Blog 1

Our health as individuals is a very important part of our everyday life that many people tend to forget about. America is one of the most obese countries due to the lack of good nutrition, and exercise. Watching what we consume in our bodies now for nutrition can affect our long-term health. As our duties as an older generation we need to encourage the adolescents healthier behaviors. There are many ways that we can encourage healthier lifestyles that are geared towards youths. One of the most popular ways to reach out is in the form of social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Discussion forms can be created along with Facebook fan pages, healthy living tips on twitter accounts, or even recipes and exercise advice on Pinterest. A major form of communication right now in texting. States could partner up with services to send out notifications of when wellness exams are due, along with healthy reminders (Medicaid, 2014). Our society is big into technology, and many people have smart phones. There could be a development of mobile applications that aid in finding information, data on where to access health services, and peer support of health questions (Medicaid, 2014). Also, parents have a big role in the lifestyle their children live. They are usually the ones that provide food for the family, and encourage active daily life. Parents should evaluate the type of food they are feeding their children, and the affects it could have on them. Many families are busy these days with work, school activities, and trying to complete errands that it is easier to drive-thru somewhere instead of preparing a healthy meal. Eating healthy food can provide the body with the adequate nutrition it needs for energy, which could help promote having energy to be active. Health educators in the school system play a big role in the adolescence life. Many children eat two meals at their school cafeteria. Instead of feeding the children unhealthy food they could provide a well-balanced meal that is low-fat, and low in sodium. School counselors, nurses, and physical education instructors can play a role in providing guidance on health, and the importance of nutrition and physical activity (Center for Disease Control, 1996). Overall, there are many ways of reaching out to the younger generation, and promoting the healthy lifestyle.

References:

Guidelines for School Health Programs to Promote Lifelong Healthy Eating. (1996, June 14). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00042446.htm

Paving the Road to Good Health Strategies for Increasing Medicaid Adolescent Well-Care Visits. (February 2014). Retrieved from http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Benefits/Downloads/Paving-the-Road-to-Good-Health.pdf