A dedicated adolescent centre will provide help, consultation to young adults
Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre organised an interactive workshop for students of Wilson College and shed light on aspects like stress management, peer pressure and sex education and how can youngsters deal with them.
Jaslok Hospital understands the specific health needs of young girls and boys during their adolescence. Hence, they offer a centre in the city called Lighthouse. It is a dedicated adolescent centre, which provides help and consultation to young adults in need with relation to a friendly, warm and trusting environment.
Dr Rohan Sequeira, Consultant, General Medicine, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre said, “Sex education plays an important role especially during the formative years of youngsters. There are often discrepancies between what young boys learn in a sex education class and what they may encounter in the real world. These are harmless details, such as the existence of the male g-spot, or prostate gland located between the bladder and the rectum. Men are more likely to use condoms incorrectly and practice behaviours such as putting on a condom quite late and not leaving enough air gap at the tip.”
Dr Sudeshna Ray, Consultant and Co-ordinator, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jaslok Hospital, said, “Educating adolescents on these topics is very important. More so now, given exposure that these young people get from the internet and other media. However, their knowledge is limited and sometimes faulty. Young women should know the effect of their lifestyle (nutrition, sleeping pattern, eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and sexual exposure) on their current and future health. Parent and adolescent should try and connect more openly so that they get their right guidance when they need it. Lighthouse tries to give guidance to these young women by a team of professionals who are experts in dealing with adolescent’s concern specifically.”
Ritika S Aggarwal, Consultant Psychologist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre added by saying, “Stress management and peer pressure are also extremely important. Students today undergo a lot of stress in regards to exams, career, relationships, peer pressure, etc. Today, around 89 per cent of people in India suffer from stress, out of which the majority are students. Some students may harm themselves, get addicted and in some cases, they may also commit suicide. It’s important for students to learn to manage their stress effectively.”