Tag: health literacy

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Never Too Young to Be Happy

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Eighth-grader Haile Thomas is living and happy proof that one is never too young to make a difference. This young woman has set quite a precedent for youth health advocates of all ages across the nation. Together with her mother who taught her how to cook, Haile started HAPPY after her father was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2008. She served as a major support and aided her father’s recovery, and now she is helping young people everywhere inspire their friends and family to live healthier and happier lives. Meet Haile through this impressive clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZZM17KHArg#t=13

Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth (HAPPY) Organization’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of Arizona youth and families through education, outreach, and advocacy about proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. Thomas hopes to empower youth to become change agents around healthy cooking and physical activity initiatives that can impact the health of their entire communities.

Haile has met and been celebrated by some of the most impressive names and chefs in the country, including Tom Colicchio, Alice Waters, and Dr. Oz. She is dear to President Bill Clinton and his Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Just recently she partnered with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts to help them develop healthier kids menu items. She appeared on TODAY and very professionally shared a wonderful recipe with Al Roker. She also made appearances on the Rachel Ray Show and Dr. Oz. Check out her Press Page to be further blown away.

These are just a few of the impressive conquests Thomas has made. Her Teen Chef Network was created in response to the frightening statistic that Arizona is the leading state in the United States for child hunger. Thomas invites teens to join the team of helping community members in need through cooking, learning, and modeling healthy behaviors. Her personal site features colorful pictures of Haile doing what she loves best, and her tabs offer simple, enticing information. This young woman even offers private cooking classes catering plant-powered, gluten-free, recipes from around the world, and she will even come to your home!

Thriving companies have jumped on the opportunity to support HAPPY, including Whole Foods Market, The Chopra Center, and the YWCA. Haile Thomas is an inspiration for all- young and old, students, parents, teachers, community leaders and members, and major corporations. Her message is inspiring, and her actions are overwhelmingly humbling. During times when change seems so far away, Haile Thomas and HAPPY prove that change is really just around the corner.

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Mental Health On the Go

One in five youth has a mental illness, and this too often correlates with substance abuse. The second leading cause of death of those ages 15 to 24 is suicide. Of 22,800 youth in the Ontario area, it is estimated that less than 5,000 will receive the help they need. These are just a few of the frightening statistics that stimulated Rebecca Shields to purchase Ontario’s first traveling health clinic for Canada’s youth. Shields is CEO of CMHA York Region and South Simcoe, and has been a leading advocate for this health center. Offering one-to-one confidential health care to those aged 12 to 25, Mobyss (Mobile York South Simcoe) provides aid to those who perhaps cannot access health services due to travel, or other barriers such as shame. From suicide intervention and counseling, to sexual health education, as well as basic primary health care, the true message is for young people to have access, improve their sense of wellness, and also improve their health literacy.

A Mobyss mobile app allows for easy scheduling, GPS location device, and even social media connection. The mobile clinic will be setting up shop this coming Spring 2015, in areas where young people gather, such as malls, schools, and parks. With two meeting areas and a drop-in lounge, Mobyss gives Canadian youth a space for client-centered support and comfort in the face of shame, fear, and isolation. A nurse practitioner, mental health worker, and peer support worker makes up the team of staff who assure clients that they are not alone. They also hope to proactively cut down on emergency room visits associated with self-harm, or other mental health issues.

The Canadian Mental Health Association York and South Simcoe provides Mobyss with immense amounts of support and stability. This is the main hub for news, updates, and resources. Together with other agencies and hospitals, Mobyss is a healthy role model for creating change in the lives of Canadian youth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hjChCE7hVY