Consultancy corner: Adolescent, a transition phase

Adolescence, derived from the Latin word ‘adolescere’ means to grow, to mature, is considered as the transition phase from childhood to adulthood. It is a period marked by maturity, melancholy and the strong desire for individual identity. Appearance of secondary sexual characteristics accentuates the progression from childhood to sexual and reproductive phase in life.

Adolescents constitute 21.6% of Indian population and their well being is not only essential for the well being of the state but also greatly reduces the state spending on health, boosts the economy, ensures our position in the global arena.

Adolescence is a period of neither here nor there. Yes, an adolescent is not a man/woman yet and no longer a child in this period of turbulence. And, health issues during this period are either overlooked or postponed. But the consequences are felt much later either during delivery or when confronted with sub fertility problems.

Adolescents are categorized into 3 stages, Early adolescence (10-13 yrs): Spurt of growth of development of secondary sex, Middle adolescence (14-16 yrs): Separate identity from parents, new relationship to peer groups, with opposite sex and desire for experimentation, Late adolescence (17-19 yrs): Yearning for Distinct identity well formed opinion and ideas.

Investing in adolescents’ health helps (1) prevent the estimated 1.4 million deaths that occur globally every year due to road traffic injuries, violence, suicide, HIV and pregnancy related mortalities, (2) improve the health and well-being of many millions of adolescents who experience health problems such as depression, anaemia or HIV infection; and (3) promote the adoption of healthy behaviours that help prevent health problems that occur later in life, such as cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer resulting from physical inactivity and tobacco use initiated during adolescence. 

Finally, investing in adolescent health can prevent problems in the next generation such as prematurity and low birth weight in infants born to very young mother. Adolescent health awareness includes nutritional requirements, exercises to improve fitness, knowing about one’s body and its systems, anaemia, hygiene, spirituality, vaccines, sexual abuse and mental health. In other words it prepares the adolescent to face the physical and mental challenges that will hone them to be a fit personality in the demanding modern day world. Let us look at some of them closely.

Nutritional needs: 3 main meals and 3 snacks, 1500 - 1600 calories /day is essential for adolescents. Breakfast should never be skipped. 

Anaemia: Anaemia is the state in which there is a decreased production of red blood cells or a decreased concentration of haemoglobin in the cells. Improving the intake of iron rich foods to enhance the Hb level like greens, carrot, dates, jaggery, fish etc is the most effective way to control anemia.

Exercise: Exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, dancing are normal activities to be done regularly. Exercise of 30 minutes per day is adequate and important. 

Puberty: The typical menstrual cycle of an adult female is 28 days, although some are as short as 21 days and others are as long as 35.  ‘Cysts in ovary’ (PCOS) is a condition commonly found in today’s young women mainly due to stress-filled life style and poor-nutrient food habits. 

Hygiene: Menstrual hygiene is very important. Napkins have to be changed every 6 hours to avoid rashes, white discharge and in future to escape from problems like pelvic diseases and infertility.

Adolescents should be able to differentiate between good and bad touches. Being free from stress and depression and coping with them will improve the quality of life not only for them but for all those around them. The responsibility of fostering future India is now with every one of us. Let us all unite to take care of the youth for a prosperous tomorrow.