Teenagers in Alotau, Milne Bay Province were the first to participate in the Healthy Teens School Program successfully launched by the PNG Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) this week.
The program focuses on empowering teens and encouraging them to reduce their risk of cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices.
Over 250 grade 9 students at Cameron and over 500 students at Hagita took part in the program, sponsored by Kumul Consolidated Holdings and Kumul Petroleum Ltd.
PNGCF health educator Jacob Oburi educated the students on cancer and how it can develop in the body.
Oburi explained what types of foods are healthy options and how exercise is an important part of lifestyle behaviour.
He warned students how both chewing betel nut and smoking can increase your chances of getting some types of cancer with the simple message, ‘Protect your future. Don’t smoke. Don’t chew betelnut. Reduce alcohol. Eat healthy. Exercise regularly’.
The students were hugely interactive and asked many questions throughout the program.
PNGCF thanked both schools for their support and the program sponsors Kumul Consolidated Holdings and Kumul Petroleum Ltd.
Picture courtesy of PNGCF