By Sherry Harbert | Communications Director
Well before youth at De La Salle North Catholic High School masquerade in their Halloween costumes, they slip on white coats and stethoscopes for a fun yet serious look at a basic medical procedure. As part of MIKE Program, the youth discover how to measure their own blood pressure with volunteer health professionals during a blood pressure clinic.
The activity provides the youth with an opportunity to learn how and why blood pressure is important. MIKE recruits health professionals from regional medical facilities to help. The volunteers encourage the youth to participate by attaching the arm cuff and squeezing the bulb while they listen intently for the sound of a heart beat as the pressure in the cuff is released. Between the giggles and questions, each youth express their excitement at being able to get their hands on an object they had previously only seen used by their doctor or nurse.
MIKE brings in volunteer nurses, doctors and other medical professionals for the activity to introduce youth to a variety of careers in healthcare. Meeting the nurses and doctors inspires many youth to consider careers in the health professions.
“This has helped me decide that I want to become a doctor,” said Alexia.
“I like that we can meet people in our classroom and in a medical facility,” said Hedid.
MIKE reinforces healthy behaviors for the youth with a variety of activities during the semester-long program. Each week, dedicated MIKE mentors help guide a group of four youth through the activities and lessons as part of the student’s health class. The positive relationships MIKE youth develop with their mentors help build confidence and knowledge. Soon the youth realize how they can have a greater impact in their own health as well as that of their families.
During a recent class discussion, youth expressed what they would like to say to family members to promote healthy behaviors.
“If I could tell my family one thing I wish they would do to take care of their health, I would tell them to eat healthy foods in healthy proportions,” said Raven.
“My sister eats a lot of junk food,” said Nasir. “I sometimes tell her to stop, because it is bad for her and can cause diabetes and kidney failure.”
As the youth progress through MIKE, they develop greater understanding of how they can individually and collaboratively embrace and promote health. Your support helps them achieve their potential.
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