SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development Ilocos (DOH-CHD1) urged parents to engage in open dialogue with their adolescent children to support their healthy growth and development.
Adolescence is the phase where a child transitions to adulthood. This critical period significantly displays changes in the physical attributes of an individual and shapes how one feels, thinks, and interacts with the world around them.
During a Kapihan sa Ilocos episode, Dr. Mark Mina, adolescent program coordinator of DOH-CHD 1, emphasized that adolescents are naturally curious and exploring their identities, making parental guidance crucial.
He said the importance of parents having a regular conversation with their children on sexual topics as a preventive measure for early pregnancy among teenagers.
He also added that guiding children by regularly visiting physicians can help avoid the development of further health issues.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rheuel Bobis, head of the DOH-CHD1 disease prevention and control section, emphasized the need for adaptability in today’s world, where open discussions about sexual topics are becoming common.
“Let’s avoid stigmatizing these topics,” Bobis advised.
“If there is a stigma within the family, adolescents may feel pressured to hide their feelings or seek information from unreliable sources, leading to misinformation. Open communication with parents is essential,” Bobis added.
In addition to physical development and sexual health, Mina highlighted the importance of mental health in supporting the overall well-being of adolescents.
Mina added that supporting adolescents’ mental health can be achieved through constant communication between parents and their children.
“If something is unusual with the behavior of a child, the parent should step in and have a conversation,” Mina said.
The public can reach out to the DOH-CHD 1 mental health program for support by calling 0927-194-9448 or 0961-815-1416. (MJTAB/REB PIA Region1)
