Mark your calendars! The Pat Walker Health Center is hosting its first ever Southern Smash event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, on the Union Mall.

Southern Smash is a fun, empowering event that spreads awareness about eating disorders and positive body image. During the event students will have a chance to smash scales with baseball bats and sledgehammers, and ultimately let go of cultural ideas of body perfection.

"We are really excited to host our first ever Southern Smash event," said Dr. Debbie Deere, physician and member of the Pat Walker Health Center's Eating Disorder Treatment Team. "By hosting this event, our hope is students will challenge themselves to look past this idea that their weight defines their worth."

The event will include other activities, such as "Let it Go" on balloons to "release their ideal numbers" and create "Dare to LOVE Yourself" cards.

Eating disorders can present in different ways and affect both men and women. Many people suffering may not even appear "sick." The health center has a dedicated team of health professionals to help support and treat students who may be affected by an eating disorder.

The outpatient eating disorder team encourages anyone on campus who may have an eating disorder, or have concerns about a friend or colleague, to reach out to the health center for help by calling 479-575-4451.

"Eating disorders are real, complex and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity and relationships," said Deere. "By bringing more awareness to this condition we hope we can educate the campus and empower students to celebrate and embrace true beauty and self-love."

Southern Smash is a program of the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness.