Life as a teenager can be every bit as complicated as it is thrilling. Gaining greater autonomy and learning how to navigate difficult situations with friends, family and the community at large are integral parts of the adolescent experience. Despite rush toward independence, sometimes a little bit of thoughtful guidance goes a long way toward shaping healthy and happy adults.
For the first time ever, the state of Pennsylvania will dedicate an entire week to providing teenagers with themed activities and conferences that address the pressures of young people. Starting Jan. 25 at the Mutter Museum, Pennsylvania Teen Health Week will tackle everything from healthy diet and exercise to violence, mental health, sexual development, and substance use and abuse.
The series, launched by Governor Tom Wolf and surgeon general Rachel Levine, will be led by Radnor resident Dr. Laura Offutt, who operates the website Real Talk with Dr. Offutt. To her knowledge, the program is the first of its kind in the United States and will have an emphasis on providing interactive resources.
“It’s a fun way to call some attention to teen health issues,” Dr. Offutt told Mainline Media News. “I’m very excited. We put together a tool kit for schools and organizations.”
Since the overwhelming majority of teens look online first for health information, Dr. Offutt and her team created a web kit that includes information on complementary health approaches and Internet safety.
Schools interested in participating in Pennsylvania Teen Health Week can use a separate toolkit to plan activities that line up with the week's themes, whether it's posting informational flyers or organizing student groups to engage their peers. As the kit explains:
Adolescents are an important force not only for their own health but for the health of others in their lives. They are often agents of change, and including them in discussions, and really listening to what they have to say about improving adolescent health behaviors is critical.
Teens throughout the state are encouraged to wear lime or neon green clothing to celebrate healthy living during the course of the week. Those who live in Philadelphia are encouraged to keep their eyes on the PECO Building Crown Lights for a special message during the second half of the week.
The full schedule of themes is listed below.
• Monday, January 25 – Healthy Diet & Exercise
• Tuesday, January 26 – Violence
• Wednesday, January 27 – Mental Health
• Thursday, January 28 – Sexual Development & Health
• Friday, January 29 – Substance Use & Abuse
Those interested in the opening event at the Mutter Museum can RSVP here.