Adolescent Health Issues
Talking About Health: A Dialogue with Health Professionals and Youth Pastors
A collaboration between the Center for Youth Ministry Studies
and Department of Nursing
Sponsored in part by Good Shepherd Initiative
of the Covenant Chaplains Association
Saturday, February 16, 2013
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: $30
Nursing CEUs available for an additional $15
Participants will be awarded seven contact hours for this CNE activity through North Park University.
Tickets can be reserved now and paid for at the door with check or cash without the credit card fees. Checks should be made out to North Park University. Click "Other Payment Options" then "Pay at Door."
The journey through adolescence toward adulthood includes both opportunities and challenges for health. The developing adolescent brain is faced with making decision regarding risky actions or healthy behaviors influenced by their social milieu. Youth ministers and health professionals working with adolescents have a unique opportunity to help teenagers weather life's challenges through addressing physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Given the influence of youth ministers on adolescent lives and the knowledge of health professionals working with youth, this workshop is designed to create a context for dialogue and lay a foundation for collaborative efforts to strengthen the health of adolescents. The primary ethos of the conference will be conversational exploration with outcomes relevant to the intersection of health care and youth ministry.
Objectives:
- Describe how adolescent brain development influences risk and resilience.
- Discuss the role of youth ministry in nurturing adolescent health.
- Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on adolescent health between health professionals and youth ministers, identifying potential areas for collaboration.
- Describe roles and resources for promoting adolescent health.
Keynote Dialogue: Risk and Resilience
A discussion between neuroscientist Dr. Duke Han (pictured at right) and Daniel White Hodge, director of the Center for Youth Ministry Studies at North Park University.
Workshops:
To Life!: Healthy Living
As our nation has become heavier, obesity has received national attention as an epidemic with our physical and social environment being called "obeseogenic." At the same time, there is a growing awareness of the significance of how we eat and the importance of fitness. How can health professionals and youth workers partner to help adolescents form healthy habits and what resources are available that integrate a faith perspective with healthy living? This conversation will engage health professionals and youth ministers in how adolescents can be encouraged to form healthy habits.
Objectives:
- Identify key elements in forming healthy habits
- Discuss faith-based resources and approaches for promoting adolescent health
- Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue
Presenters:
- Christine Smith, DNP, FNP-C, Associate Professor of Nursing, North Park University
- Min Song, MDiv, PharmD, Youth Minister, New Life Church and Clinical Pharmacist, Glenbrook Hospital
Risk and Resilience: Mental Health
The developing adolescent can be faced with many challenges to their mental well-being. Depression, self-injury such as cutting and eating disorders, and suicide are all issues that health professionals and youth pastors may face in their work with adolescents. This conversation will discuss how to identify individuals at risk, as well as how to strengthen adolescent resilience. Practical resources and faith-based approaches will be discussed in dialogue with health professionals and youth ministers.
Objectives:
- Discuss risk assessment and referral for depression, self-injury, and suicide
- Identify resources for strengthening resilience during adolescence
- Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue
Presenters: