One of the Tagai Young Persons Health Check raffle winners, Naeda Nona, collects her prize and is congratulated by senior public health officer Mario Assan. Photo: Supplied.
Young people on Thursday Island are learning about the importance of regular health checks and building healthy behaviours following a Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service initiative at Tagai State College recently.
As part of activities to promote regular health checks, a Young Persons Health Check was held over the past fortnight and Torres Strait men’s and women’s health program co-ordinator Lily-Annie Ahmat said an annual health check was vital for youth.
“The Tagai event aims to encourage young people to build healthy behaviours from an early age,” Ms Ahmat said.
“By providing the event with consent from parents and carers, it overcomes barriers for young people to access health services, such as shame, stigma, and confidentiality.
Clinical nurse consultant Yoko Mills said early detection and prevention were the focus of the Young Persons Health Check, which has been held annually for the past nine years.
“This builds trust and rapport between students and health staff,’’ Ms Mills said.
“Prompt follow-up of students with abnormal results is an important process for their health and wellbeing.”
Students attending the health check were also eligible for prizes as part of completing their check.
