Puberty The changes!

Changing Bodies w During puberty you’re going to grow faster and develop an adult body and mind. Many changes will be happening in your body. Such as:

Skin w During puberty, your skin can become oily. This can lead to getting pimples or developing acne. This is a result of a sudden increase in hormone levels. Washing regularly and using oil free products on your skin can help reduce and prevent acne.

Hair w Both boys and girls will start growing hair on their legs, under their arms, face, and in their pubic area. The amount of hair that grows is different for every person. It is common that females may start shaving hair in these areas during puberty.

Breasts w Girls will notice that breasts change during puberty. They may hurt or tingle as they grow and develop. Breasts may not grow at the same rate to the same size. It is normal for breast size difference through puberty. Puberty may be a good time to start self examinations of the breasts to help detect cancer.

Growth w Growth can be very quick or very slow. However growth does occur during puberty. Females will gain weight and grow in height. Females hips tend to widen and it is normal to gain weight during this time. The body is becoming mature and able to have children. Growing pains can occur with growth. It is also possible to feel clumsy or foreign to your body with growth changes.

Perspiration w Both boys and girls start to perspire (sweat) more during puberty. Perspiration will have a stronger smell. Many adolescents begin using a deodorant or antiperspirant when they begin to perspire through puberty.

Voice w The voices for both boys and girls will change. This change is more noticeable for boys. However girls voices may change as well.

Masturbation w Touching or rubbing your own genitals can feel good. This is called masturbation. People of any age may choose to masturbate or not to masturbate. Both choices are normal.

Taking Care of Your Body Puberty

Shower w Adolescents during puberty may want to start taking a daily shower or bath if they don’t already. This can keep the body clean and reduce smell from perspiration.

Deodorant and Antiperspirants w The changes with hormones will cause adolescents to sweat more and for sweat to have a stronger odor. Daily baths and showers help with the smell as well as deodorants and antiperspirants. Deoderants cover odor and antiperspirants close off sweat glands so you don’t sweat. You may want to talk to a parent or health professional for which choice is better for you.

Hair w Just like your skin, your hair may be more oily than it used to. Washing it more often can help maintain less oily hair.

Skin w With the increase of oil on the skin it is important to keep skin clean. Washing your face twice a day with a facial soap can help keep things under control. If severe acne persists, you may want to talk to a doctor about your concerns with acne.

Teeth/Dental w As always, it is important to care for your teeth. Brush and floss twice a day to maintain good health.

Shoes w With an increase of perspiration and odor, it is possible to notice feet developing an odor. Clean socks each day and changing shoes occasionally can help prevent smelly feet. Feet sprays and a light dusting of baking soda in your shoes can also help.

Tips for Staying Healthy w Eating right - follow the pyramid! w Regular exercise w Sleep w Making Healthy Choices w Keeping your body clean

Changing Emotions

Feeling Grown Up w You may start to feel like an adult. You probably want to be more independent and make your own choices. It is common that new interests and feelings are taking place of old ones. This is a normal part of puberty.

Feeling Attractive w You may become more interested in your looks and presentation. This is not surprising considering your body is changing is so much. You may find yourself wanting to look attractive or like other people including famous people such as models and acctresses. Keep in mind that the “ideal” bodies we see are not always ideal. Learning to like the unique person you are is an important part of becoming an adult.

Feeling Liked w During puberty you may find that you’re more interested in wanting to “fit in” and be like by others. It’s normal to want to be liked. But you do not have to act like someone else or do things you don’t want to do to be liked.

Sexual Feelings w You and your friends may start having new sexual feelings. You might discover that looking at certain people or watching a certain show or book can excite you. You might imagine feeling loved or to kiss someone. These can be powerful feelings and it can take some time getting used to these feelings. Talk to a parent, doctor, or nurse if you have questions about these feelings.

Changing Relationships w Your relationships may change as you change in puberty. They may seem more complex or different. This is normal due to you changing as a person and maturing as an individual. You may see a change in relationships with: friends family dating other adults

Decisions, Decisions w As you change through puberty and become independent, you will find yourself making a lot of decisions. Always remember to DEAL and make the right choice. D - Describe Problem E - Evaluate ALL Solutions A - Act on the solution you feel is best for you L - Learn from your decision (+ or -)