TORONTO, Feb. 4 /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.