Healthy habits, preventive care key to youth wellbeing, says surgeon

Preventive healthcare and emotional wellbeing must become an integral part of nurturing the next generation, said cardiothoracic surgeon and healthcare innovator Shriram Nene at the NextGen Forum, a two-day conclave on youth safety and wellbeing, which concluded in Chennai on Saturday.

Delivering the keynote address titled ‘Before They Become Patients: Why Wellbeing Must Begin Young’, Dr. Nene spoke about the importance of developing healthy habits and prioritising preventive healthcare from an early age. 

Drawing on his experience in healthcare and his recently released book, ‘21 Days to Good Health’, he highlighted the need to make everyday wellbeing a priority rather than focusing on healthcare only after the onset of illness. He also spoke about the role of emotional wellbeing in ensuring that young people grow up healthy.

Organised by The Kindness Foundation on November 13 and 14, the forum brought together over 200 students aged 11 to 17 from more than 20 schools and over 25 experts from 15 sectors. The two-day event featured discussions on youth safety, mental health, digital risks, substance misuse and the challenges faced by young people.

The insights from the conclave will contribute to a co-created White Paper on Youth Safety and Wellbeing, which will include young people’s perspectives and recommendations from experts for families, institutions and policymakers, said foundation founder and managing trustee Mahima Poddar.