Growth and Development
Growth and development in adolescent medicine refer to the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during puberty and adolescence. This period typically spans ages 10 to 19 and involves significant transformations, including increased height, weight changes, and hormonal shifts that affect mood and behavior. Adolescents also develop greater independence, form deeper relationships, and explore their identity. Understanding these changes helps parents and healthcare providers support teens in navigating challenges and making healthy choices, ultimately fostering a smooth transition into adulthood.
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Growth and development refer to the changes that occur in living organisms over time. Growth typically means an increase in size or mass, such as a child getting taller. Development, on the other hand, involves a series of changes that lead to more complex structures or functions, like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. In humans, development includes physical growth, emotional maturity, and skill acquisition. Together, growth and development describe how individuals evolve from infancy to adulthood, adapting to their environment and gaining new capabilities along the way.