Teen Health Night to Focus on Prevention

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center will host its 13th annual Teen Health Night on Wednesday, April 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in recognition of Public Health Month.

The free event will be held at the health center located at 11 Wilbraham Road in Springfield. Adults, parents, and other family members are also welcome to attend.

“Teen Health Night is designed for teens to come together, along with their parents, family members, and friends, to learn about health issues that affect them,” said Mable Sharif, outreach worker, Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center. She noted the evening will offer teens a path to wellness through demonstrations and discussions, as well as informational tables staffed by local community-service agencies.

Topics will include teen stress prevention, teen pregnancy prevention, smoking and alcohol prevention, anti-bullying, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS education, nutrition and healthy eating, eye care, as well as the importance of staying in school and various after-school programs, and many other topics related to keeping teens healthy. Representatives from the Springfield Police and Fire Departments will also be in attendance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the transition from adolescence to adulthood “establishes patterns of behavior and lifestyle choices that affect both their [young adults’] current and future health.” Serious health and safety issues include the development of chronic diseases such as eating disorders, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, violence, substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and more.

For more information on Teen Health Night, call outreach worker Mable Sharif at Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center at (413) 794-9663.