Youth Health Symposium held in Jackson
February 12, 2025
Youth Health Symposium held in Jackson
Marie Mennefield, WJTV Channel 12 News
February 12, 2025
A local organization is teaching teenagers about the importance of taking care of themselves.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Mississippi ranks nearly last in most major health outcomes. United Way of the Capital Area hosted a Youth Health Symposium in Jackson on Wednesday to address some of those issues.
Organizers inviting high school sophomores from across the metro in order to provide them with the necessary tools and skills to look at their health holistically.
“When it comes to being healthy as a teenager nowadays, I just encourage them to take care of themselves, think about your hygiene products that you are using. Think about what are you are taking in. Are you getting enough water? Are you vaping? You shouldn’t be vaping. Think about sharing things that are personal with your friends when it comes to peer pressure, you know, like alcohol, drugs all of that,” said Keiona Cavett, Community Outreach coordinator for MSDH.
At a young age, experts said teens are curious and looking for answers on health. Officials encouraged them to reach out to an adult they know and trust.
United Way will host its Women United Event in March and will also host its Employability Fair in April.
