Programs - Body Image

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall by Jodi Poretskin

Our individual body images are fine-tuned by the media images we ingest on a daily basis from the first minute we sit in front of a television set.  Jodi Poretskin grew up in New Jersey as a popular student leader and an athlete with lots of friends.  People called her "pretty."  Yet, Jodi didn't see, "pretty," and began a 17 year struggle with anorexia and compulsive exercise.  Jodi's program takes her audience from her intimate struggles with the mirror and scale to an examination of our broader cultural looking glass. 

Jodi's graduate work in Psychology in combination with her degree in Sports Medicine adds knowledge and expertise to her program.  She believes that her drive to advocate, even when she was ill, helped her to see that recovery was possible.  Now, in full recovery, Jodi wants to help young women and men realize that, although body image is a pressing issue in society, you don't have to let it press you into any particular mold.

Jodi helps her audience take a look at what we are "supposed to be" verses what we are and considers how a great day can be ruined by a fleeting thought of poor body image or fear of lack of approval.  She describes how dieting, pills, steroids, smoking, purging, and binging are all means to control our bodies and our lives. 

The story of Jodi's recovery inspires all who hear her program.  Her inquisitive and energetic spirit leaves the floor wide open for any and all questions.  Leaving her audience with good cause to love the body they have, Jodi's message reaches both men and women, those who are struggling with an eating disorder, and those who are cultural bystanders.  She helps each listener gain a greater self-understanding of the environment in which we live.

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