“Is my child growing normally? “: Here is” the “question that obsesses all parents … or almost! On the occasion of Child Growth Awareness Week (which took place September 17-21, 2018), the association Growing Up and the French Pediatric Society (SFP) have launched an information campaign, particularly aimed at parents.
“The growth of a child (…) is above all a major sign of his overall health. Growth problems are sometimes linked to a deficiency in growth hormone. If the diagnosis is made in time, they can be treated effectively by daily self-injections, with synthetic growth hormone ”specifies the association Grandir. In 70% of cases, growth retardation is of constitutional or genetic origin.
Growth charts, a reliable index
How to spot stunted growth early? There are some signs that can alert parents: for example, a child who is much smaller than his schoolmates, his parents, or his siblings at the same age may have a growth disorder. Ditto if he has been wearing the same size of clothes and / or shoes for a long time.
From the age of 1 month to 3 years, it is necessary for parents to have their child measured by a pediatrician several times a year. From the age of 3, one measurement per year is sufficient. New growth charts (printed in all health notebooks since April 2018 and accompanied by prevention messages) now allow a better diagnosis of growth disorders.
As part of this awareness week, the Grandir association is relaying the motto of ICOSEP (International Coalition of Organizations Supporting Endocrine Patients): “Children have little time to grow up but a life to live with the consequences”.
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