Winter growth slowdown? Importance of paediatric assessment in Siliguri.
Growth and development are two fundamental aspects in infants, children, and adolescents. A paediatrician determines the growth rate of a child by monitoring and assessing the physical characteristics, such as height, weight, and circumference of the head. According to clinical studies and research, children tend to experience a winter growth slowdown, which can be a cause of concern for parents. If you are a resident of Siliguri or nearby states, you can choose a paediatric development assessment Siliguri for assessing the causes behind growth slowdown in your child.
This blog will shed light on the importance of paediatric assessment in Siliguri during the winter growth slowdown in children. Let us start by knowing what winter growth slowdown is and why it occurs.
What is Winter Growth Slowdown?
Growth in children is a major point of focus due to factors such as environment, genetics, and nutrition shaping children’s lifelong physical health. However, in regions such as Siliguri, children may experience winter growth slowdown due to several factors, such as less daylight, less physical activity, and hormonal changes.
It has been observed that growth in children is not steady because it varies according to seasonal changes. Thus, it's a normal biological rhythm. However, parents might be concerned about such a slowdown, or there might be underlying causes impacting growth in children, which require paediatric assessment.
Why does the Winter Growth Slowdown Occur?
Less sunlight exposure: The winter months in regions such as Siliguri receive less daylight and sunlight, which reduces exposure of children to vitamin D. Thus, children tend to grow faster during summer due to increased sunlight exposure. It is a well-known fact that sunlight is the main source of Vitamin D, which helps in regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism associated with bone health.
Hormonal changes: According to clinical research, light exposure plays a major role in terms of regulating cardiac rhythms. Now, cardiac rhythms determine the release of growth hormones. There is a region in the brain named “SCN” which is the master clock of the body. During winter, less light exposure leads to the SCN receiving less light, which in turn impacts the cortisol and melatonin that are related to patterns of growth.
Reduced physical activity: Less daylight leads to children spending more time indoors. It is a well-known fact that physical activities are a major contributor to children’s growth because they promote strong muscles and bone development. Thus, during winter, children experience a growth slowdown due to reduced physical activities while staying indoors. The weather in Siliguri during winter can be cold after sunset, and the sunrise is delayed, which provides less time for children to stay outdoors.
Nutritional changes: This is another factor behind the winter growth slowdown in children, despite the main focus being on reduced sunlight exposure and lack of physical activity. It has been observed that children often consume calorie-dense foods during winter to stay warm, which can lead to increased BMI. Now, increased BMI slows down growth in children because excessive weight puts stress on the growth hormones.
The Importance of Paediatric Assessment in Siliguri
Here are the reasons to seek paediatric assessment in Siliguri if you observe a continuous winter growth slowdown:
Early detection of underlying disease: Despite the winter season being a major factor behind slow growth in your child, sometimes there might be additional health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or chronic dieases. Thus, it is important to seek paediatric assessment to identify potential underlying causes of slow growth in children, which might not be due to the winter season’s effect.
Comprehensive monitoring of overall development: You need to understand that growth in children is not just about size, but rather it also includes the development of cognitive, social, and emotional milestones. A paediatric assessment can ensure a comprehensive monitoring of the developmental milestones along with physical characteristics based on comparison with the WHO charts. This assessment is crucial for identifying broader developmental issues.
Effective intervention: By not neglecting slow growth in your child, based on perceiving it to be related to winter, you ensure early detection of underlying health conditions. Early detection makes room for timely and effective intervention, which is crucial for reducing the chances of severe complications or permanent physical disabilities. It is a well-known fact that to receive a proper formal education and turn into healthy adults, childhood growth and development are vital.
Obtain results from modern tools: Siliguri is a major medical hub for people from the North East, Nepal, Bhutan and other parts of North Bengal. Thus, there is availability of modern tools and equipment that help in accurate diagnosis. By seeking paediatric assessment in Siliguri related to slow growth in your child, you can obtain assured results, whether it is due to a regular winter growth slowdown or underlying health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Slow growth of children in winter is a common phenomenon due to less sunlight exposure and a lack of physical activity. Thus, the key is to observe your child’s growth during summer as well to gain a relevant idea. On the other hand, it is also advisable not to neglect slow growth in your child by considering it as normal, because there might be underlying health conditions.
Thus, the best way to be assured about slow growth in your child is to seek paediatric assessment from a top paediatrician, such as Dr Sumita Mishra. Such paediatricians possess in-depth knowledge and expertise about assessing the reasons that lead to slow growth in children.
Are you worried bout yout child’s winter slow growth? Seek the best paediatric development assessment in Siliguri or a location of your convenience now to be assured about the actual reasons.
