[May 7, 2008]

SUNY DOWNSTATE SYMPOSIUM AIMS TO EMPOWER YOUTH TO MAKE   HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE CHOICES

Physicians at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and other experts have teamed up to educate youth on sexual behaviors and health issues like diabetes, obesity, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS at the 3rd Annual Dine & Learn Healthy Youth Symposium, themed “Play Safe, Play Healthy or Get Played!”

The symposium will be held at Clara Barton High School for Health Professionals on Friday, May 9th from 3:00-9:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Dennis M. Walcott, New York City Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development. The event will mix in important health lectures with Hip-Hop, reggae, and other dance performances, as well as a fashion show to engage the youth about health issues affecting them.

The fashion show will use symbolism to raise HIV/AIDS awareness by delaying sexual activities or practicing safer sex. For instance, models will be outfitted in a condom dress and jacket, representing safe sex practices and the importance of delaying sexual activity until both parties are mature to understand the implications involved in sexual activity.

“To this couple, a condom is love. It means responsibility, respect and reality. Condoms are fashion for life,” said Karen Jemmott, director of physician outreach at SUNY Downstate. “Teens are increasingly engaging in high risk behaviors and are making lifestyle choices that have considerable impact on their current and future health status.”

In addition to the fashion show, youth will have the option of being counseled and screened for STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV, receiving their HIV results in 20 minutes.  Over 50 exhibitors/organizations will be on hand to offer youth health information and other support services.

“It is our goal to meet the overall needs of youths in the areas of education/career development, fitness/weight loss, nutrition, finance, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, managed care, skin, hair and dental care, and youth empowerment,” said Jemmott, the event organizer.