Identi fy the important health habits for the developing adolescents; and

Observe maintaining good hygiene.

Health
A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infi rmity.
Hygiene
Refers to behaviours that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health, such as
frequent hand washing, face washing, and bathing with soap and water.
Practi cing personal hygiene eti quett e is diffi cult especially in many areas of the
world due to lack of clean water and soap. Inappropriate cleaning of hands, face,
and body can spread many diseases.
Sexual Health
Refers to a state of physical, emoti onal, mental and social well-being in relati on to
sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfuncti on or infi rmity.
Sexual health requires a positi ve and respectf ul approach to sexuality and sexual
relati onships as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual
experience free of -----, discriminati on, and violence.
For sexual health to be att ained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons
must be respected, protected, and fulfi lled.
Reproducti ve Health
Refers to the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease, dysfuncti on or infi rmity in all matt ers relati ng to the
reproducti ve system and its functi ons and processes at all stages of life.
It suggests that people with adequate reproducti ve health have a sati sfying and
safe sexual life. Can have children and can make a choice as to whether they would
like to have children and when and how to have them.
Puberty
Puberty causes all kinds of changes in the adolescents’ body. These bodily changes are normal
part of developing to an adult. There are instances where these changes can be a source of
anxiety to the growing teen.
Oily Hair
The hormones that create acne are the same ones that can make you feel like you’re suddenly
styling your hair with a comb dipped in motor oil.
Each strand of hair has its own sebaceous (oil) gland which keeps the hair shiny and waterproof
but during puberty, when the sebaceous gland produced extra oil, it can make your hair look
shiny, oily, and greasy.
Washing your hair every day or every other day can help control oily hair.
Dozens of shampoos are available in drugstores and supermarkets for you to choose from.
(Most brands are pretty similar. Although you might want to try one that is specially formulated
for oily hair. Use warm water and a small amount of shampoo to work-up.)
Do not scrub or rub too hard – this does not get rid of oil any better and can irritate your scalp
or damage your hair. (After you have rinsed, you can follow-up a conditioner if you like. Again,
one for oily hair might work best.)
When you are styling your hair, pay close attention to the products you use. (Some styling gels
or lotions can add extra grease to your hair which defeats the purpose of washing it in the first
place. Look for formulas that say “oil free.”)
Sweat and Body Odor
Perspiration or sweat comes from sweat glands that you always had (but thanks to puberty,
these glands not only become more active than before. You might have this odor under your
arm in your armpits).
The best way to keep clean is to bathe or slower every day using a mild soap and warm water.
(This will help wash away any bacteria that contribute to the smells.)
(Wearing clean clothes, socks, and underwear each day also helps you feel clean. If you sweat a
lot, you might find that shirts, socks, and underwear made from cotton or any natural materials
will also help absorb sweat more effectively. A few were concerned about the smell of your
underarms, you can try using deodorant or deodorant with antiperspirant.)
Deodorants get rid of the odor of sweat by covering it up and antiperspirant actually prevent or
dry up perspiration. (They come in sticks, roll-ons, gels, sprays, and creams and are available at
any drug store or supermarket. All brands are similar and one of that says they are making it for
a man or a woman is similar to. Except for some perfumes that are added.)
If you will use deodorant or antiperspirant, be sure to read the directions. (Some work better if
you use them at night whereas others recommend that you put them on in the morning.)
Keep in mind that some teens do not need deodorants or antiperspirants. (Deodorant and
antiperspirant commercials may try to convince you that you will have no friends or date if you
do not use their product.)
If you do not think you smell bad, you take daily baths or showers and wear clean clothes. You
may be fine without them.
Body Hair
Body hair in new places is something you can count-on, they are hormonal action. (You may
want to start shaving some places or body hair grows, but whether you do it or not, it is up to
you.)
Some guys who grow facial hair to let it develop into a mustache and beard.
Some girls may decide to leave the hair on their legs and under their arms (as those things are
all up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If you decide to shave, whether you are a guy
or a girl, you have a few different choices. You can use traditional razor with a shaving cream or
gel or you can use electric razor).
If you use a regular razor, make sure the blade is new and sharp to prevent cuts and nicks.
Shaving cream and gel are often a better bet than that of the soap because they make it easier
to pull the razor against your skin. (Some of the newer razor in our local supermarkets
contained shaving gel right in the blade area making even beginners feel comfortable shaving.
Some people would also try waxing or laser.)
Whether you’re shaving your legs, armpits, or face, or go slowly.
These are tricky areas in your body with lots of curves and angles, and it is easy to cut yourself if
you move too fast. (An adult or older sibling can be a big help when you are learning to shave.
Do not be afraid to ask for tips. You might want to avoid shaving your pubic hair because when
it grows back, the skin may be irritated and itchy.)
HEALTHCARE CHECK FOR THE FEMALE
The best time for a self-breast exam is about a week after the last day of your menstruation
period, when your breasts are not tender and swollen. (This would be done at the same time
each month when you no longer have your menstrual period.)
Keeping the External Female Genitalia Clean:
1. Use soap and water to wash the external genitalia and your underarms every day
especially during menstruation.
2. Use either a disposable pad made of cotton, which has a nylon base, or a clean piece of
cotton cloth to absorb blood during menstruation.
3. Properly dispose of the pad after each use, or wash and dry the piece of cloth used as a
menstrual pad before reuse.
4. Wash only the external genitalia. Do not try to clean the inside part of the vagina.
5. While washing, wash starting from the vagina towards the anus. (Do not wash from the
anus towards the vagina – this will allow germs to enter the inner genitalia easily and it
can cause infection.)
6. If you see any changes in the vaginal fluid – a change in color or odor, please visit a
health professional.
HEALTHCARE CHECK FOR THE MALE
1. Wash the external genitalia at least daily with soap and water, as you wash the rest of
the body.
2. Boys who are not circumcised need to pull back the foreskin and gently wash
underneath it with clean water.
3. Be aware of any abnormal fluids coming from your penis. Do not confuse this with the
presence of normal fluids.
4. If you see any abnormal fluid or wound, please visit a health professional.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS TO REMEMBER:

1. Always wash your hands.

2. Use facemasks especially if you are going out in the public.
3. Observe social distancing.
4. Sanitize your hands and your goods.
By following these, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your community safe
from the virus.