Intro to My Body
There is a saying that “Your body is your temple. How you treat it reflects how you view the world.” And this is very true. If you treat yourself with respect and kindness, you will flourish. If you are nasty and cruel to yourself, you may not do so well. Your body is also always changing in different ways, and will do so for your whole life.
— Mary-Margaret
What is
Self-Care?
Your physical body is not independent, it is related to your mind and your soul. Your physical health, mental health and spiritual health are all very important. We should all respect ourselves and each other.
What are some ways you can take care of yourself?
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Exercise
Personal hygiene
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Being with friends
Music & Art
SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Religion
Meditation
Nature
What are the main stages of development?
Prenatal Development
Infancy and Toddlerhood
Early Childhood
Middle Childhood
Adolescence
Early Adulthood
Middle Adulthood
Late Adulthood
At every stage of our lives, we are changing.
For this journey, let’s focus on Adolescence.
What is Adolescence? >>>
What are Changes in Boys? >>>
What are Changes in Girls? >>>
What is Your Period (Menstruation)? >>>
What are Wet Dreams? >>>
What are Relationships? >>>
I like soccer. But these days, I like girls more. I can see a change in me. I am growing more hair. And that is not the only change I see. I cannot talk about this at home. And I do not want to talk about this with my friends. But today at school, some health professionals came to talk to us about these changes. I was embarrassed at how many things I didn’t know about my body! They encouraged us to call 885 if we had any questions.
— Tombe
What is Adolescence?
Adolescence (or puberty) is when your body goes from being a child to an adult. Your body goes through lots of changes that happen slowly over time. Puberty is a healthy and normal part of growing up. It can be a very difficult and sometimes scary time. Your hormones are changing. Your emotions are changing.
Adolescent Health Changes in Boys
Body size will increase:
– legs
– arms
– scrotum
– penis and testes
Body hair will appear on:
– genitals
– stomach
– face
– armpits
– legs
Erections of the penis may begin.
Voice may get deeper.
Pimples may appear.
Body odour may occur.
Body begins to make sperm.
Semen, which is made up of sperm and other body fluids, may be released during an erection.
This is called ejaculation.
Once sperm is produced, pregnancy can occur.
Ejaculation may occur during sleep.
This is called a nocturnal emission or wet dream.
Girls can experience wet dreams as well.
Adolescent Health Changes in Girls
Body size will increase:
– legs
– arms
– hips
– thighs
– buttocks
Body hair will appear mostly on:
– genitals
– armpits
Breasts may develop.
Pimples may appear.
Body odour may occur.
Girls will start bleeding from their vagina.
This is called a period.
It is normal.
I used to know nothing about my body. When I got my first period, I thought I was going to die. I told my grandmother and she started laughing. “Of course you won’t die! It is normal!” She explained that a period is how a woman’s body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy every month. It is a normal part of life. My grandmother was sad to see me stay home from school because of my period, so she gave me a small kit with washable pads, a wash cloth and soap. Now I can go to school even during my period. All girls should be able to do this. It is our right. I can also call 885 if I have any questions.
— Hawa
What is Your Period?
Menstruation (or period) is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus (or womb) sheds its lining. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus.
Bleeding usually lasts 3.5 to 5 days every month.
Some girls may experience changes in mood due to hormone changes.
Women stop menstruating at menopause, which occurs at about the age of 50.
At menopause, a woman can no longer be pregnant.
What are some of the symptoms of a normal menstruation?
Moodiness
Trouble sleeping
Food cravings
Cramps in the lower abdomen and back
Bloating
Tenderness in the breasts
Pimples
I woke up in the morning and the sheets under me were wet! It wasn’t urine. Is this normal? Is something wrong with me?
— Tombe
What are Wet Dreams?
A nocturnal emission, also known as a wet dream, is a spontaneous orgasm during sleep that includes ejaculation for a male, or vaginal wetness or an orgasm for a female. This is a normal part of puberty.
What is Masturbation?
Masturbation is a common activity. It’s a natural and safe way to explore your body, feel pleasure, and release built-up sexual tension. Despite the myths, there are actually no physically harmful side effects.
Some people may feel guilty about masturbating because of cultural, spiritual, or religious beliefs. Masturbation is neither wrong nor immoral, but you may still hear messages that self-pleasure is “dirty” and “shameful”.
What are Relationships?
Close relationships are sometimes called interpersonal relationships. The closest relationships are most often found with family and a small circle of best friends or a spouse. Interpersonal relationships require effort to maintain. This association may be based on love, friendship, family, business or another commitment. Relationships are alive and always changing.
Some things to consider
What are some examples of interpersonal relationships in my life?
Why are they important to me?
What do I like best about them?
WHEN PICKING FRIENDS, A BOYFRIEND / GIRLFRIEND OR SPOUSE
Relax
Be myself
SUGGESTIONS ON GOOD COMMUNICATION
Think about what I need to be happy and feel respected.
Communicate clearly.
Listen deeply.
Be empathetic and kind.
Respond carefully and respectfully.
Validate others by expressing my appreciation for their life and their contributions.
