Child health and safety press release

Volunteer arm of the AMA targets child health and safety
Childhood Obesity, Internet Safety and Teenage Sexuality to be Covered in Seminars

CHICAGO (January 27, 2006) –Spouses of physicians are coming to Chicago and they have a lot to say. On Feb. 5 to 7, 2006, more than 200 physician spouses are attending the American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance Leadership Development Conference. Members of the AMA Alliance, the largest volunteer arm of the AMA, will discuss vital issues such as childhood obesity, Internet safety, teenage sexuality, and bullying.

As part of its commitment to public and child health and safety, the AMA Alliance is presenting four educational seminars and six fact sheets that feature the contemporary dangers that threaten children and youth.  The seminars will present practical, positive solutions to attack the problems affecting children today. “Solutions on How to Build Healthier Families and Prevent Childhood Obesity” will present a fun, entertainment and exercise-based program that works to combat the epidemic trend of child obesity. In “Internet Safety,” parents and role models can learn steps they may take to protect and educate children about Internet solutions. The “Teenage Sexuality” session will engage participants in strategies to communicate with youth about consequences of risky behaviors. Led by health professionals and experts, these programs will result in productive and vibrant discussion. The six one-page fact sheets target child health, including bullying, child safety, childhood overweight and obesity, Internet safety, adolescent substance abuse, and adolescent sexuality.

The AMAA is a not-for-profit organization of more than 26,000 grassroots members working in their communities to ensure child safety, prevent abuse and violence, promote healthy lifestyles and increase awareness of available health care resources.  Visit the AMAA Web site to learn more.