7.5 Investment in Healthy Children and Adolescents

Investment in healthy children is a fundamental building block for a sustainable community.  A healthy child is likely to learn better, have better school outcomes, and become a healthy and productive adult.  In addition to access to resources, factors affecting children’s health include the health of family units, family lifestyles, community safety and parental attitudes toward health care.  Healthy child development begins with maternal health, high quality prenatal care, good nutrition, positive and stimulating interactions, opportunities for self-expression, and safe and supportive living conditions.

Factors that affect adolescent health are often more complicated. Adolescents who practice healthy behaviors are likely to be at reduced risk of disease later in life and grow to raise healthy families themselves.  The Boston Public Health Commission defines adolescent wellness as:

• Being connected to your family, friends and community
• Feeling good about yourself and directing your life
• Experiencing meaningful work and a chance to grow and develop
• Having your basic needs met and building an economically stable community
• Knowing what your purpose is and having the support to fulfill it
• Living creatively in everything you do
• Having a sense of your own spirituality and belief in yourself and your values.

Adolescents are particularly susceptible to social influences that affect their ability to meet these goals and maintain good health.  For example, peer pressure, the need for attention or respect, low self-worth, early childhood abuse or neglect, witnessing violence at home and/or in the community or media, and easy access to weapons are all known to contribute to youth violence — a growing public health concern.  This suggests a need for productive activities and preventive programs focused on youth to promote healthy environments and behaviors.