Teens to Convene to Talk About Health

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On Thursday, March 13 the Indiana State Department of Health will host "Reducing the Risks: Hoosier Teens Talk Health," a free event aimed at engaging high-school age youth in a discussion about adolescent health issues in Indiana.  The youth health summit will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST).

"Adopting healthier behaviors early in life is essential," says State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D.  "That's why we have made a commitment to get Indiana's youth involved in addressing negative health behaviors like smoking, drinking, eating an unhealthy diet, or being inactive.  With the help of Hoosier teens, I am confident we can make significant changes for the better in the health and welfare of adolescents in our state."

According to the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Indiana has seen some positive changes in the habits of young people in recent years, but other data show youth are engaging in behaviors that could result in injury or illness.  The 2007 YRBS data showed about students in grades 9 to 12:

• 7.2 percent attempted suicide in the past 12 months;
• 13.8 percent were overweight;
• 18.2 percent of students reported eating fruits and vegetables five or more times per day each week, an increase from 15.5 percent in 2005;
• 18.9 percent used marijuana during the past 30 days;
• 20.9 percent carried a weapon during the last 30 days.
• 28.7 percent of students watched three or more hours per day of TV on an average school day, a decrease from 32.9 percent in 2003;
• 43.7 percent of students were physically active for a total of at least 60 minutes per day on 5 or more days of the week, an increase from 32.2 percent in 2005;
• 43.9 percent drank alcohol during the past 30 days;
• 49.1 percent ever had sexual intercourse; and
• 53.3 percent of students reporting ever trying cigarette smoking, a decrease from 60.4 percent in 2003 

To address these and other serious adolescent health issues, the Indiana State Department of Health is partnering with the Department of Education to bring teenagers together from around the state to attend an all-day conference on youth health behaviors.   Breakout session topics include alcohol, drug use, healthy relationships, injury, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco, and violence.  Featured speakers will be Rupert Boneham from the CBS show "Survivor" and Tasha Jones, educator and poet, who is best known for her "Hello Beautiful" movement to empower disadvantaged young people.

As the lead sponsor of this statewide conference on adolescent health, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent is "committed to working with the Indiana State Department of Health and its partners to protect Indiana's youth from serious illnesses, injuries, and deaths," says Joanne Hilden, M.D., vice president of Medical Affairs.   "We need to hear from teens on how to prevent risky health behaviors, which is why we are proud to sponsor this statewide conference on adolescent health."

Teens are invited to register for the free youth health summit at: www.statehealth.in.govby clicking on the link under the Reducing the Risks logo.

Source: Indiana State Department of Health Press Release

Technorati Tags: News State Government Health Indiana State Department of Health - ISDH Indianapolis Judy Monroe Marion County Reducing the Risks: Hoosier Teens Talk Health

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