New study to look at health of Top End teens 

 
 

A groundbreaking new study conducted by Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Menzies School of Health Research will look at the physical and emotional wellbeing of teenagers in Darwin.

The “Top End Cohort Study” is looking for young Territorians born in Darwin between 1987 and 1990 to take part in voluntary health checks as a part of the study.

“The clinics are a free, full health check-up for Darwin teens with the emphasis being on choice,” project leader Dr Gurmeet Singh said.

“We offer a range of checks including body, weight and blood pressure measurements, ultrasounds of kidneys, thyroid and carotid, but the decision about which checks participants want is completely up to them.

“We also plan on asking questions about general health and emotional wellbeing and get volunteers to participate in computer games that tests memory and reaction times.”

Dr Singh said the health of adolescents as a group was understudied and that this was partly due to their reluctance to present to health care facilities for general health checks.  Yet, by their teens, the silent progression towards chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease was likely to have already started.

“This new study will aim to provide health researchers with information about the early determinants of chronic diseases including the consequences of smoking and being over weight in young Australians,” Dr Singh said.

“It will also give valuable insights into the current state of vascular, renal, metabolic and emotional health in this age group.”

Young people who are interested in taking part in the study and benefiting from a free health check are encouraged to contact Menzies to arrange an appointment with one of the free clinics.

Clinics will be held at CDU’s Casuarina campus in the nursing labs between the 19 – 30 May.

Adolescents born in Darwin between the years of 1987 – 1990 are encouraged to call Belinda on 892 28701 or Kobi on 8922 7972. Alternatively they can logon to our website at www.menzies.edu.au/topendcohort for more information.