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BACK TO SCHOOL TEENS!.

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:30:03 +0100

Dos and Don'ts for the first day

The first day back to school is always an experience and your actions will determine whether it is good or bad. To help make it a great first day, keep in mind the following dos and don'ts.

Dos:

Get ready. Having a great first day means getting ready from the night before, so pack all your necessities to lessen the chance of forgetting something important.
Get some rest. The reopening of school means parting with your pillows earlier than you have grown accustomed to. As such, conditioning yourself in advance helps.
While summer meant later sleeping hours, ease yourself back into the school routine by heading to bed earlier. When the alarm blares on that first day, your body and mind will thank you for the rest.
Contact the friends. Everything is easier and more fun with friends (well, almost everything). Call, text or email a message to all your friends in advance to confirm a meeting spot and time at school. This ensures that everybody will be in one location when you arrive, reducing the time spent searching and increasing the time spent sharing summer stories.
Be yourself. If this is going to be your first day at a new school, strive to overcome any form of anxiety and be yourself. While this is good advice for almost every situation, it does work. The persons drawn to you and the friends you make because you have been yourself are those who will genuinely appreciate you for who you are, and those whom you will feel most comfortable around.

Don'ts:

Get used to being laid-back. On the first day back, teachers and those in administration are usually laid-back when it comes to work and classes but this is only temporary. Enjoy it while you can but keep in mind that it will come to an end and work will begin pretty soon.
After all, that is what school is about. Be warned: some teachers see the first day back as just another school day, so be prepared to work.
Forget the rules. While you may be granted a bit more freedom on the first day, don't let it get to your head. Always keep your school's rules in mind and do not think that the laid-back, first-day attitude will apply or help if you get caught.

BEING DIFFRENT

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:06:28 +0100

They must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God. Because they present the offerings made to the LORD by fire, the food of their God, they are to be holy ( Leviticus 21:6).

Whatever our personal preferences might be, being different is not an option for those who wish to be in right relationship to God. The regulations given to the priests demonstrate that the closer we are to God, the more different we will become.

It is important to realize that being different is not the key to drawing close to God. Behaving different from those around us does not produce healthy spirituality. Healthy spirituality produces lives that are different. The priests did not become priests because they were different. They were different, because they were priests.

If you have come to know God, you may find that you are different. You try to be like other people, but you can't. It might be that you have a special call on your life. Like the priests of old, because of your close relationship to God, you find yourself having to live a life so very different from those around you. Whether or not you like being different has nothing to do with it; you just are.

TEEN DATING DOS AND DONTS

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:21:25 +0100

As a young person, dating has unique challenges. My teenage dating tips can help you navigate the pitfalls of dating when you’re a teen and make dating an adventure without getting you into unpleasant situations. Although many teens (maybe you?) think they know everything there is to know, dating is something that even most mature adults haven’t mastered. Here are some good teenage dating tips to get you started.

Make a Good Impression

The first date is when you have the best opportunity to make a good impression. Dress nicely (kick it up a notch from a tee-shirt, your date will appreciate the effort) and be well-groomed.

Tips for Girls

Here’s a teenage dating tip for girls: don’t defy your parents if they say you have to be home at a certain time. If you want to negotiate this after a few dates, that’s fine. If your date has made a good impression on your folks, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate based on trust.

One-on-One vs. Group Dates

One-on-one dates are great, but don’t exclude group activities after your first few dates. First, you may risk ending up with friends who resent your girlfriend or boyfriend. Second, it’s important that anyone you date be comfortable with your friends or it won’t last long.

Interact with Each Other

Remember to leave time for conversation on your first few dates. Whether its bowling, tennis or some other activity, doing something allows you to interact with each other, which is better than just sitting in a movie next to each other without talking. Save movies for a few dates later.

Don’t Move Too Fast

Yes, your parents have told you this time and time again. But I’m repeating it. Becoming physically intimate in any way will inevitably lead to complications. If and when the relationship ends, the hurt feelings and betrayal will feel much deeper and you may regret what you’ve done. It can also be awkward to find things to say after an intimate encounter, unless you’re already very close emotionally, which takes time!

