| |
Experts talk about adolescent problems
Our Correspondent
Ludhiana, March 28
As a part of the golden jubilee of the MBBS course, the Department of Paediatrics, Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), organised a CME on adolescent care. Dr Manorma Verma, a former head of the department, and Dr M.K.S. Nair, president, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), inaugurated the CME. Adolescents comprise the second largest group of population and have their own health problems which range from growth disorder, medical illness to sexual and psychological issues. Till recently, this age group was not receiving the attention it deserved. In 1997, the IAP established the adolescent chapter and the services acquired a more organised approach. The CMCH, Ludhiana, started the first adolescent clinic of northern India a year back. Giving more insight on the adolescent problems, Dr Jogesh Chhatal, Head of the department, said, “adolescents suffer from various problems, including hormonal disorders, and psychological and lifestyle related problems. Main causes of these problems is stress due to examinations and competitive examinations, exposure to violence, substance abuse and sexual abuse. In Punjab, alcohol abuse is higher among slum dwellers. We also come across many lifestyle related medical problems and obesity is the most common.” In his keynote address, Dr M.K.C. Nair, emphasised the need of adolescent care in the country. Dr Sangeeta Yadav, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, gave details of growth concerns among adolescents. She talked in details about short stature of teenagers, a common problems in Indian teenagers. Dr Sarla Malhotra, PGI, Chandigarh, discussed gynaecological problems, Dr Bhushan Kumar, PGI, Chandigarh, discussed dermatological problems, Dr Bobby John, CMCH, Ludhiana, discussed orthopaedic problems and Dr T.S. Jain discussed psychological issues among teenagers. Dr Rajesh Mehta, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, spoke on approach a paediatrician should adopt when adolescents come with their problems. 
|
