Healthcare Related program ideas?
Hi, I am a volunteer at my local library and part of a program known as Teens Reach. One of the coordinators let the volunteers know that we could create a program or event at the library on any topic we are interested in. These events/opportunities could be aimed for children or teenagers to do. For example, someone is doing a program on teaching AI skills. I was wondering what ideas I could do related to Healthcare and the medical field? Thank you!
7 answers
William’s Answer
This sounds like a good opportunity to create something capable of nurturing curiosity. Three initial ideas come to mind for me.
1. Medical Career Exploration: Perhaps you could think up an approach of enabling teens to learn about various career paths/roles that many might not even realize exist.
2. Medical Myth Busters: You could create an interactive session debunking common medical myths and misconceptions.
3. Medical Ethics Debate: You could organize discussions on simplified medical ethics scenarios suitable for teens.
These are simply three ideas that came to mind but I will give it some more thought and follow-up with you later.
Nikolaos Zormpas
Nikolaos’s Answer
What about a workshop where participants learn about hygiene, nutrition, and exercise through fun, interactive activities like creating their own healthy meal plans, playing games that promote physical activity, and practicing proper hand-washing techniques with UV light to show germs? You could name it "Healthy Habits"!
Another idea would be a program where children and teens can learn about different systems in the body (such as digestive, respiratory, circulatory) through engaging activities like building models, participating in interactive simulations, and simple experiments that demonstrate how these systems work together to keep us healthy.
Additionally, a session about mental health could focus on teaching children and teens about the importance of mental health, coping strategies for stress, and ways to maintain a positive mindset. This could include activities like guided mindfulness exercises, creating stress-relief crafts, and discussions led by mental health professionals who can provide age-appropriate advice and answer questions.
Hope that helps!
Best regards,
Nikolas
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Exciting Healthcare-Oriented Activities for Youngsters in Libraries
The healthcare sector is a treasure trove of captivating, enlightening, and hands-on activities for youngsters in libraries. Here are a few suggestions to spark your creativity:
Engaging Anatomy Lessons: Leverage 3D models, illustrations, or even virtual reality gadgets to educate kids about the human body. Consider setting up a sequence of workshops where they can delve into specific body systems like the skeletal or digestive system.
Emergency Aid Workshops: Team up with local emergency response groups or institutions to offer emergency aid training for kids and teenagers. These workshops could encompass essential skills such as CPR, wound treatment, and prevention of choking. Be sure to adhere to all necessary safety guidelines and secure the appropriate certifications if demanded by your library or community.
Nutritious Eating Sessions: Join forces with local nutrition experts or dietitians to instruct children about healthy eating habits and meal preparation. You might also arrange cooking demonstrations using fresh, locally grown ingredients to promote healthy food selections.
Mental Health Consciousness: Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness, particularly among the youth. Contemplate arranging sessions on subjects like stress control, mindfulness techniques, or coping strategies for anxiety and depression. If feasible, invite mental health specialists or counselors to conduct these sessions.
Exploration of Medical Careers: Familiarize children and teenagers with a variety of medical careers through guest speakers, informational discussions, or practical activities related to specific roles (e.g., nursing simulations). This can stimulate interest in healthcare professions and offer valuable insights into potential career trajectories.
Health Carnivals: Set up a health carnival at your library where participants can get free health checks, consultations from healthcare experts, and access resources on various health subjects (e.g., dental care, vision screenings). Be sure to collaborate with local healthcare providers and adhere to all necessary safety guidelines during the event.
Book Circles Centered on Healthcare Themes: Initiate a book circle centered on healthcare-related books for children or teenagers (either fiction or nonfiction). This can be a wonderful way to incite discussion around crucial health issues while promoting reading skill enhancement.
Art Therapy Sessions: Art therapy is a recognized technique for enhancing mental health and emotional wellness in children and teenagers facing various challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression). Collaborate with local art therapists or organizations to offer regular art therapy sessions at your library as part of your healthcare-oriented programming initiatives.
Virtual Reality Medical Simulations: Employ virtual reality technology to construct immersive medical simulations that enable children and teenagers to explore various facets of the medical field in a secure environment (e.g., conducting surgeries or diagnosing diseases). Make sure all simulations are suitable for their age and overseen by trained staff members when necessary.
References Utilized:
American Psychological Association (APA). (n.d.). Stress in America: The Deeper Impact – How Stress Impacts Young People’s Health & Well-Being [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://www.apaforlife/stress-in-america/report/2021/impact-young-people
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.). Kids’ Health Info: Nutrition for Kids [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://kidshealthorg/en/parents/nutri_kids_basics/indexall/indexall_topicareas=nutrition&topicarea=nutrition&age=allages&source=homepage&type=topic&subtype=none&search=nutrition+for+kids+library
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (n.d.). Mental Health Matters: Youth Mental Health [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://wwwsamhsaorg/findhelp/youthmentalhealth
May God Bless You,
JC.
Eric’s Answer
Corrie’s Answer
Karissa’s Answer
Corrie’s Answer
Another idea would be a yoga class or meditation session, with a presentation on the benefits.