Biologic transition from childhood to adulthood is known as Puberty. Pubertal changes include increase in height, development of reproductive capacity and the appearance of the secondary sexual characters. Adolescence children not only undergo through dramatic changes in physical appearance but also rapid changes in physiological, psychological and social functioning. Adolescence is the phase of life between childhood and adulthood. It is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of good health.
Three Phases of Adolescence :
- Early adolescence : 11 – 14 year of age.
- Middle adolescence : 15 – 17 year of age.
- Late adolescence : 18 – 21 year of age.
Growth in Adolescence :
- During puberty 15 – 20 % adult height occurred.
- Both structural and functional brain development continue through adolescence.
- Boys gain 20 – 30 cm and girls gain 16 – 28 cm of height during adolescence. Boys will also gain muscle mass.
- To achieve this kind of growth, 800 mg of calcium is required per day for which 500 ml of milk and cereal based diet is important. Vitamin D is also plays a crucial role.
- The hallmark of adolescent development is separation from parents.
- They begin to involve in their own decision making and starts to reject parental advice.
- At home early adolescent starts to seek out more privacy and spending less time with parents.
- Adolescent may seek out alternative adult role models such as teachers, coaches and parents of friends.
- During adolescence parents child conflict often peaks with disaggrement over limits set by the parents.
- During adolescence period parents should accept the changes as normal developmental milestones.
- The parent child conflict is typical and it does not indicate that child is not respecting the parents value and perspective. In most of the cases child will adopt value system similar to his parents.
- The parenting should be authoritative, means clear, appropriate and negotiated limits should be set which should be mutually done.
- Avoiding family activities, increasing arguments and privacy demands are normal but if there is extreme withdrawl or antagonism then it may be due to substance abuse and mental health issue.
- Adolescents should tell about positive points of nutritional eating and physical activity.
- Violent behaviour is more common in male adolescents. Child may be the victim or may be the observer and may be involve himself in violent behaviour which shows very bad impact on child.
Nutrition for children :
- Junk food should be avoided.
Consequences of junk food –
- Regular junk food intake leads to obesity and other long-term health problems.
- A single fast food meal could add upto 160 to 310 extra kilocalories to the daily caloric intake.
- There are chances of development of deficiency diseases and Osteoporosis due to lack of Vitamins such as Vit-A and Vit-C, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Dental caries may occur due to higher sugar intake.
- Junk food intake more than three times a week is significantly associated with greater risk of disorders such as asthma, eczema or rhinitis.
- Junk food does not provide adequate nutrients for physical activity which can inhibit participation in extracurricular activities. Due to lack of physical activity children remains out of peer groups and it can also impairs physical and mental health.
- Cola drinks often contain caffeine which can disturb normal sleep-wake cycles and can cause sleep disturbances.
Side effect of Junk foods :
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- Tooth Decay
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Blood sugar
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Skin Problems
- Heart disease
- Cancer
Healthy food :
- Protein – Pulses, eggs, chicken, beans, peas, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
- Fruits – Fresh fruits like apple, banana, mango, pineapple, papaya, pomegranate, grapes etc.
- Vegetables – Green vegetables, potato, Carrots, Peas, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach, Cucumbers.
- Grains – Choose whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread or pasta, oats, popcorn and brown or wild rice.
- Dairy – Milk, curd, buttermilk and cheese.
Substance Abuse :
- Child may involve in the use of tobacco, alcohol and even opiates and synthetic stimulants.
- If the child involve in substance abuse from early age then there are more chances of being addicted to that particular substance.
- Substance abuse can negatively effect the functioning of child in school and in home and there are more chances of risk taking behaviours.
- Substance abuse may be due to poor school performance, low self esteem and anxiety.
- Emotionally support should provided to the child. Teachers and parents should do Open communication with the child. In school, child should involve in organized activities.
- In school, there should be a mentor and child should tell about the importance of academic achievements.
- Sometimes child starts drug abuse after trauma such as motor vehicle crash, bicycle injuries or violence.
Mental Health :
- In aodolescence, mental health problem like anxiety, depression, suicidal tendency and low self esteem may present.
- Due to cognitive immaturity and increase impulsivity suicidal tendency and numbers of suicide is increasing in male adolescence.
- Sleep disturbance are common in adolescence. Increasing academic activity and late night use of TV and mobile phones may be the cause of sleep disturbance. Due to this school performance is negatively effected, daytime drowsiness and aggressive behaviour may present.
- Child can get unsupervised information due to easy availability of social media and electronic media. Due to this child may involve in substance abuse like alcohol and smoking and may suffer from behavioural problems like ADHD and Autism.
Healthy Lifestyle for Adolescence :
- Focus on good health and optimum nutrition
- Safety and supportive environment
- Prevention of violent environment in school and home
- Supportive and stress free school environment
- Specific time schedule for playing games in schools.
- Supportive family care to prevent the anxiety and depression
- Exercise and yoga
- Prevent from the use of tobacco, alcohol and other substance abuse.
