3.22.2006

Orgs Fighting the Pro-Ana Nation

I recently came across this website titled: Pro-Ana Nation. It’s basically the mecca hub for the entire Pro-Ana movement. Vows to Ana and Mia (Mia is the Bulimic counterpart), diets, tips, tricks and thinspiration are all available and easily navigated. For example, a Pro-Ana tip, if you are hungry paint your nails. By the time your nails are dry the cravings should have past, or if you have hunger pains, curl up into fetal position and take a nap. Pro-Ana Nation has even complied a list with more than one hundred tips to choose from.

This pro-ana lifestyle is what organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) are working against. Many, especially on college campuses, have heard of some type of Body Awareness Week, which are usually sponsored by NEDA. One of the advertisments from last year's campaign can be viewed using the following link "Get Real About Eating Disorders".

These awareness weeks hope to create awareness in local communities, but one week can not possibly compare to fifty-two, web sites like Pro-Ana Nation are accessible 24/7. But just because these websites may be disturbing to some, it is completely legal and definitely recieves complete protection for publication under the First Amendment.

So organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association have stated its position on the pro-ana issue are actively implementing plans to counteract these influencial sites. Although the exact numbers of people who access Pro-Ana websites for personal use unknown, the national statistics definitely refelect cause for concern.

According to the NEDA website, more than 11 million Americans are diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia, and approximately 25 million more are struggling with a binge eating disorder. These implemented anti-ana plans are strategic communication methods to bring awareness to these millions of Americans as well as thier friends and family.

3.21.2006

Hello & Welcome!

Hello Friends,

I want to welcome you to Pro-Anabasis: Moving Forward, this is my blog dealing with Pro-Ana issues in our society today.

Main Entry: anab·a·sis
Pronunciation: &-'na-b&-s&s
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek, inland march, from anabainein to go up or inland, from ana- + bainein to go -- more at COME
1 : a going or marching up : ADVANCE; especially : a military advance

-Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary


As you can see, the word "anabasis" means moving forward and in this case its moving forward as a positive and neutral medium for friends and family of Pro-Ana movement, as well as, those who seek/bring helpful relevant information for and about the progression towards positive lifestyles.

Pro-Anabasis is not anti-ana; therefore, it does not tolerate hateful speech. Likewise, pro-ana tips and advice exchange is not allowable. As mentioned before, it simply is a neutral playfield for exchange of information and inspiration.

Thanks and once again, welcome!!