The program, which starts at 7 p.m., will feature a discussion led by Dr. Steve Hodges, a pediatric urologist and associate professor of pediatric urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina. He will talk about restroom issues for teenagers in middle and high schools as well as solutions to bed-wetting and other bathroom problems for children.
“We talk about wellness all the time,” said Tom Keating, founder of Project CLEAN. “Everybody says eat better and exercise more … but [we also need to] eliminate properly.”
Talking about bathroom troubles is generally considered taboo, he said, but he hopes the program will shed light on the topic and spark discussions among children, parents and educators.
“The trouble is that the students are silent, and they have become immune to the horrible conditions of bathrooms,” Keating added. “It’s an area that no one wants to talk about, and the adults don’t care enough about the issue.”
Keating helped the Southwest DeKalb PTSA win a grant of almost $25,000 from the U.S. Office of Minority Health. Part of the grant is for Hodges’ visit to DeKalb County. Keating said the grant is also being used to help youth groups and school groups with environmental health issues and to publish an article in a national trade magazine.
In addition to the library program, Hodges will speak to a health class at Southwest DeKalb High School and two classes of students studying healthcare at Arabia Mountain High School next week, Keating added. Hodges will discuss gastrointestinal diseases, urinary tract infections and school restroom policies.
If you go:
What: Public discussion with pediatric urologist Dr. Steve Hodges
Where: Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St.
When: Monday, 7 p.m.
Contact: (404) 370-3070
Post a Comment