Early Connection: Young Women's Health
Wellness just for YOU!
Early Connections
Early Connection is a program designed for young women 18-24 years old to empower themselves to take action in their health and well-being. Through Early Connection, you get the best of CWUW’s programs tailored for you (Connection 4 Wellness, Power of Retreat, and Sisters Together), making this a whole health program. Early Connection is committed to positively impacting young women's and their families' mental health by increasing access, support, and opportunities to cultivate emotional well-being, social capital, physical wellness, and economic stability.
Why should you care about your health?
Foundation for Long-Term Health:
Establishing healthy habits at a young age can contribute to a strong foundation for long-term health. Lifestyle choices made during this period can have a lasting impact on overall well-being.
Prevention of Chronic Conditions:
Prioritizing health in early adulthood can help prevent the development of chronic conditions later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Mental Well-Being:
Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep contribute to better mental health and reduce the risk of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reproductive Health:
This age group is often in the reproductive years, and maintaining good health is crucial for reproductive well-being. Regular check-ups, screenings, and a healthy lifestyle contribute to a woman's reproductive health.
Healthy Habits for Future Generations:
Young women who prioritize their health set a positive example for future generations. Establishing healthy habits early can influence family and community health practices in the long run.
Optimal Physical and Cognitive Performance:
Good health supports optimal physical and cognitive performance. This is particularly relevant for young adults pursuing education, starting careers, or engaging in activities that require focus and energy.
Empowerment and Independence:
Taking control of one's health empowers young women to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Good health provides the foundation for pursuing education, career goals, and personal aspirations.
Community and Social Connection:
Maintaining good health fosters a sense of community and social connection. Engaging in healthy activities and forming positive relationships contribute to a supportive social environment.
Young Women’s Advisory Council: Lead, Talk, Act
Step 1: Experience as Expertise You start by choosing how You want to participate in the discussion. You share your own experiences and knowledge on the topic. This step is about bringing personal insights to the group.
Step 2: Make Space, Create Space This involves two main actions: Analyzing shared experiences and highlighting key ideas like allyship and privilege. Participants recognize the group's strengths and areas needing more support while considering everyone's voices.
Step 3: Knowledge is Power. This step adds new information to what You already know. Terms and Ideas are defined to help understand the discussion topic better. You will look at additional details that affect the topic.
Step 4: Critical Thinking Framework Focuses on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It starts with a problem statement, and You develop strategies and an action plan. This step builds a framework for analyzing and solving problems.
Step 5: Experiential Learning You will use what You've learned in a simulated real-world scenario. You Will work in small groups to tackle a new issue using the previously established framework.
Step 6: Reflect on the Journey The final step is about reflecting on everything learned. You Will come together to discuss Your experiences and offer feedback. This is a structured time to think about challenges, disagreements, and improvements.
Peer Wellness Ambassador
Do you want to become an Early Connection wellness ambassador? Wellness Ambassadors:
Provide Health Education to the peers.
Develop wellness social media campaigns for their peers
Assist with tabling and community engagement events.
Assists with the direction of the Early Connection program
For more information, contact your Young Women’s Health Specialist, Tracy, at tracy@cwuwonline.org
Resources
Here are some handouts for you: