Healthy Adolescence, Healthy Future!

Specialist doctors of the Near East University Hospital raised awareness among teachers on the correct management of adolescence in a seminar held at Sedat Simavi Industrial Vocational High School.

Near East University continues to touch the lives of young people and teachers with its social responsibility projects. The specialist doctors of Near East University Hospital, who voluntarily participated in the “Transition from Adolescence to Puberty” project, which was implemented in cooperation with the Girne Inner Wheel Club and the Ministry of National Education, started to provide informative training to state schools in the TRNC.

The first training seminar of the project, which was implemented to help young people take a step towards a healthy future, was held at Sedat Simavi Industrial Vocational High School. The training seminar, which saw intense participation, aimed to manage adolescence correctly and to raise awareness among teachers so that they could better understand the needs of young people.

The training seminar, which was held with four different presentations, addressed the topics of physical and mental development during adolescence, sexually transmitted diseases, HPV and cervical cancer. Near East University Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Neptün Fazilet Erdener, Faculty of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department Head Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer, Near East University Hospital Yeniboğaziçi Specialist Clinical Psychologist Deniz Aykol Ünal and Child Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan Özlü guided the teachers about the problems that may be experienced during this period and their solution suggestions. The presentations, which ended with a question and answer session, were followed by presentations where the participants were presented with flowers.

It is important to approach with empathy and establish supportive communication!

Providing information about physical development and changes that occur in the body during adolescence, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan Özlü began her presentation by addressing the 'adolescence period'. Stating that this period is a transition period between the beginning of adolescence and full maturation, during which the individual continues to develop physically, mentally and emotionally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlü also touched on important health problems experienced during adolescence. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlü said, "Regular follow-up and correct guidance are of great importance in order for young people not to deviate from their normal developmental path during this period." Expert Clinical Psychologist Deniz Aykol Ünal, who addressed the spiritual development of young people and the changes during this process, said, "Adolescence is a period when the search for identity intensifies and emotional ups and downs are frequently experienced. It is very important to approach young people with empathy and establish supportive communication during this process." Stating that families and teachers have important duties, Expert Clinical Psychologist Deniz Aykol Ünal said, "We should understand the needs of young people and provide them with a safe space."

Educators act as a bridge!

Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, discussed the ways in which infectious diseases spread and protection methods, and stated that hygiene habits should be acquired at an early age. Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer, who stated that “Teaching young people the basic ways to protect themselves from infectious diseases is a critical step not only for individual health but also for public health,” said, “Educators serve as an important bridge in this regard.” Dr. Neptün Fazilet Erdener provided information about cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus and sexually transmitted diseases, while drawing attention to the fact that protection from such diseases is possible. Dr. Neptün Fazilet Erdener, who stated that “Cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be prevented with early diagnosis and the HPV vaccine. The vaccine should be administered starting at the age of 13. In addition, correct protection methods play a vital role in the prevention of diseases such as cervical cancer,” said, “By raising awareness in young people on these issues, we can contribute to their becoming healthier individuals in the future.”