Like us on Facebook View our videos on YouTube

September is Attendance Awareness and Cancer Awareness Month
 
Ashley Mitchelides, MPH
Clinical Health Educator   
   
At Teen Health Connection, our monthly health initiatives surround topics that are relevant to adolescents and their families. This month, our focus shifts to the classroom as we promote school attendance and cancer awareness through immunizations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school attendance is a protective risk factor in adolescents. Protective risk factors contribute to lower engagement in high-risk behaviors and can help to predict the success of an individual. School attendance strengthens school connectedness by deepening a student's belief that peers and teachers care about their well-being. Adolescents that exhibit strong school attendance patterns are less likely to use alcohol and drugs, show less involvement with violence and gang membership, and are more likely to delay early sexual initiation.
In addition to preventing high-risk behaviors, school attendance is invariably linked to better academic achievement often seen in higher standardized test scores and graduation rates. Public health initiatives, as outlined by Healthy People 2020, highlight school attendance as a strong predictor of overall adult health outcomes. Specifically, graduation from high school is positively associated with lower rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, lower risk of incarceration, and a greater likelihood of financial stability in adulthood. All of these factors are positively identified as success factors for an individual.
School success and attendance starts with healthy teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC recommend the following vaccines for pre-teens (ages 11-12):
  1. Tdap
  2. Meningococcal
  3. HPV
Additionally, all teens should receive an annual flu vaccine.  
As you kick off September, welcoming the back to school activities, remind teens to start healthy habits now. Parents, encourage school attendance by checking in with your teen, reinforcing the importance of academic achievement, and praising their hard work. From everyone at Teen Health Connection, we wish you and your teens a happy, healthy, and successful start to the school year. 
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic 
Enroll today in our Parenting Teens with Love and Logic class, based on a curriculum developed by Jim Fay, Charles Fay Ph.D., and Foster W. Cline M.D., designed to give participants practical skills that can be used immediately with adolescents.  Teen Health Connection offers various classes throughout the community and we are also offering a Back to School Class for previous participants. Learn more here.
Text Messaging Campaign

The Teen Health Connection Text Campaign sends bi-monthly health and safety text messages. You can enroll by texting teenhealth1 to 877877 or by clicking on the photo below.
 
Welcome Pediatric Resident
The Department of Pediatrics at Carolinas Medical Center and Levine Children's Hospital offers a fully accredited 3 year pediatric medical resident training program.  Teen Health Connection is fortunate to serve as the adolescent-specific medical rotation for the residents.  This month, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Amanda Murray. Dr. Brantham received her medical degree from Florida State University.
Please forward our e-newsletter to your friends, sign up for our text messaging campaign, like us on  Facebook and visit our website to read about what we are doing each month. You can also follow us on Instagram at Teen Health Connection or on Twitter. Teen Health Connection appreciates our community partners and families.  We believe that together we can make a difference for adolescents in our community.  

 


It is through the support of our individual, community and corporate partners that Teen Health Connection empowers every adolescent to be healthy, safe and successful.

Staying Healthy

It is important for students to develop healthy habits so that they will not have to miss school for illness. Remember that vaccines are very important because they decrease the chances of getting sick. You can review the information on our website about vaccines that are available to adolescents and why they are important.  

Dr. John G. Johnston Award  
Congratulations to Ann Clark, the 2015 recipient of the Dr. John G. Johnston Award for Excellence in Adolescent Medicine and Health Recipient.
 
Ann Clark became the Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) after having held numerous teaching and administrative positions since joining the district in 1983. Ann most recently served as chief academic officer at CMS, overseeing the district's curriculum, professional development, classroom instruction, and learning communities. In addition to her passion for children and education, Ann is a dedicated community member serving on numerous nonprofit boards.
Ann will be awarded at the Stand Up and Get Down for Teens event on Saturday, September 19th.

Stand Up and Get Down for Teens   
2014 Stand Up and Get Down for Teens Video
We are just a few weeks away from our annual fundraiser, Stand Up and Get Down for Teens.  The event will take place on Saturday evening, September 19, 2015 at The Fillmore. We will begin the night with dinner and a comedy performance from Last Comic Standing Finalist, Rocky LaPorte, followed by a ceremony honoring the 2015 recipient of the Dr. John G. Johnston Award, Ann Clark. The evening will conclude with music from local band, Too Much Sylvia, allowing everyone to celebrate and Get Down for Teens. Visit our website for information on how you can join us as we Stand Up and Get Down for teens.
Girls Educated & Motivated for Success 

The Teen Health Connection Girls Educated and Motivated for Success (GEMS) Mentoring Program attendants are packed in the elevator after a power packed session on Knowing Your Value. The GEMS Mentoring Program is an ongoing community group of girls ages 13 to 17. The GEMS work with community volunteers to tackle important health issues for young women. Visit our website to learn more.
 THANK YOU
 
Teen Health Connection would like to thank the many volunteers, funders and community partners who dedicate their time and talent to this organization.  Because of the commitment from so many valued partners and friends, the team at Teen Health Connection can continue to empower every adolescent to be healthy, safe and successful.