On the occasion of International Youth Day, ask yourself this…
What would you do for a child that you love in order to help them build a better life? What could you give them for a future that is healthier, more fulfilling and helps them achieve their dreams?
Our youth is our future and they hold the power to create a stronger, healthier world. Good health is the cornerstone on which most else depends – health for ourselves and that of the planet. A stronger, sustainable way ahead requires building a future along with the youth today, in ways that harness and channel their potential, builds new skills and sets them up with the capability of how to better look after themselves and the world around them. We can help them be the their best selves now, so they are better equipped for their tomorrows…and ours too.
According to the United Nations, “Half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030.”
“Surveys show that 67% of people believe in a better future, with 15- to 17-year-olds being the most optimistic about this.”
Therefore, empowering children, by giving them a voice, platforms for explorations and discovery, as well as avenues to better look after themselves, is key!
Paving the way, for healthier fuller lives.
Making healthcare a priority is best started young and at Abbott, we believe in inspiring kids to adopt health habits to live healthier, fuller lives. Healthier, informed kids grow into more productive adults! Equipping them with the knowledge to prevent and manage pervasive and chronic health challenges brought on by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can greatly help with enhancing quality of life.
Here’s why this matters:
Moreover, the personal health burden due to effects and symptoms of noncommunicable diseases are long term and often affect quality of life in personal, social and professional settings in staggering ways. The spread of information about non communicable diseases causes and prevention has become key if changes are to be made in order to give our youth a better shot at a healthier future! Here are a couple of things that you can do…
Start them young
From when we wake up in the mornings to our exercise routines, our habits are often so deeply ingrained that it becomes an automatic process. These habits can last a lifetime, especially when formed during the early years. Healthy habits like regular exercise during childhood and adolescence helps carry kids into adulthood. With some of the risk factors for NCDs – such as lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and substance abuse – being based on lifestyle choices and behaviors that can be avoided or corrected, setting the foundation for healthy habit formation is crucial from a young age. Health education as a family, through age-appropriate activities, can help children learn about healthy living, healthcare practices and the development and prevention of chronic diseases.
Provide the right information at the right time
The youth today have a world of information at their fingertips. This makes it difficult to sift through what is balanced and evidence-based and what may simply be another (and potentially harmful) online ‘health’ fad. Whether it’s about what constitutes a healthy diet, causes and symptoms of non-communicable diseases or age-appropriate physical activity etc., giving children the relevant information helps them become more informed and active participants in matters of their own well-being.. The right guidance from parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals helps build a strong and sustainable foundation.
Fostering innovation, encouraging curiosity.
More diverse and fresh voices being imperative in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), we believe in encouraging and shaping the innovators of tomorrow.
From future-first skill building to the fundamentals of good health and health education, to fostering and encouraging inquisitive young minds, concentrated and collaborated efforts can be extremely beneficial for today’s young generation. The STEM learning programs at Abbott aim to instill the concepts of STEM learning and healthy living amongst school children and from under-served communities.
Getting children skilled and inspired in STEM education and healthy living, sets us up for a brighter future with the right tools to solve challenges through the power of technology for a healthier workforce for tomorrow.
By providing the base for skill development and education and further empowering the youth by giving them foundational know-how for healthier, fuller lives, we can do our part to create a more empowered next generation of adults. Inspiring the youth, by educating them at a young age about healthcare and chronic conditions too, helps set them out for a stronger tomorrow – a tomorrow where they can go on to be, do, discover and create more!
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
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