To search this section:

Type Ctrl+F; then enter what you're looking for.

For example, to quickly find information on free services, type Ctrl+F. Then type "free"

(Apple users, type apple+F)

To print this section:

Type Ctrl+P
(it's very long!)

If you only want to print a portion of the page, highlight that part with your mouse, type Ctrl+P, and choose "selection" from the print menu (lower left side).

Health Insurance: Getting and Keeping Medicaid
Health Care Providers

• How to Find a Doctor
• Clinics Around the City

STDs, HIV, AIDS
Pregnancy and Infant Health
Alcohol and Drugs: Dependence and Addiction
Sports and Recreation

• NYC Recreation Centers

Health Insurance

Getting and Keeping Medicaid

When you’re leaving foster care you want to make sure you have a good health care provider. This is the person you’ll go to for regular checkups and in case you get sick. You also want to make sure that paying for your health care doesn’t leave you broke. That’s why having health insurance is important. Following is information that will help. Medicaid Transition You don’t want to lose health insurance the day you leave care. Your agency doesn’t want you to either. That’s why there is a process called “Medicaid Transition.” When you leave care you are automatically eligible for four months (120 days) on Medicaid, the government health plan. The process of getting that 120 days of coverage is described below. Your case planner will make sure this happens (but you need to stay on top of it too). Then, before the120 days are up, you’ll have to apply for regular Medicaid (or some other health insurance). Reapplying is called being “recertified.” (You have to be “certified” to keep being covered by Medicaid.) In the following section we describe what you and your agency must do to make sure you get the “Medicaid Transition” and then to get on regular Medicaid if you need it. When you’re in foster care you get foster care Medicaid. This is kept track of in a computer system called SERMA. After foster care you are eligible to continue your Medicaid coverage for at least four months. If you are discharged at age 21 you are automatically eligible for a transition (switch) from SERMA to Medicaid. If you’re discharged earlier you’re also eligible for Medicad transition as of your last day in care. (Some people are discharged before age 21 to a legal guardian, yourself, other “discharge resource.”) What Your Agency Must Do Trial Discharge Conferences: In your last year of care, you will have Trial Discharge Conferences (meetings). In these meetings your case planner helps prepare you for leaving care and helps you set up the resources you will need to live on your own, like Medicaid. He or she will also get your contact information—current address, new address and zip code if you have it, e-mail, phone—and enter it into the Connections computer system. (It’s very important to give the case planner your contact info so they can keep in touch with you and to update him or her when it changes.) It’s also important for you to get the name and phone number of your case planner and keep it in a safe place so you can contact him or her if your information changes. Final Discharge Conferences: At the Final Discharge meeting the case planner will check to make sure all your contact information is up to date, including the address where you are living. This is the address is where all mail will be sent after discharge so be sure to provide the most stable address you have. And if your address changes, tell your case planner. The case planner will also review a sample “recertification form” with you so that you will know how to fill this out when you receive it. This meeting must occur at least one month before you turn 21 or in the month when you are final discharged. (Your foster care Medicaid number will stop being usable on the last day of that month.) The month after you turn 21 (or are final discharged) you will receive a letter from Human Resources Administration (HRA) with ACS’s return address. This will have your NEW Medicaid number in it. If you do not receive this letter by the 7th of that month, you need to call HRA’s Helpline 1-888-NYC-6116 to get the duplicate letter and your number and a card if you need it. Two months later you will get a recertification form from HRA.  If you do not return this form, your Medicaid coverage will stop. It is critical that you complete the form and return it quickly. HRA will then make a decision as to whether you are eligible for continuing Medicaid. If you aren’t earning much money you may still be eligible for Medicaid. And if you start earning a little more money, don’t worry. There are still a number of public health insurance programs that you may be eligible for, depending on how much money you earn, whether you have a disability or a child. These programs include Medicare, Healthy New York, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus. It can be confusing to know which programs you are eligible for, and which are best for you. That’s why the best thing to do is to talk with someone who knows. For more help getting health coverage before or after you are discharged from care, call the agencies listed below: HealthStat (HRA Medicaid Hotline) 1-888-NYC-6116 HealthStat is a city hotline that provides information on free or low-cost insurance, and can help you enroll in a plan. If you are HIV+, let the person helping you know. That way you can enroll in New York state’s HIV Special Needs Plan (HIV SNPs), which is just for people who are HIV+. Children’s Aid Society Health Care Access Program (HCAP) 212-831-9850/212-503-6801 HCAP assists people facing problems enrolling in Medicaid and Child Health Plus. Legal Aid Society’s Health Law Unit 212-577-3575/1-888-500-2455 (if you move outside the city) Assists people with insurance disputes, problems with Medicaid, Medicare, Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus, as well as the uninsured. NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene Tons of information about healthcare services in NYC. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml NYC Facilitated Enrollment Programs http://www.nycmccap.org/guide/chap11j.html

