Chapter 10: Reaching The Age of Adolescence
Chapter 10: Reaching The Age of Adolescence
Chapter 10: Reaching The Age of Adolescence
Adolescence:
1. It is the period of life, when the body undergoes changes, leading to reproductive
maturity.
2. Adolescents are also called as teenagers. The age group of these teenagers is from 11
years to 18 or 19 years.
Puberty:
1. Marked important change which boys and girls become capable of reproduction is said to
be the onset of puberty.
2. Puberty ends with attainment of reproductive maturity.
Changes at puberty:
1) Increase in Height:
The most noticeable change is the increase in height. It is mainly because of elongation of
the arm and leg bones.
2) Change in body shape:
In girls, the region below the waist becomes wider. In boys, the muscles of the body grow
more prominently than in the girls. Shoulders generally broaden as a result of growth.
Thus, changes occurring in adolescent boys and girls are different.
3) Voice change:
The larynx begins to grow in males. Due to this Boys develop larger voice box which
looks like a protruding part of the throat called Adam’s apple. On the other hand, girls
have a high-pitched voice.
4) Increased Activity of Sweat and Sebaceous Glands:
The secretion of sweat glands and sebaceous glands (oil glands) markedly increases. This
leads to development of acne and pimples on the face.
5) Development of Sex Organs:
The male sex organs like the testes and penis develop completely. The testes produce
sperms after attainment of puberty. In girls, the ovaries enlarge and eggs begin to mature.
ovaries start releasing mature eggs.
6) Reaching Mental, Intellectual and Emotional Maturity: It is the period which influences a
person’s way of thinking. A teenager may feel independent, insecure, self-conscious or
even depressed at times while trying to adapt to these body changes.
7) Development of secondary sexual characters:
In girls, breasts development and in boys begin to grow facial hair grows. Features which
distinguish the male from the female they are called secondary sexual characters.
Personal Hygiene
1. Have bath once daily to clean body smell as sweat glands are more active during this
period.
2. If cleanliness is not maintained there are chances of catching bacterial infection.
3. Cleanliness during the time of menstrual flow is important. Girls should keep track of
their menstrual cycle and be prepared for the onset of menstruation.
4. One should use sanitary napkin or clean homemade pads. Change pads after every 4–
5 hours as per the requirement.
5. Physical exercise: Walking and playing in fresh air keeps the body fit and healthy.
Hence all young boys and girls should take walks, exercise and play outdoor games.
6. Say “NO” to Drugs: Drugs are addictive and should not be consumed until prescribed
by a doctor.
7. The drugs harm the body and ruin health and happiness
8. AIDS is caused by HIV virus. The virus can pass on to a normal person from an
infected person by sharing the syringes used for injecting drugs.
9. HIV can also be transmitted to an infant from the infected mother through her milk.
10. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact with a person infected with
HIV.