NewZNew (Chandigarh) : A first of its kind in tricity, a Child and Adolescent Guidance Clinic has launched at Max Super Specialty hospital Mohali today. The clinic, which will provide adolescent friendly healthcare services, was inaugurated by Dr Neelam Bhardwaj, Civil Surgeon,  Mohali. Among others ,  Mr. Sandeep Dogra , VP and Zonal Head, Max Hospitals, Dr GP Malik, Medical Advisor and Director-Internal medicine and Dr Jatinder Arora, Medical Superintendent, Max Hospital were presented during occasion.

The clinic will follow an interdisciplinary team approach that will be comprised of wide spectrum of clinicians including Dr SK Mathur, Pediatric Endocrinology, Dr Arpinder Gill, Pediatrics and Dr Chhaya Prasad , Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician and Adolescent Health Expert. Dr Chhaya is also a  National Secretary, IAP Childhood Disability Group and Executive Member of Adolescent Health Academy, Indian Academy of Pediatrics. The other senior doctors of the team include, Dr Durga Prasad, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr Sachin Kaushik Senior Consultant, Psychiatry, Dr Preeti Grewal, Head- Deptt of Physiotherapy) and Dr Shivani Gulati, Senior Clinical Nutritionist and Dr Ritu Chaudhary, Audiologist who specializes in speech and hearing problems of children.Speaking during the launch, Mr. Sandeep Dogra said that India is home to 243 million adolescents, which amounts to 21.4% of the country’s population. To enable adolescents to fulfill their maximum potential, a multi -disciplinary approach is needed to support them for their physical health, mental health, education, and coping strategies.”

Dr Jatinder Arora said that promoting nurturing relationships between parents and children early in life, providing training in life skills, and reducing access to alcohol and firearms can help to prevent violence and lifelong disabilities. The clinic will provide adolescent friendly health care services and guidance for parents and caretakers thus helping them to understand the adolescents and solving problems related to physical and psychological aspects.”

The highlights of the clinic are;

1. Growth , development monitoring & nutritional advices
2. Adolescent immunization , including HPV vaccines for girls and women
3. Early detection and management of medical  and health problems
4. Assessment of mental health issues & depression in adolescents
5. Scholastic problems  and guidance for study skills
6. Hormonal problems of adolescents including
   1. a)   Thyroid
   2. b)   Obesity
   3. c)   Irregular Period Problems / Facial Hairs
   4. d)   Growth Failure
7. High risk behavior counseling
   1. Alcohol  and tobacco consumption
   2. Excessive use of media / digital gadgets
   3. c)    Teenage pregnancy
   4. d)    Injury, violence & road accidents
   5. e)    Suicidal tendencies
8. Nutritional Issues
   1. a)    Improper diet habits, obesity & size zero craze