Health Care Providers

Introduction

It can be hard to know how to choose a good doctor whose services are covered by your health insurance, or which clinics offer good services. Some clinics leave you waiting for hours. If you’re still a teenager, confidentiality can be another problem. At some clinics they say that your visit is confidential but when you leave, they call your agency or your foster parents. A lot of young people don’t know where to go. When you go for a check-up, you want to see how clean the office is and how the staff talk to you. You want to pay attention to whether your doctor really listens and takes time to answer your questions. If you think you might get rushed, make sure you bring a notepad with your questions jotted down. At the same time, make an effort to create a relationship with the doctors, nurses and support staff. Be polite and friendly. That way they’ll know who you are and treat you like an individual. The main thing you want when you go to a doctor or clinic is to be able to take care of your health and still feel at home. —Heidy Gomez

back to top

How to Find a Doctor

When you receive your health insurance card, you should also receive a booklet of providers’ (doctors) names, addresses and telephone numbers. Find a safe place to keep that booklet so that if you don’t think your health care provider is giving you the attention you need, you can choose a new one.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also has a website that can help you find health care providers who accept Medicaid, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus. The website can also locate dentists, ob/gyns and other specialists. If you do not feel comfortable speaking English, you can search for doctors by your preferred language.

http://home2.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/stat/hp.html

back to top

Clinics Around the City

Some clinics specialize in treating young people. Other clinics focus on meeting the needs of patients who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. Still other clinics specialize in reproductive and women’s health. The clinics listed below are just some of the clinics around the city. All of them can answer questions about sex, AIDS, STDs, and pregnancy and family planning and provide confidential testing and contraception. All the clinics listed below provide free or low-cost services.

For a citywide list of clinics providing sex and birth control services for poor people and people without insurance, go to:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/fhs/pdirectory.pdf.

Manhattan

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center (All Ages)
356 W. 18th St
212-271-7200/212-271-7212
http://www.callen-lorde.org/

Provides health services to people living with HIV/AIDS regardless of sexual orientation or insurance coverage. Health Outreach to Teens (HOTT) offers health services particularly to young adults.

The Door (Ages 12-21)
121 Ave. of the Americas
212-941-9090, ext. 3222
www.door.org

Offers a wide range of programs. Health services include primary health care, prenatal care and health education. You must become a member of The Door to receive health care. Membership is free.

Children’s Aid Society,
Dunlevy Milbank Center/Milbank Medical Group (Under Age 21)
14-32 W. 118th St. (Between Fifth and Lenox Avenues)
New York, NY 10026
(212) 369-8339
http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/milbank

Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health Center (Ages 10-21)
312 E. 94th St. (between 1st & 2nd Ave.)
212-423-2900, Ext. 3000
http://www.mountsinai.org/msh/
msh_program.jsp?url=clinical_services/ahc.htm

Provides medical, mental health, family planning, and health education services to youth. Free or low cost. Confidential.

Planned Parenthood of New York (All Ages)
26 Bleeker St.
212-965-7000
www.ppnyc.org/homepage.html

Offers birth control and other family planning services.

Project S.T.A.Y. & the Young Men’s Clinic (Ages 12-24)
21 Audubon Ave. (166th & 167th Sts.)
646-284-9732

Provides medical, mental health and community support services to high-risk and HIV-positive youth. Services include screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and HIV counseling and testing.

