Background
Recent research suggests that the current general state of health of female adolescents appearing to be in decline. Here is what some of the studies report:
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More than ¼ of girls aged 12-14 years claim to be physically “inactive” (2000/1 Census)
• More than 30% of adolescent girls in Southwestern Ontario are “trying to lose weight” (CMAJ, May 11/04
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Of those girls, 10% of them are described as having unhealthy and possibly unsafe eating approaches
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Childhood overweight and obesity is claimed to be “an important public health problem” and is possibly linked to both negative physical and mental health outcomes (CMAJ, Sept. 13/05)
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Poor social relations and poor self-image have strong links with depression, a serious illness that can carry from adolescent years into adulthood (Boyd et al, 2000; Sawyer et al, 2001; Shochet et al, 2001)
Positively, it is suggested that communities, specifically schools along with parents, can provide “important opportunities for public health initiatives” for reducing such issues (CMAJ, Sept. 13/05). Girlfriends is a local program designed to provide adolescent girls, aged 12-14 years, information about the importance of healthy living. It will address issues relating to the girls physical health, as well as their mental health. Our goal is to help these girls to help themselves in making healthier lifestyle choices.
Program Overview
The program is structured with weekly sessions to address such topics such as self-care, positive self-image and self-esteem, physical activity and healthy eating habits, along with those topics in which the girls express an interest. Throughout the program they are encouraged to share their own experiences, thoughts and opinions.
Mentors work with the girls weekly to encourage, support and assist them in expressing their concerns and thoughts relating to the topics. This is done through discussion, fun games and educational activities. Mentors also assist the girls in developing a personal binder for information and items they acquire during the program. Time is given each week to “journal” in the binder as well.
Female professional leaders from the community, are ‘Discussion Leaders’, and visit the group sessions regularly. They facilitate discussions and group activities around such topics as the importance of regular exercise, nutrition, body image, self esteem, puberty, relationships, hygiene and drugs/alcohol. Such speakers may include: an obstetrician/gynecologist, a naturopathic doctor, a pharmacist, an esthetician, an athletic coach, a physiotherapist and a social worker.
Along with increasing the girl’s knowledge and awareness of specific topics and issues important to their age, it is our hope that they will develop healthier living habits, form new friendships with their peers, and ultimately, become healthier individuals all around.
Objectives
The main objective of this program is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment, where adolescent girls can come together for the opportunity to learn, experience, share and discuss personal topics and issues relevant to their age.
The program is designed in a ‘group’ format, in order to provide the benefits of:
- Allowing participants to feel they are not alone in coping with issues that may have a significant impact on their lives.
- Encouraging participants to discuss their feelings and experiences and hopefully increase their awareness through other’s experiences
- Encouraging participants to practice social skills, develop strategies for changing their current habits, and build friendships during the program.
- Demonstrating that active lifestyles can be fun and easy.
Group Set-up
The group consists of adolescent girls (grade 7 and 8; ages 12-14 years) currently attending elementary schools. All participants are invited and register for the program on a voluntary basis.
Program Details
Time and Location:
Girlfriends is an 8 week program.
• The group meets once a week on a mutually agreed upon afternoon immediately after school in the school facilities.
• Gymnasium may be used, depending on activity and weather. Part of each session will be held outdoors.
Mentors:
• Our goal is to have a 1:5 mentor to student ratio.
• Are screened by the Environment Network and have police checks done in addition to training in each topic before weekly sessions.
Cost:
• There is no charge to the participants.
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Financial support is acquired from local sponsors and other funding sources.
If you would like to support this program please contact the Environment Network.
Click here to email Michele Rich
Program Assessment
A pre and post program questionnaire, designed by the leaders, is completed by the girls. The goal is to provide both qualitative and quantitative information that may help the leaders understand the girl’s current habits, interests, and issues. These results are useful in helping to determine if any changes have occurred during the duration of the program and to provide direction for future programs.
Program Leaders
Sue Underhill is a local physiotherapist and owner of Maximum Physiotherapy in Collingwood. She has been in the area for 12 years and currently resides in Creemore with her husband and their two children. An avid runner herself, Sue has motivated many people to start running by organizing running clinics for adults in town. As the interest in running spread, Sue and 3 other business partners opened Collingwood Running Company, where she continues to promote a healthy active lifestyle. Knowing that adolescent girls would benefit from activity, but that a running clinic for this age group would probably not take off, Sue organized a committee to start a program for adolescent girls that had an activity component, but did not solely focus on it.
Michele Rich is the executive director for The Environment Network. Michele has worked with the organization for over 15 years. Through the organization Michele has been working with youth in our community for the majority of the time. With this work she became more and more aware of the needs of young women in our community. At a chance meeting with Sue Underhill, the two women decided to combine their dreams of bringing girls together for fitness, health, and lifestyle choices. Shortly after Melissa Cornell joined to perfect the Girlfriends team. Michele is extremely excited about the Girlfriends program, “This program is the perfect venue for educating and empowering young women in the creation of a better future for all.”
Melissa Cornell is a social worker who is currently a full-time mom with her three young children. She has resided in the Collingwood area full-time for the past 6 years and currently lives in Duntroon with her husband and children. Melissa’s social work experience includes children’s mental health and child custody, with one of her passions being the area of health promotion. She focussed her graduate studies on children and mental health and has been previously involved in various health promotion initiatives. She sees a great need for such grass-roots programs in this community and is excited to be planning and participating in the girlfriends program to help address such important topics as self-esteem and physical activity.
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