On Saturday, May 14th, Youth Action, in partnership with Ray of Hope Ministries, Inc., The Mt. Airy Church of God In Christ, and Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco, hosted the 19th Annual Philadelphia Youth Summit: “Each One-Reach One-To Teach One” at the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ. This city-wide youth summit brought together city officials, community leaders, ministers, young people and representatives of the voluntary youth sector, local authorities and the private sector to discuss bullying prevention.

The annual youth summit is a fun-filled day which included: Educational Workshops; an Information Resource Fair; Drill Team Exhibition; Basketball Tournament; and Drama, Dance and Musical Performances.

Among many of the other workshops and information seminars that were offered that day, Youth Action had the opportunity to give a workshop presentation on healthy eating and living habits. The workshop not only gave youth valuable information, but it was interactive – it included personal stories and it allowed the participants to think and explore ways to make healthy choices for themselves.

During the workshop, Youth Action members shared statistics and findings that contribute to poor health practices among youth. They also discussed the following:

• Which foods are good to eat and how certain food groups keep people healthy
• How people can begin to balance the food they eat with physical activity
• Ways that negative attitudes and low self-esteem contribute to weight gains and dangerous weight losses
• How socioeconomic status is implicated as a contributor to the disproportionalities (especially minority disproportionalities) in health

To conclude the workshop, Youth Action surprised everyone with healthy delicious smoothies. The smoothies were used to provide a delicious example of how everyone can get their recommended fruit intake. Youth Action gave everyone the recipe used to make the smoothies.

“This type of workshop will always be important because people, especially teens like me, need to be constantly reminded of this information and resources that are out there,” said Youth Summit Advisor Kelly Smith. “I’m proud that Alexis and I were able to get some of the people extremely excited about exercising and seeking better health.”

Under the direction of Elder Larry Raye of the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ and Ray of Hope Ministries, the summit has experienced a huge explosion in growth and now serves over 1,000 young boys and girls each year. For more information, please contact Ray of Hope Ministries, Inc. at larryraye@aol.com.