St. Nicholas Houses, The Child Health Center (Under Age 21)
281 W. 127th St.
212-865-1300

Multilingual pediatricians and nurses.

William F. Ryan Community Health Center (All Ages)
110 W. 97th St
212-749-1820
http://www.ryancenter.org/

Provides general and specialty services, HIV services, as well as mental health services.

Ryan Center Mobile Clinic for Youth (Ages 13-24)
212-316-7912 / 212-749-1820
www.ryancenter.org/services/hiv/shout.html

Provides access to primary and preventive health care services to at-risk and HIV – infected young adults. Also offers HIV prevention education, mental health services, and substance abuse counseling.

Brooklyn

Health Education Alternatives for Teens (HEAT program)
(Ages 13-24)
Kings County Hospital Center, E bldg., Rm. 4147
Clarkson Ave. & E. 39th St.
718-467-1718
http://138.5.102.101/hiv/p5.html

Offers STD screenings and treatment, HIV pre/post-test counseling, medical care for HIV+ patients, pregnancy tests and birth control, substance abuse assessment and referrals.

Planned Parenthood, Boro Hall Center (All Ages)
44 Court St.
718-965-7000

Offers birth control and other family planning services.

Bronx

Children’s Aid Society, Bronx Family Center (Under Age 21)
1515 Southern Blvd.
718-589-3400
www.childrensaidsociety.org/bronx

Offers health and mental health services. Health services include primary care services, reproductive health care and health education. Youth can receive preventive dental care and treatment.

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center Adolescent &
Young Adult Clinic at BronxCare  (Ages 13-24)
3rd Ave (146th St.)
718-838-1000

Offers primary care services, crisis counseling, support groups, gynecological exams, STD testing, pregnancy test, family planning, and prenatal care.

Montefiore Medical Center, Adolescent AIDS Program
(Ages 13-24)
3514 Wayne Ave.
111 E. 210th St.
718-822-0232
www.adolescentaids.org

Provides health care and prevention to those living with HIV/AIDS or at-risk for HIV infection.

Planned Parenthood, Bronx Center
349 E. 149th St.
718-965-7000
www.ppnyc.org/homepage.html

Offers birth control and other family planning services.

Queens

Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens, Family Health Center
30-04 Crescent St.
718-267-4265

S.I. University Hospital Center
475 Seaview Ave.
718-267-4265
http://www.siuh.edu/

Bay St. Health Center, S.I. University Hospital Center
57 Bay St.
718-226-6700
back to top

STDs, HIV, AIDS

TESTING FOR STDs, HIV, AIDS

If you are sexually active, you must be tested from time to time. Of course, if you’re using condoms, your chances of getting infected are much lower. Always use them. But they are no guarantee. Many STDs can be easily cured. And the ones that can’t, such as herpes and HIV, can be controlled. For you own health—and that of your partner—you want to know if you have anything.

If you have a regular doctor, that’s probably the best place to get tested. However, the NYC Health Department does provide free and confidential STD testing at many clinics in every borough.

NOTE: If you’re a minor (under age 18) you do NOT need consent from your foster parent, birth parent, or your agency for examination and treatment. For additional information, call 311.

What You Can Expect During a Visit to an STD Clinic

According to the Health Department, upon arriving at the clinic, you will be asked to fill out a form with information about yourself and your reasons for coming to the clinic. Your medical records are confidential, meaning no one has access to them except authorized Department of Health personnel. On this form, a number will be written. To ensure your confidentiality, you will be called by that number throughout your clinic visit.

During the registration process, you will be called and seen by one of the clinic medical staff. The medical staff are doctors who have been practicing the specialty of diagnosing and treating STDs for some time. It can be embarrassing to talk about your sexual history with a stranger. However, it is very important that you give accurate and complete information so the doctor can figure out the best treatment for you. Remember, these doctors have heard everything. Nothing you say will surprise them. They just want to help you get healthy.

During the medical exam, the clinician will take specimens, some of which will be tested at our on-site lab. The result of the lab test will be shared with your doctor. If the test can be done at the clinic and they show that you need medication you get will get it on the spot. Some specimens may be sent to an outside lab for testing. The clinic staff will let you know how and when to get those results so you can come in for additional treatment and follow-up if required.

