Pernicious habits of teens main cause of future diseases

YEREVAN, JULY 11, ARMENPRESS:

The teens are considered the healthiest sector of the public but it is also the most dangerous age regarding acquiring of different pernicious habits. "The studies of the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the majority of deaths of adults is connected with the pernicious habits in the teen period, like smoking, alcohol, drugs, irregular sexual life", Ara Babloyan, chairman of the healthcare, maternity and childhood affairs standing committee of the NA, said at a discussion today. According to him, the health issue of teens is in the focus of the Armenian government and the objective of today's discussion is working out practical steps for propagating healthy lifestyle among the teens.

Minister of Health Harutyun Kushkyan attached significance to working out a wide-scale strategy in this direction. "The health of the population is a priority, and the health of the children and teens in particular", the minister said. He also pointed out that it is not the issue of the Ministry of Health only, but the common issue of the ministries of education, sports, culture", he said.

Kushkyan also pointed out the necessity of restoring the tradition of having doctors in schools.

In 2010 the UNICEF Armenian office assisted in the implementation of 2 studies in the sphere which revealed the existing problems. "We have concluded that we have to undertake more practical steps", the health minister said.

UNICEF Armenia Office representative Leili Moshiri said the teen period is the period of opportunities but risks too. "It gives an opportunity to create basis for healthy and effective adultness and reduces the possibility of health problems. At the same time the wrong lifestyle in this age may bring up different diseases in future", she said, adding that it is necessary to take into consideration not only the physical health of teens but their personal, social and intellectual development.