Читать книгу The Care and Keeping of You 1 - Valorie Schaefer - Страница 10

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.