HIV Counseling and Rapid HIV Testing are also offered at the clinics. You can choose Confidential testing or Anonymous testing. Ask at the clinic about the difference between these two options or call the DOHMH Call Center (1-800-825-5448).

Special hours: All of these clinics are closed at certain times for staff meetings, maintenance, and other reasons. CALL first to make sure they’re open when you are planning to go. For updates on hours and services, go to:
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/std/std2.shtml

Note: Emergency contraception is available at all STD clinics on the days when STD services are available (see below).

Manhattan

Central Harlem
2238 Fifth Ave. ( 137th St .)
NY , NY 10037
#2 train to 135th St .
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat, 8:30 am-1:00 pm

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, Hepatitis C screening for high risk patients, & HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing.

East Harlem
158 East 115th St. (off Lexington Ave. )
NY, NY 10029
#6 train to 116th St .

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
8:30 am-4:00 pm

Monday and Friday: HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing only
(no doctor services) 8:30 am-4:00 pm

Chelsea
303 Ninth Ave. (28th St.)
NY, NY 10001
C or E trains to 23rd St. or #1 or #9 to 28th St .
Mon-Fri — 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Sat — 8:30 am-1:00 pm

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, Hepatitis C screening for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing.  

Riverside
160 West 100th St. (between Columbus/Amsterdam Ave.)
NY, NY 10025
#1, #9, B, C, to 96th St.
Mon-Fri — 8:30 am-4:00 pm

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, Hepatitis C screening for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing.

Bronx  

Morrisania
1309 Fulton Ave. (E. 169th St. off 3rd Ave.)
Bronx , NY 10456
#55 or #15 bus to 169th St. / 3rd Ave.
Mon-Fri — 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Sat — 8:30 am-1:00 pm

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, Hepatitis C screening for high risk patients & HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing.

Staten Island

Richmond
51 Stuyvesant Place ( Wall St .)
Staten Island , NY 10301
Thursday 8:30 am-4:00 pm

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid testing.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: HIV Counseling and Rapid HIV Testing only (no doctor services).
8:30 am-4:00 pm.

Brooklyn

Crown Heights
The Crown Heights clinic is temporarily closed due to renovation. Relocated to Bushwick:

Bushwick Clinic
335 Central Ave. (between Linden St. and Grove St.)
Brooklyn , NY 11221

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, Hepatitis C screening for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing:

Mon-Fri – 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

By Bus: The # 46, at Utica Ave. bus, to Gates Ave.
Change for the # 52 at Gates and travel East to Central Ave. Walk on Central Ave. , against the traffic, until you reach 335 Central Ave.

By Bus: The # 44 Nostrand Ave bus to Gates. Take the Gates Ave. # 52 bus to Central Ave.

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing:

Mon-Fri — 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Sat — 8:30 am-1:00 pm

Fort Greene
295 Flatbush Ave. Extension 2nd Flr.
Brooklyn , NY 11201
#2, #3, #5 trains to Nevins Avenue
N , R, D trains to Dekalb Avenue
Mon-Fri — 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Sat — 8:30am-1:00pm

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing.

Queens 

Corona
34-33 Junction Blvd. (Roosevelt /Northern)
Jackson Heights , NY 11372
#7 train to Junction Blvd
#72 bus to 35th Ave.

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing:

Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 am-4:00 pm

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday — HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing only (no doctor services):

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Jamaica
90-37 Parsons Blvd. 1st fl. (off Jamaica Ave.)
Jamaica, NY 11432
E, S, J train to Parsons Blvd.
Mon-Fri — 8:30am-4:00pm
Sat — 8:30am-1:00pm

STD Services, Emergency Contraception, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine for high risk patients, Hepatitis C screening for high risk patients, HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing. 

Rockaway
(Operated by Joseph P. Addabbo Health Center)
67-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd. (Addabbo Health Center)
Queens , NY 11692
A train to Beach 67th.

STD Services & Confidential HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing:

Mon-Fri— 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Please note: Addabbo Health Center is not a DOHMH site, and may charge for emergency contraception.

