, M.D., a physician at Martin's Point Health Care. She also gives talks to employees at local businesses on "Food, Fads and Foolish Behavior," in which she dispels the common myths of obesity and dieting. Biggie's presentations are part of the Physician Outreach program launched last year at Martin's Point Health Care.