The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s greatest spiritual leaders and intellectuals, is commemorated annually on January 12 as National Youth Day. Swami Vivekananda, who is well-known for his timeless teachings on character development, self-discipline, and the role that youth play in determining a country’s future, motivated many others to pursue greatness. He became a worldwide figure owing to his well-known address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which focused on harmony and brotherhood among all people. In order to fulfill his goal, National Youth Day focuses on empowering youth and tackling their particular problems, especially in the area of health.
Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood. Every year on January 12, National Youth Day is observed to highlight the potential and vitality of young people. Additionally, this day acts as a reminder to address the health issues that teenagers encounter. Renowned cosmetic gynecologist and PCOS specialist Dr. Shraddha Goel stresses the value of promoting adolescent health in order to create a society that is healthier and more productive.
Understanding the Adolescent Age Group
Adolescence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the time between the ages of 10 and 19. Rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive development is a hallmark of this crucial time. Adolescents go through major changes at this period that will affect their health and wellbeing in the future.
Puberty: The Onset of Change
During puberty, adolescence begins. Hormonal fluctuations that cause it include:
- Physical growth: Weight and height gain.
- Development of secondary sexual characteristics: Body hair appearance, voice deepening in boys, and breast growth in girls.
- Menstrual onset: Girls often experience menarche between the ages of 10 and 15.
Somatic and Psychological Changes
During adolescence, significant changes occur, such as:
- Somatic Changes: Changes in body composition, rapid growth spurts, and enhanced bone density.
- Psychological Changes: fluctuations in mood, increased emotional sensitivity, and the formation of a sense of self. Additionally, adolescents may experience elevated levels of stress and anxiety as a result of parental, social, and academic demands.
Promoting Adolescent Health as per Charak Samhita
The wisdom of ancient Ayurveda provides priceless insights into attaining the best possible health for adolescents. The Charak Samhita’s tenets emphasize:
Ahar (Nutrition)
- Promote a well-rounded diet full of entire grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
- Steer clear of processed foods, fizzy drinks, and junk food.
- To promote growth and hormonal balance, make sure you consume enough water and micronutrients, particularly calcium and iron.
Nidra (Sleep)
- Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per day in order to develop physically and mentally.
- To establish a sleep-friendly environment, cut down on screen time before bed and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Yoga and Physical Activity
- Frequent exercise, such as yoga, enhances mental calmness, strength, and flexibility.
- Use poses like Dhanurasana, Pranayama, and Surya Namaskar to help you focus and feel less stressed.
Brahmacharya (Self-Discipline)
- Practice self-control and concentrate on your academic and personal development.
- To improve emotional resilience, promote mindfulness exercises.
Menstrual and Vaginal Hygiene
Adolescents frequently struggle with issues pertaining to their reproductive health. These problems can be lessened with proper education:
Menstrual Hygiene
- Change your sanitary products every four to six hours and use clean, absorbent ones.
- Emphasize the value of hand cleaning both before and after using sanitary items.
- Tampon use should be avoided without appropriate supervision to lower the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Vaginal Hygiene
- Steer clear of vaginal douching since it throws off the pH balance and can cause infections.
- For exterior cleaning, use water and mild, odorless soap.
- Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight and instead wear cotton underwear that breathes.
The Role of Sex Education
Comprehensive sex education is necessary to empower teenagers to make informed decisions:
- Knowing the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system.
- The significance of healthy relationships and consent.
- Prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
- Dispelling myths and misconceptions about sexual health.
Common Adolescent Health Problems
Reproductive Health
- Puberty Menorrhagia: During puberty, heavy menstrual bleeding necessitates medical attention.
- Dysmenorrhea: Daily activities may be impacted by painful times; painkillers and lifestyle changes are two ways to handle them.
- Irregular Periods: Frequently brought on by hormonal imbalances; moderate exercise and a healthy diet can assist.
- White Discharge: Although physiological leukorrhea is normal during adolescence, any unusual changes should be closely watched.
Breast Health
- Breast Pain: Frequently cyclical and connected to changes in hormones.
- Breast Lumps: Usually safe in teenagers, but a medical professional should assess it.
Skin and Hair Concerns
- Hirsutism: Excessive body or facial hair brought on by hormone abnormalities.
- Acne: Common because of elevated sebum production; control with appropriate diet and skincare.
- Hair Fall: Frequently connected to stress or nutritional inadequacies.
General Health Issues
- Obesity: Increasing incidence as a result of unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lives; prioritize regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Mental Health: Counseling and honest communication can help you deal with peer pressure, anxiety, and despair.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Due to social pressures and the difficulties of self-discovery, adolescence can be emotionally chaotic. Teenagers’ mental health can be considerably enhanced by promoting candid communication between them and responsible adults. Counseling services in communities and schools give teenagers a secure setting in which to voice their worries and look for direction. Teaching coping skills and fostering resilience are equally essential actions.
Creating Awareness through Community Engagement
In order to promote the health of adolescents, communities are crucial. Teenagers and their families can learn how to lead healthy lives by planning health camps, workshops, and awareness campaigns. Collaboration among schools, healthcare professionals, and community leaders is necessary to tackle problems such as peer pressure, bullying, and substance addiction.
Leveraging Technology for Health Education
Teenagers’ growing usage of digital platforms makes technology a potent instrument for raising awareness of health issues. Virtual support groups, online counseling services, and educational apps can give teenagers trustworthy information and a feeling of community. To guarantee ethical digital use, parents and educators should provide guidance to teenagers.
Conclusion
Building a strong society requires investing in the health of adolescents, who are the future. As the Charak Samhita emphasizes, adopting a holistic approach that blends contemporary medicine with old wisdom can result in improved mental and physical health. Dr. Shraddha Goel urges parents, teachers, and medical professionals to put adolescent health first by raising awareness, educating, and providing support. Let’s make a commitment to enabling our young people to enjoy healthier and more satisfying lives on this National Youth Day.