SEX EDUCATION What have you heard? What do you think you will learn about?

SEX ED. We will be talking about the bodies of boys and girls and the changes that happen to them as they grow from a child to an adult. There are 3 rapid periods of change: Conception to birth Birth to first year Puberty

PUBERTY The beginning of the period of growing and changing into an adult. The period that starts with puberty and ends with adulthood is called adolescence or being a teenager. It’s important to talk about any issues/questions you are having with growing up or you may be misinformed which can lead to health problems, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Why is it difficult to talk about the differences between boys/girls? Embarrassing Not supposed to talk about it, especially with the opposite sex around It’s private Difficult to discuss with adults around Afraid someone will laugh if you don’t know an answer.

How might we act if we are embarrassed? Silly Giggly Blush Can’t look anyone in the eyes Quiet, not answering questions

Where do teens get info from? Internet, friends, family, books, tv, movies, video games, magazines, etc. Many of this info. can be inaccurate, confusing, or disturbing.

WORKSHEET 1. PUBERTY: stage of life in which the reproductive system matures, and secondary sex characteristics appear.

2. How does puberty happen? Pituitary gland: Master gland in the centre of the brain Sends out chemical messages to all parts of the body through the blood stream “messages” are in the form of substances called hormones Puberty begins because the pituitary gland send out hormone messages to certain parts of the body to tell them to change These hormone messages go to two special glands: In girls – Ovaries In boys – Testicles The ovaries and testicles then begin to produce their own hormones which go out into the blood stream and tell other parts of the body to change.

2. How does puberty happen? PITUITARY GLAND Hormone Ovaries Testicles Hormones (estrogen, progesterone) (testosterone)

3. How old are boys and girls when they go through puberty? Girls-change anytime between 9-16 Boys-change anytime between EVERYONE changes at their own rate. Some will change much earlier than others, and that is normal. In general, girls begin to change a couple of years earlier than boys. It is very normal for girls to be taller than boys, especially during grades 7 and 8.

4. What happens to your body during puberty MALE Acne Perspiration Hair Grow taller Shoulder/chest broaden Muscles Voice deepens Genitals grow larger FEMALE Acne Perspiration Hair Grow taller Breasts develop Hips widen Voice deepens Genitals grow larger

5. Common External Changes Skin—acne: at puberty and during adolescence glands secrete an increased amount of oil…pores get clogged with oil and dirt…the blocked area can cause a pimple. You will all get at least a couple. Perspiration---At puberty, sweating increases In combination with bacteria on the skin, this can cause body odour. You can sweat all the time, not just during physical activity. Underarms, groin area, palms of hands, soles of feet. Bathe or shower regularly, use deodorants, wear clean clothes.

5. (Cont) Body Hair—Hair on head becomes oilier due to increased hormone production. Underarm hair—this is normal…you may want to cleanse this area daily or use antiperspirants or deodorants. In our culture, some women shave underarms or legs. This may not be done in other cultures…be considerate.

6. OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE GOOD HEALTH 3 meals a day; healthy snacking; drinking water Breakfast everyday Moderate exercise 2-3 times a week Adequate sleep (9 hours for teens) Not smoking Keep a healthy weight