January 4, 2007

Health Essay Contest Gives Voice to Area Teens

Melrose Park, IL - It’s time again for teens to speak out and compete for cash prizes. An essay contest sponsored by Westlake Hospital and Superior Medical Associates physician group encourages teens to discuss major health care issues with the chance to win a grand prize of $1,000.

Marking its eighth year, the contest began as an outreach plan for physicians to encourage teens to feel comfortable seeking the knowledge and guidance of medical professionals.

 “Teens are especially hesitant to seek medical advice or ask questions about concerns they may have,” said Dr. Nabil Saleh, president, Superior Medical Associates. “This contest gives them an outlet to voice what is on their minds and can open the door to further communication with parents, teachers and advisors.”

The contest is open to high school sophomores and juniors. Participants are asked to write about what they feel are major health care issues facing teenagers today and to offer possible solutions to the problems. Previous topics have included violence in schools, drug and alcohol abuse, depression and peer pressure. Writers are encouraged to submit essays with original topics and include personal experiences.

Local high schools have assisted in promoting student participation. Instructors have begun to incorporate the contest into their class curriculum.

“The students enjoy writing for a reason,” said Tom Egan, an English teacher at Fenwick High School, Oak Park, IL. “It is exciting for them to write for an actual audience, not just the teacher.”

Egan’s students have participated in the contest as part of a class assignment for the past four years. He said the contest allows students the chance to speak openly through writing on issues they may not feel comfortable expressing verbally.

Each essay must be typed, double-spaced and between 500 and 750 words in length. To qualify, the title page must include essay title, student name, address, phone number, school and English teacher’s name.

Entries will be accepted until 1 p.m. on March 1, 2007.  Please submit three copies of your essay by mail to Westlake Hospital, Superior Medical Associates Essay Contest, Attn: Ellen Morrison, 1225 W. Lake St., Melrose Park, IL  60160. Entries may also be faxed to (708) 938-7931.

A panel of physicians within Superior Medical Associates will judge the essays based on content, originality, grammar and correct citation of sources. The second place winner will receive $500, the third place winner will receive $300 and the fourth place winner will be awarded $200.

For additional information, contact Ellen Morrison at Westlake Hospital, 708-938-7945.