How can, and should, children and adolescents play a more active role in their own health?

The challenge of involving youth in their health care is that we must . . .

Make health care relevant to an audience who thinks they are invincible, and won’t have a major health concern for decades.

The Solution• Prepare them for the reality that lies

ahead, by educating youth on the philosophy that their health today greatly impacts their health tomorrow.

• Taking control today means a healthier future

• NCL’s LifeSmarts program can help

LifeSmartsis the fast, fun, nationwide coaching and competition opportunity thatprepares today’s tweens andteens to be tomorrow’s informed, responsible, and healthy citizens, consumers, and employees.

Program content focuses on 5 key areas, including Health and Safety

LifeSmarts Engages Teens on a Diverse Variety of Health Issues

Example: OTC Pain Meds • About 2 in 5 (!) teens use over-the-counter (OTC)

pain medications several times a week • But they lack knowledge about OTC pain meds

• ¼ of teens report taking doses sooner than directed • Nearly 75% are not sure about the active ingredient in

their OTC pain med • Fewer than half say they always/often read

labels on warnings and side effects

LifeSmarts Engages Teens

• LifeSmarts increases teens’ awareness of importance of: – Reading and following label on OTC pain meds – Knowing the active ingredient – Not taking more than maximum daily dose– Taking OTCs seriously – real drugs with benefits and risks

www.LifeSmarts.org

LifeSmarts Interactive Game on OTC Pain Meds

A nod to a famous game show: I have the answer, now tell me the question!

For a preview, see next slide

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All AboutDrugs

Drug FactsLabel

Beware OTCs To Know

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A vital organ that sits under the

ribcage & can be damaged by an

acetaminophen overdose

Beware - $300

A vital organ that sits under the

ribcage & can be damaged by an

acetaminophen overdose

What is the liver?

Beware - $300

To avoid overdose because

the same drug could be in

another medication you are

taking, check this

Drug Facts Label - $400

To avoid overdose because

the same drug could be in

another medication you are

taking, check this

What is the Active ingredient?

Drug Facts Label - $400