Media Release
10 December 2003

Teen Health Needs Urgent Attention

New Zealand First youth affairs spokesperson Craig McNair is calling on the Government to immediately implement a comprehensive health plan aimed at teenagers.

Recent reports suggested that the present generation of teenagers will become the fattest, sickest and least fertile in history and that their eating, drinking, sexual, drug-taking and smoking habits are creating a public health bomb.

“The findings of this report, although not surprising, are very distressing and reflect the need for a comprehensive education and health programme that is designed specifically for the needs of teenagers,” said Mr McNair.

“It is absolutely imperative that programmes are implemented immediately if we are to help the next generation so they will not have to face ongoing health problems.

“Expanded health services in schools, a re-evaluation of physical education courses and requirements, free access to doctors for school age children, and wider community involvement in developing parenting skills are all worthy of consideration and should be given priority in the upcoming budget round,” said Mr McNair.

ENDS

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