Gateway Youth Center Hosts Health Fair
The saying goes that youth is wasted on the young. But as proven each time someone dies at a younger age than expected – whether by homicide or other natural causes – it is never too early to resolve to be healthy. Health is not just physical, but, as Aaron Humes found out in Belize City today, extends to the environmental, social and emotional realms as well. Here’s what youth from the Gateway Youth Center told us they are doing to maintain their good health.
Aaron Humes, Reporting
Youth are regularly a target of health professionals seeking to counsel them to change their ways and adapt healthy living techniques. But rarely are the health fairs hosted by those directly responsible to and part of the youth structure. The Gateway Youth Center has for three years marketed its health fair to touch the hearts of our youngest who so often take unnecessary risks.
Erolyn Sebastian
Erolyn Sebastian, Counselor, Gateway Youth Center
“We have different organizations and departments present here today. We have members from BCVI, BFLA, VCT, the Community Rehab Counselling Center. We have NDACC, HECOPAB and some local entrepreneurs here as well.”
We sampled a few of the views of youth volunteers from the Gateway Youth Center and their counselor about what they do to take care of themselves.
Aldwin Castillo
Aldwin Castillo, Youth Volunteer, Gateway Youth Center
“My personal health, you know, I take it easy, you know; but as a youth, [you have to] take care of your body; but this helps a lot; this helps a lot.”
Tishauna Arnold
Tishauna Arnold, Youth Volunteer, Gateway Youth Center
“Younger-age people like me, they just di dead [da] dis age; well, I just join the Gateway Youth Center fi get out a trouble and thing; but at least Gateway teach me something about how to change my anger and stuff, how to change my attitude and thing.”
Tremaine Vernon
Tremaine Vernon, Youth Volunteer, Gateway Youth Center
“For all the youths out there, they need to slow down on the junk food, and just eat more fruits and vegetables; exercise more, so that their body can stay fit and in order.”
Sebastian says health is not just the physical human body; it is tied to everything around us.
Erolyn Sebastian
“We are trying to bring awareness to health, all kinds of health – physical, emotional, environmental health as well – learning to keep our environment clean. So basic stuff like that, we feel that it is important for the general public to know ways how to keep themselves healthy and keep the environment healthy as well.”
Aaron Humes reporting for News Five.