For more information on AIDS/HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Call 311
back to top

Pregnancy and Infant Health

Introduction

When you find out you’re pregnant, suddenly there are lots more health concerns to think about than you ever thought about before. Luckily, this city can give you all the attention you need. Your job is to make sure you’re set up with the right doctors, nurses, and other resources. Once you find a doctor, he or she will take your medical history, and give you a complete medical check-up. “We want to know if you have something like diabetes or a vaginal infection so that we can treat it before it hurts the baby,” says one clinic staff member. “Another thing we do,” she adds, “is give some education. A healthy mother means a healthy baby. So mothers must be taught how to take care of themselves.” Your doctor will also teach you what to eat, what not to eat, and what else might harm your baby, like alcohol, cigarettes and many drugs, both illegal and over the counter. The most important thing to remember about prenatal care is to get prenatal care. Here are some places to go to find out how to get the care you need. —Kery Murakami

The Women’s Health Line
1-800-698-0411

There are many government programs that can help you and your baby stay healthy. This New York City hotline provides information about all New York government programs available both during pregnancy and after delivery.

Prenatal Care Assistance Program/Medicaid Obstetrical and Maternal Services PCAP/MOMS
1-800-522-5006 (New York State Growing Up Healthy Hotline)

This free New York State program offers eligible women a range of services, including medical care for mothers during pregnancy and for two months following delivery; HIV counseling; help in applying for benefits; and health care for babies for one year after birth. Eligibility is based on income.

NYC Early Intervention Program
1-800-577-BABY

Each baby develops differently. However, if you are concerned about the development of your baby, speak with your doctor. If you continue to have concerns about your baby’s development, the Early Intervention Program can assess your child’s development and provide services when needed.

Crisis Nursery
New York Foundling Crisis Nursery
590 Avenue of the Americas
Manhattan
212-886-4000, 24/7 Parent Hotline: 212-472-8555

Provides emergency childcare for stressed out parents for up to 72 hours without ACS involvement.

The Door
High School for Young Moms & Early Head Start
121 Avenue of the Americas
Manhattan
212-941-9090

The Door offers several programs for young moms: a Prenatal and Mothers' Support Group; the LYFE Program; and the Early Head Start Program. Here is more information.

The Prenatal and Mother’s Support Group gives pregnant and parenting young women both emotional support and concrete instruction on issues like nutrition and children’s health.

LYFE is a NYC Department of Education program that allows young mothers to continue their high school education or GED program. Daycare is provided. Space is limited and women must enroll or be enrolled in a Department of Education program to be eligible. Call ext. 3317 for more info.

The Early Head Start Program helps young parents develop their parenting skills, understand their children’s development, and connect with other young parents through parent/child playgroups. Call ext. 3241 for more info or to enroll.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Young Mothers Mentoring Program
555 Bergen St., 4th fl.
Bronx
718-742-7301

This program matches pregnant and parenting young women with mentors who can help identify community services, parenting classes, and fun activities, and prepare for childbirth. Participants must be:

1. 19 years old or younger
2. Pregnant or parenting
3. A resident of the Bronx
4. Able to meet with a mentor twice per week for 3-5 hours
5. Able to commit for at least 12 months

Grand Street Settlement, Bushwick Teen Mothers Project
80 Pitt St.
Manhattan
212-674-1740
www.grandstreet.org

Helps pregnant girls and teen mothers stay in school, make responsible and informed decisions, establish long-range goals, access health and social services, and provides parenting and child development training.

Strive, Paternity Optimizes Potential Success (POPS)
240 E. 123rd St. (2nd & 3rd Aves.), 3rd fl.
Manhattan
212-360-1100

POPS targets fathers, ages 16-47 who need parenting skills and help navigating the child support system. Fathers participate in Strive’s Core Employment Training while taking part in weekly peer support groups on topics like relationship building and communication skills.

Parental Awareness Prevents Abandonment
Loisaida, Inc.
710 E. 9th St., 4th fl.
Manhattan
212-353-0272
www.mcnnyc.org/agencies/papa.html

Provides support to young and expecting fathers with employment, education, health, child visits, and child support. Call Gregory Horta, program coordinator, for more info.

