Naia Hernantes and Agurtzane Mujika, from the School of Nursing of the University of Navarra, attended the IV International and X National congress of the association of Community Nursing (ACS) that took place at the beginning of October in Burgos. There they presented the communication "El volunteer activities como activo para la promoción de la salud en la adolescencia", a study based on the work Final de Master's Degree by Hernantes and directed by Dr. Mujika. In addition, this communication was awarded in the congress as the best work in the category of Master's Degree or specialist in training.

The study demonstrates that the adolescent volunteer activities represents an opportunity to improve habits in this population group . An increase in academic, social, cognitive and vocational skills in those adolescents who performed volunteer activities were some of the results of this study. A reduction in risk behaviors was also observed.

The aim of goal was toexplain the effects and the most relevant characteristics of voluntary activity for the healthy development of adolescents. This stage is fundamental for the development staff and of their abilities to face life and, therefore, their health. However, attention to this group seems limited to identifying risk behaviors and addressing diseases. There is a need to reorient this attention towards a more salutogenic approach (a term based on the fact that each person has the capacity to improve his or her own health and quality of life) and to enhance the positive development and that this should be addressed in the community.

The authors also consider it essential to bring the healthcare world, especially the primary care team, closer to this subject of community resources in order to identify synergies aimed at promoting adolescent health from a salutogenic point of view.