Adolescent Health: Planting Seeds for a - Society for Public Health ...

Sample Press
Release
Adolescent Health: Planting Seeds for a Healthier Generation
National Health Education Week | October 15-19, 2012
[ organization, company or program letterhead here ]
ORGANIZATION/COMPANY/PROGRAM HELPING AREA YOUTH DEVELOP HEALTHY HABITS
National Health Education Week October 15-19 Sets Focus on Raising Healthier Adolescents
Local Event Details/Education Program Reaches Out
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - DATE
Contact: [Name, Phone, Email Address]
(City, STATE) – The time to focus on the health of our youth is now. There has never been a greater need to improve
the health of our nation’s young people than right now. In the United States, the leading causes of adolescent death
and disability are related to preventable health risk behaviors including, tobacco use, unhealthy dietary behaviors,
sedentary lifestyles, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, unsafe sex, injury and violence.
Improving the health and future of America’s youth is the focus of National Health Education Week (NHEW) 2012.
During October 15-19, health education specialists and public health advocates across the country involved with the
Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) will work to raise awareness of adolescent health issues and empower
young people to make informed decisions that support healthy development through activities supporting this year’s
theme, “Adolescent Health: Planting Seeds for a Healthier Generation.”
To improve the health of our youth, organization/company/program is describe the event/activity/promotion being
conducted.
“Insert quote from organization,” said name, title. “Insert quote.”
Tips for parents, fact sheets, activities and resources for NHEW are available online at www.sophe.org. Name is
available to talk with the press and offer health tips for families and youth.
Each day of NHEW is themed around an adolescent health topic:
Monday, Oct. 15: Nutrition and Physical Activity: Action for healthy adolescents
Tuesday, Oct. 16: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use: Integrating evidence-based strategies for prevention
Wednesday, Oct. 17: Sexual Health: Making the case for comprehensive sex education
Thursday, Oct. 18: Emerging Trends in Adolescent Injury and Violence
Friday, Oct. 19: Lesbian, Gay Transgender, Youth: Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion
Schools and youth programs can improve adolescent health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, schools have more influence on the lives of young people than any other social institution, except for the
family. Schools provide critical outlets to reach millions of adolescents and provide a place to strengthen a student’s
ability to successfully practice and adopt behaviors that protect and promote health and avoid or reduce health risks.
Thus, advocating for adequate school health education programs is a key way to improve adolescent health
today.
Society for Public Health Education • National Health Education Week 2012 | 22