<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>PUBERTY:</strong><br>Adolescence is a stage of transition between childhood and adulthood. During this stage, changes in body structure and size occur, mediated by hormones. In addition to physical changes, there is also growth and changes in psychology. Puberty refers to the physical aspect of this transition period of adolescence. It starts with activation of the HPA Axis (Hypothalamus Pituitary Gonadal axis) and it triggers the release of a series of hormone secretion and their effects. These lead to the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.&nbsp;<br>For Girls, the onset of puberty is between the age of 8 and 13 years. It starts with the development of breasts, followed by the appearance of pubic hair, and finally menstruation. The average age for the onset of menstruation is 12 - 16 years.&nbsp;<br>For Boys, the onset of puberty is between the age of&nbsp; 9 to 14 years. There is an increase in the size of genitalia, increase in the size of testes, growth of pubic hair,&nbsp; facial hair, axillary hair, voice changes, and finally production of sperms.<br>Increase in height usually stops after puberty changes are complete.<br>Growth and puberty monitoring are necessary to pick up deviations while they are still rectifiable so that full height potential is achieved. During this period regular monitoring by the doctor is important to identify deviations early so that timely interventions can be made.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} -->
<p<strong>DEVELOPMENT</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>"My child is not crawling yet?"<br>"My child is walking but only with support!"<br>"My child does not like to sit!"<br>"My child doesn't like tummy time!"<br>"My child isn't sitting yet!"<br>"My child is toe walking!"<br>"My child doesn't make eye contact.&nbsp;"<br>"My child isn't speaking many words."</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Infants grow up to be children, then adolescents and finally adults. Their development is a result of growth and maturation of brain functions. Various factors contribute to the development of an infant to an adult. Taking care of physical, cognitive, social and emotional health, as well as protection from infectious diseases and injuries, are crucial for healthy development. Regular check-ups for monitoring mental and emotional development is as important as physical health checks and immunisations.&nbsp;<br>There are age-appropriate milestones to be achieved. Early detection of any delay in a particular aspect of development is very important for taking corrective actions/ interventions. There are various domains of development, such as gross motor skills,&nbsp; fine motor skills, skills for cognition and language.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>Involvement and interaction of parents is a very important factor for development. In addition to this, there is the influence of culture and attitudes of people around a child such as family and community.&nbsp; A healthy family environment and a progressive community promote healthy development. This asset or strength-based approach creates a positive environment for the parent-child relationship as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>The child needs to be monitored for growth and development from birth until adulthood. Early recognition of delay is important as early interventions yield better results. Deviations need assessment for disorders by the Paediatrician or Adolescent Health expert.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->