St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN

Dear Viewers, Peace. July is summertime when our youth are out of school playing and having fun. This should be a safe and peaceful time. Let us focus on the relationship of peace of body, mind and soul regarding risky behaviors. America's youth/adolescence engage in risky health behaviors. These risky behaviors include smoking, drinking, cars and guns. The National Center for Health Statistics stated almost 50% of adolescent smokers drank alcohol, 40% engaged in physical fighting and carrying weapons, 66% failed to use seat belts, 60% engaged in sexual activity, 50% failed to exercise regularly, 87% reported diet low in fruits and vegetables. The adolescent period of life is when life long habits are formed. The consequences of this period should be positive not negative.

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Some things that enhance this adolescent period are: Pray with our youth and for them. Take then to a place of worship/church each week. Parents should model non-aggressive behaviors at home, work and play. Support community and school programs to discourage risky behaviors. Support legislators in developing laws to control guns. Educate adolescence/youth on management/coping with anger, conflict and risky behaviors. ABOVE ALL listen attentively to our youth. Jesus is our Savior and Model. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."(Philippians 4:13)

Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN 789 N. Central Richland Center, WI 53581 608-647-3280 e-mail: rew@mwt.net

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