Promoting health and preventing disease: an international perspective on youth health promotion
Nutbeam, D.
Journal of Adolescent Health Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine 20(5): 396-402
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1054-139X PMID: 9168387 DOI: 10.1016/s1054-139x(97)00009-8Document Number: 523252
Strategies from different countries for youth health promotion were analyzed. These strategies include measures in education, public policies, laws, and regulations which protect young people from exploitation and physical harm, and enhance their capacity to make healthy lifestyle choices. While access to education and the promotion of basic literacy are important public health goals, efforts to promote health through schools should focus upon the creation of an integrated and mutually reinforcing set of experiences for young people, including classroom health education, the creation of a safe and healthy physical environment, and provision of appropriate school health services. The creation of supportive social and economic conditions is also essential and requires political action through the development of public policy. Such policies include restricting access to tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs; improving access to essential health services; and legislating against the economic exploitation of youth. Health professionals must find ways to become more effective political advocates for young people.