Alcohol and Drugs: Dependence and Addiction

Introduction

People use drugs for all sorts of reasons, including: people around them are doing it, to relax, because it makes them feel good, because they’re feeling bad and they want to feel better. The tricky part is that it can be hard to know when use becomes dependence or when dependence becomes addiction. The likelihood that you’ll develop a dependence or addiction has to do with lots of factors, including whether dependence/addiction runs in your family, and how you’re feeling when you start drinking or using drugs. People who were abused or neglected in childhood are more susceptible to developing a dependence or addiction, so if you’ve spent time in foster care, it’s important to think about whether drinking or using drugs is a good idea for you. If you do consume, it’s important to pay attention to signs that you might be developing a problem. Some ways to know if your drinking or drug use is a problem is to ask yourself whether it is interfering with your getting to work on time or being alert at work, or whether it’s causing you to have more conflicts in your relationships than you would ordinarily. A common way to know if you might have a problem is to give yourself the CAGE test. The CAGE test asks you if you would say “yes” to any of the following four questions. Have you ever thought you should Cut down on your drinking or drug use? Have you ever become Annoyed when people criticized your drinking or drug use? Have you ever felt scared, bad, or Guilty about your drinking? Have you ever taken an Eye-opener drink to feel better in the morning? If you think you might have a substance abuse problem, there are different kinds of programs that can help. To talk to someone about your concerns or to locate a program that can help you, call:

' They Called Me 'Crack Baby' ' There was once a myth that if your mother used crack while you were in the womb, you would never amount to anything. Antwaun Garcia demolishes that myth. Perfomed by Charles Everett.

LifeNet
1-800-LifeNet
Provides 24 hour/seven days a week information and referral.

The Alcoholism Council of New York Help Line
1-212-252-7022

Support Groups
If you are not sure you are ready to commit to a rehabilitation program but you would like to attend a support meeting of people struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, you can find one in New York by calling the following numbers.

Alcoholics Anonymous
212-647-1680

Cocaine Anonymous
212-262-2463

Narcotics Anonymous
212-929-6262

New York Smokers’ Quitline
For help quitting smoking
1-866-667-8278
back to top

Sports and Recreation

Introduction

Let’s face it: Too many of us are watching too much TV and not doing enough exercise. In fact, the number of young people who are overweight in the United States has tripled since the 1960s. To make it worse, many of us don’t sleep enough. We eat badly. We smoke or drink too much. We don’t exercise. It’s not all our fault. Unhealthy food is aggressively marketed to young people nowadays, and some of us are born with a natural tendency to gain weight easily. Some of us have to work extra hard to stay healthy. A lot of us also live with a lot of stress that makes it tempting to indulge in unhealthy activities.   But there are some serious problems with not taking care of our health. Obesity can make asthma worse or cause sleep disorders. And people who are out of shape are more likely to suffer from depression. Exercise, on the other hand, can help fight depression. Finding ways of getting exercise into your life is an important piece of taking care of yourself. Young people of all shapes and sizes should find an activity that gets them moving and stick with it. It doesn’t matter so much what you do, as long as you do something. If you are still in foster care, your agency should cover any fees or expenses associated with recreational activities at up to $400 per year. Starting to exercise before you leave care will make it easier for you to continue once you are on your own. If you have identified a class you would like to take, talk to your caseworker to find out your agency’s procedure for paying for it. If your caseworker is not being helpful, you may have to call your law guardian. If you have already left the foster care system, there are still free or low-cost ways to exercise. You can go to a park to walk or run or join a pick-up game of football or Frisbee. Here are some other suggestions for how to exercise in the city. —Megan Cohen back to top

NYC Recreation Centers

Check out NYC’s Recreation Centers for all kinds of free and low-cost sports and recreational activities including indoor and outdoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, dance studios, boxing rings, art studios, game rooms, libraries, aerobics, tai chi, fencing, theater, and sculpture.

Membership for young people under 18 is FREE! An annual membership for adults 18 years and older is $50 for centers without pools and $75 for centers with pools. Your agency should cover the fee. Call the Centers for hours of operation and program schedules.

back to top