TORONTO, Jan. 28 /CNW/ - The 9th annual Sheena's Place Awareness Breakfast, presented by Scotiabank, is set to host North American eating-disorder expert and author, Dr. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, who will address how mixed societal messages are resulting in distorted body images and eating disorders among children and youth. Dr. Neumark-Sztainer will discuss the important role families and parents play in helping adolescents stay fit, eat well, and feel good.

What:     The 9th Annual Sheena's Place Awareness Breakfast, presented by
              Scotiabank, takes place during Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
              Dr. Neumark-Sztainer will discuss weight-related problems
              facing young people today and the role that families can play
              in helping their children feel better about themselves and
              their bodies.

    When:     Friday, February 5, 2010
              7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

    Where:    Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street, (Simpson Tower), 8th Floor,
              Toronto

    Who:      Dr. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, researcher and author -
              Keynote Speaker
              Jeanne Becker, Host of FASHIONTELEVISION - Master of
              Ceremonies
              500 attendees

    Why:      Sheena's Place is a community-based registered charity that
              offers a comprehensive program of support groups that give
              individuals with eating disorders and their families a safe
              place to give and receive support. The 9th Annual Sheena's
              Place Awareness Breakfast, presented by Scotiabank, takes place
              during Eating Disorders Awareness Week which runs from
              February 1 to 5, 2010.

              Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental
              illnesses. Anyone can develop an eating disorder regardless of
              age, race, gender or background, however anorexia and bulimia
              affect primarily females in their teens and 20s. Studies report
              both disorders in children as young as six years as well in
              adults as old as 75. Sheena's Place is focused on the
              education, awareness and prevention of eating disorders and
              offers over 30 weekly support groups at no charge. The goal of
              this corporate breakfast, presented by Scotiabank, is to
              provide the audience with an opportunity for understanding
              eating disorders, as well as to raise funds for Sheena's
              Place's ongoing programs.