Many people are aware of the research showing there is a strong relationship between teen substance use and high-risk sexual behaviour. It is only when prevention and treatment programs attend to both concerns that young people are truly able to protect their health and safety. Parental involvement is also crucial to this process.
New research by the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health lists a total of 12 health risk behaviors that appear to be highly correlated with one another dependent on age, gender and ethnicity. The multiple risk behaviors fall into the following categories:
- Unsafe sexual behaviors;
- Unhealthy eating and exercise patterns;
- Mental health and substance use problems;
- Behaviors that contribute to violence.
Youth who report being involved in one or more of these risk behaviors were significantly more likely to be involved or become involved in additional risk behaviors over time.
Parental involvement, through supporting self-esteem, helping children manage peer pressure, and providing careful supervision, delay and reduce risk-taking for younger teens. Delayed risk-taking allows children time to develop the maturity needed to make more healthful decisions later on.
Participation in parent education programming at schools, faith-based organizations and community based organizations is one way parents can learn strategies and have a forum to discuss their concerns with experts and with other parents.
Princeton High School is offering its annual Parents' Night on alcohol and other substance use on March 24th at the Princeton High School Black Box Theater (Room 191) at 7pm. Representatives from PHS Guidance, Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance, Corner House and the Princeton Borough and Township police departments will provide a panel presentation and discussion.
You may view the complete National Alliance report here: http://www.thenationalalliance.org/jan07/factsheet8.pdf
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
HiTOPS is Still on the Cutting Edge
Two recent national research reports on teen health care describe the characteristics of a successful clinic. HiTOPS is happy to announce that the best practices it has developed, tested and practiced for 22 years, are now THE standards of care for increasing adolescents' access to and participation in their own health care.
The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health March 2010 report entitled, "Adolescents' Experience and Views on Health Care" outlines youth-described barriers to seeking health care. HiTOPS addresses, reduces, and eliminates all of them, including: location of facility, cost, confidentiality, staff expertise and comfort with youth, comprehensive services under one roof, and a non-judgmental environment. A study published by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy entitled, "What Helps in Providing Contraceptive Services for Teens," lists the 11 characteristics of successful teen clinics including: accompanying educational programs, wide range of services, confidential care, contraceptives available, free or low cost, convenient location, flexible medical protocols, education about reproductive health skills, referrals to teen friendly services, and active outreach to make people aware of the services offered.
The HiTOPS Center for Adolescent Health utilizes a prevention–based nurse-practitioner model of care for its proven effectiveness with adolescents. Clinicians work with each client to provide personalized education, risk-reduction strategies, and medical treatment—all towards developing positive attitudes and health promoting behaviors that will greatly impact an adolescent’s quality of life for years to come. Clearly, listening to and involving youth in programs and services is not only what is right, but what works best.
You may view The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health article by visiting http://www.thenationalalliance.org/jan07/report2-2010.pdf and the National Campaign study here: http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/pubs/WhatHelps_FINAL.pdf
The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health March 2010 report entitled, "Adolescents' Experience and Views on Health Care" outlines youth-described barriers to seeking health care. HiTOPS addresses, reduces, and eliminates all of them, including: location of facility, cost, confidentiality, staff expertise and comfort with youth, comprehensive services under one roof, and a non-judgmental environment. A study published by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy entitled, "What Helps in Providing Contraceptive Services for Teens," lists the 11 characteristics of successful teen clinics including: accompanying educational programs, wide range of services, confidential care, contraceptives available, free or low cost, convenient location, flexible medical protocols, education about reproductive health skills, referrals to teen friendly services, and active outreach to make people aware of the services offered.
The HiTOPS Center for Adolescent Health utilizes a prevention–based nurse-practitioner model of care for its proven effectiveness with adolescents. Clinicians work with each client to provide personalized education, risk-reduction strategies, and medical treatment—all towards developing positive attitudes and health promoting behaviors that will greatly impact an adolescent’s quality of life for years to come. Clearly, listening to and involving youth in programs and services is not only what is right, but what works best.
You may view The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health article by visiting http://www.thenationalalliance.org/jan07/report2-2010.pdf and the National Campaign study here: http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/pubs/WhatHelps_FINAL.pdf
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