The focus of May’s “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative continues to be on teens and young adults.
Health Secretary Dr. Steven Stack said the initiative, which is in its second year, works to promote simple and attainable goals to help all Kentuckians achieve better health, such as eating at least two servings of fruits and vegetables every day, exercising at least 30 minutes three times per week and engaging with others to stay socially connected.
He added that these foundational principles also work for teens and young adults, and that there are trusted, accessible tools available to help them make healthy choices.
“Building on that foundation, we continue to place a strong focus on teens and young adults,” Stack said at a May 7 news conference. “These are the years when lifelong habits begin to take shape, and just as importantly, when the right support and resources can make a lasting difference.”
Stack stressed the importance of good nutrition, which he said fuels both the body and the mind.
‘Even small changes in what we eat, like adding more fruits and vegetables at daily meals, or choosing water instead of sugary drinks, can have a lasting and positive impact,” he said.
Recognizing that knowing where to begin to make changes isn’t always easy, Stack pointed to “Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers,” developed by the National Institutes of Health, as a reliable source of information for learning about nutrition, fitness and body image.
He then noted that a reliable resource to help teens and young adults better understand tobacco and vaping use is My Life My Quit, which offers straightforward facts about tobacco risks along with practical tools to support healthier choices.
“Tobacco use during adolescence can negatively impact brain development, increase the risk of addiction and contribute to serious health problems later in life,” Stack said. “That’s why access to clear, credible information is so important.”
Stack also spoke to the importance of young people having strong social connections. “Positive relationships support mental health, build resilience and foster a sense of belonging,” he said.
But even with these supports, he said it’s important for young people to know that additional support is always available at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is one of the most crucial resources we have and can share,” he said. “It provides free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Teens and young adults can call or text 988 at any time to connect with someone who is ready to listen and help.”
And for those headed to college, Stack encouraged them to go to the healthychildren.org website, which offers practical tips for starting college on a healthy note.
The Our Healthy Kentucky Home website includes information about teen and young adult health, along with links to each month’s focus topic.
