PRESS RELEASE: Adolescent health demands greater attention, experts warn.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Melbourne, Victoria – 21 October – A panel of world-class experts, including youth leaders, scientists, researchers and mental health professionals, are gathering today to discuss what needs to be done to solve the current major health issues affecting adolescents.
The public event, ‘Adolescents: Investing in future generations’, will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday 21st October 5.45 pm – 7.30 pm.
Former ABC TV newsreader Ian Henderson will host a Q&A session between panel and audience members, exploring mental health, diet and indigenous health issues.
“Adolescence is a time of enormous creativity, energy, and growth, a life-phase when each generation responds to the problems of its time,” describes Professor George Patton, a panel member, adolescent psychiatrist and advisor to WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank and the UN.
“Today’s youth face unprecedented challenges from globalisation, digital media, the nutrition transition, and planetary change.”
Mental health will be a central part of the discussion.
“The greatest health threat to the lives and futures of emerging adults around the world is mental ill-health,” states Professor Patrick McGorry, Founding Director of Headspace and former Australian of the Year.
“Australia is playing a leadership role in health care reform to stem this rising tide.”
Panel member and Victorian Youth Governor, Olivia Beasley, identifies more pro-active responses to digital media are needed to improve adolescent mental health.
“Digital media is here to stay. We need to find a way to use technology to support & improve our mental health, rather than simply trying to keep it out of our lives.”
Mary Mansilla, PhD candidate and Youth Representative from Headspace agrees.
“One in four young Australians experiences a mental health issue. To change this we must engage, educate, and empower each other to be agents for lasting and meaningful change for ourselves and our friends.”
This event is open to all, with 10-24-year-olds, their parents, teachers and health providers encouraged to come along and share their voice to help identify and create solutions to the health issues that affect them.
Tickets for the event are free.
Questions for discussion can be asked at the forum or submitted prior to the event at the registration site http://future-gen.com.au/.
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The International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease is a not for profit, international research society comprising scientists, doctors, health workers, and public health experts, dedicated to studying how a healthy start to life can reduce the risk of developing many diseases, now and in the future. Members of the society work to improve the life-long health of every mother, father, and child, and create societies that provide healthy, safe and supportive environments.
This public forum is being held in conjunction with the biennial World Congress of the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, being held in Melbourne from 20th-23rd October 2019 and attracting over 1,000 delegates from around the world.
The panel of experts includes Olivia Beasley, Victorian Youth Governor 2019 and Youth Engagement Officer at Expression Australia (formerly Victorian Deaf Society), Dr Sandro Demaio, incoming CEO of VicHealth, Founder Sandro Demaio Foundation, Professor Patrick McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence of Youth Mental Health and Founding Director of Headspace, Professor George Patton, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Associate Professor Kym Rae, Director of the Gomeroi gaaynggal Research Cohort, University of Newcastle, Dr Jacquie Bay, Leader of LENScience, Liggins Institute, Auckland, New Zealand, Mary Mansilla, PhD Candidate, Hudson Institue of Medical Research and Monash University, Victorian Representative, National QueersInScience Network and Australian Academy of Science, Youth Representative, Headspace, and Michael Mosley, international science journalist, TV presenter and author (will contribute by video).
Media contacts
Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Australia and New Zealand
Associate Professor Nicolette Hodyl (Vice President) 0477 668 355 [email protected]
Dr Hayley Dickinson (Secretary) 0413 246 120 [email protected]
