LITMIR.BIZ

      The Basic Facts

      Taking care of your body is a lifelong job. And

      it’s more important than ever right now, while

      you’re going through big changes.

      The Changes Ahead

      Puberty is a special time of growth and change.

      Everybody goes through it. It begins for most girls

      between the ages of 8 and 13, and it ends when your

      body has reached its adult height and size, around

      ages 15 to 17.

      During puberty you’ll grow up and out, and not all

      parts will grow at the same rate. At times you may

      look and feel like a puppy whose paws are too big

      for its body! You’ll notice changes in your skin, hair,

      breasts, and other parts of your body. And you’ll

      experience new emotions, too. All of these changes

      are caused by hormones, chemicals your body pro-

      duces to change you from a young girl to a woman.

      Are you the shortest girl in

      your class, or do you tower

      above everyone, including the

      boys? All of that could change

      in the very near future!

      Get Informed

      You may be eager for your body to get growing,

      or you may be worried about the changes ahead.

      But the more you know about your body, the less

      surprised you’ll be. So get the facts. Reading books

      like this one is a great start. You’ll find answers to

      questions you may have never even thought of!

      But no book is a substitute for talking to your

      parents, your doctor, or other adults you trust—

      people whose job is to take care of you. No question

      is too silly or too embarrassing to ask. Remember, the

      grown-ups in your life were once your age, too, and

      they have experience and wisdom to share with you.

      Celebrate YOU

      Remember that your body is

      a work in progress. Try not to

      focus on what it looks like.

      Instead, think about all the great

      things your body can do.

      You may feel like you don’t have any control over your growing

      body. Not true! You are the boss when it comes to taking care

      of these basics.

      Pay Attention

      Your body is talking to you. Can

      you hear it? Learn to tune in to

      your body and hear its warnings.

      If your body says it’s thirsty, drink

      more water. If your body is tired,

      give it a rest.

      Keep Clean

      All that hard work your body’s

      doing to grow up means you’ll

      need to bathe or shower more

      often, especially if you’re active

      in sweaty sports.

      Exercise

      You don’t have to be an Olympic

      athlete to be healthy. Just put down

      that video game, get off the couch,

      and get moving! Skate to a friend’s

      house

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