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Teenagers - find out if you're healthy

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service on 10 June 2009

http://www.teenlifecheck.co.uk

A free, online lifestyle self-assessment service to help teenagers improve their health and wellbeing is being rolled out nationally by the Department of Health today.

NHS Teen LifeCheck uses an engaging and interactive quiz to offer health and lifestyle information to 12-15 year olds. Hosted entirely online, it guides young people through a set of completely confidential, simple multiple choice questions and then gives them tailored advice on how they can set goals to improve their lifestyles.

Gillian Merron, Public Health Minister, said:

"Teenage years can be a difficult enough time without having to worry about your health. NHS Teen LifeCheck is a quick and easy way of checking your health which gives simple advice on how to be healthier. We've worked with young people to develop an effective and accessible service which is completely confidential."

The online tool offers information on a range of issues including physical activity, nutrition, solvents and illegal drugs, sexual health, alcohol and smoking. NHS Teen LifeCheck also covers emotional wellbeing - with advice and top tips about stress, bullying, relationships and self-esteem as well as providing links to support services.

The advice given includes 'how to' videos with lifestyle tips from other teenagers who have taken an NHS LifeCheck themselves.

NHS Teen LifeCheck has been developed in consultation with a wide range of health professionals and research experts, as well as being tested by young people themselves. It is non-judgmental, totally confidential and no identifying data is kept.

Primarily aimed at 12-15 year olds, it has already been successfully promoted in 83 local areas across the country.

Jessica Aspey, 13, a year nine pupil at Highfields School in Matlock, Derbyshire said, "I didn't use to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables because I preferred chocolate and crisps. I went on the NHS Teen LifeCheck website and really liked it. I learned how to be healthy, and stay healthy."

Thousands of teens from schools in and around Leeds are today being given the opportunity to complete an NHS Teen LifeCheck at the 'Be Sporty Fun Day' at Leeds Rugby Club, Headingley, aimed at encouraging young people to try new physical activities.

The national roll out of NHS Teen LifeCheck will be supported by an integrated marketing campaign to raise awareness of the service amongst young people. Advertising will feature the faces of four teenagers each asking the question 'Am I Normal?'. The adverts will appear on bus shelters and popular teenage websites. Posters and postcards will appear in schools, and a roadshow will be visiting shopping centres this summer.

NHS Teen LifeCheck can be accessed by teenagers in their own homes and may also be available through PHSE or ICT lessons in schools.

NHS Teen LifeCheck is one of three NHS LifeCheck services. NHS Early Years LifeCheck, aimed at parents and carers of five - eight month old babies and NHS Mid-life LifeCheck, aimed at 45-60 year olds, are being rolled out nationally later this year.

[ENDS]

For more information about Teen LifeCheck please contact: the Department of Health Newsdesk on 020 7210 5221.

Notes to Editors

About NHS LifeCheck
* NHS LifeCheck informs, empowers and supports people in leading healthier lives. It helps them to understand how their current lifestyle choices may affect their long-term well-being and offers guidance in making small but effective changes
* In the public consultation "Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" people clearly expressed an interest in taking more responsibility for their health and wellbeing. Three quarters of participants identified regular health checks as a top priority to help them do this.
* In response, the 2006 Government White Paper 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say' announced the development of three initial NHS LifeChecks:
- one for young people aged 12 - 15
- one for parents and carers with babies five - eight months old and
- one for the 45 - 60 years age group
* Jessica Aspey's quote was provided as a NHS Teen LifeCheck case study thanks to Derbyshire County Council

About 'Be Sporty Fun Day'
* The Leeds Rugby Foundation's "Be Sporty Fun Day" is a unique sporting event designed to engage young people in sport and physical activity
* The event is taking place at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Wednesday 10th June and is set to offer young people the opportunity to participate in a range of events including: rugby, basketball, cheerleading, football, netball, golf, cricket, BMX & Cycling, athletics and racket sports
* There will also be an opportunity for young people to meet some of the favourite sports personalities in the "Meet the stars zone" and speak to education providers about careers in sport
* Over two thousands secondary school pupils from across Leeds and Bradford are expected to participate throughout the day and organisers hope this will become an annual occurrence