Dressing for Your Date

Girls, don’t dress for your date as though you’re auditioning to be an exotic dancer. You should be attractive and comfortable. Over-dressing or uncovering too much will give the wrong impression. You want the young man taking you out to treat you with respect, not be immediately thinking about your breasts. Remember, the most attractive asset you have is your personality and sense of fun, not your body.

After the Date

After your date, don’t use overkill to make sure he/she is interested. If you start calling every day or several times a day you will sound like you’re desperate or a stalker. Trust me, neither one is attractive or intriguing.

Phone Etiquette

When you do call, identify yourself and ask if the other person has time to talk. It shows that you understand they have other friends and activities and you aren’t assuming they are available at the drop of a hat for you.

Don’t Commit After the First Few Dates

Don’t assume one or two dates mean you are a couple in a committed relationship. This is perhaps the most important dating advice for teenagers I can give you! Teenage girls especially seem to make this mistake. Dating is meant to be a period of time to learn more about each other and see whether you’re compatible. An exclusive relationship should come farther down the line, after you’ve spent a significant amount of time together so that it isn’t based on initial physical attraction.

These teenage dating tips, if put into practice, will make both you and your date comfortable so that you can relax and have a good time. They will also go a long way in gaining the respect of parents, which is very important in this stage of your life.

Self-Esteem and Body Image

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 22:35:35 +0100

I'm fat. I'm too skinny. I'd be happy if I were taller, shorter, had curly hair, straight hair, a smaller nose, bigger muscles, longer legs.

Do any of these statements sound familiar? Are you used to putting yourself down? If so, you're not alone. As a teen, you're going through a ton of changes in your body. And as your body changes, so does your image of yourself. Lots of people have trouble adjusting, and this can affect their self-esteem.

Why Are Self-Esteem and Body Image Important?

Self-esteem is all about how much people value themselves, the pride they feel in themselves, and how worthwhile they feel. Self-esteem is important because feeling good about yourself can affect how you act. A person who has high self-esteem will make friends easily, is more in control of his or her behavior, and will enjoy life more.

Body image is how someone feels about his or her own physical appearance.

For many people, especially those in their early teens, body image can be closely linked to self-esteem. That's because as kids develop into teens, they care more about how others see them.

What Influences a Person's Self-Esteem?

Puberty

Some teens struggle with their self-esteem when they begin puberty because the body goes through many changes. These changes, combined with a natural desire to feel accepted, mean it can be tempting for people to compare themselves with others. They may compare themselves with the people around them or with actors and celebs they see on TV, in movies, or in magazines.

But it's impossible to measure ourselves against others because the changes that come with puberty are different for everyone. Some people start developing early; others are late bloomers. Some get a temporary layer of fat to prepare for a growth spurt, others fill out permanently, and others feel like they stay skinny no matter how much they eat. It all depends on how our genes have programmed our bodies to act.

The changes that come with puberty can affect how both girls and guys feel about themselves. Some girls may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about their maturing bodies. Others may wish that they were developing faster. Girls may feel pressure to be thin but guys may feel like they don't look big or muscular enough.

Outside Influences

It's not just development that affects self-esteem, though. Many other factors (like media images of skinny girls and bulked-up guys) can affect a person's body image too.

Family life can sometimes influence self-esteem. Some parents spend more time criticizing their kids and the way they look than praising them, which can reduce kids' ability to develop good self-esteem.

People also may experience negative comments and hurtful teasing about the way they look from classmates and peers. Sometimes racial and ethnic prejudice is the source of such comments. Although these often come from ignorance, sometimes they can affect someone's body image and self-esteem.

Rachel's Tears....HER STORY

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:59:22 +0100

	"The Girl in the Funny Hat"
	Rachel Joy Scott



	"Don't let your character get camouflaged with your environment. Find who you are and let it stay in its true colors." "It's hard to find God through these halls. Doubt is a part of every man's journey, but don't lose faith." These were two of Rachel's personal messages written in a class year book just prior to her untimely departure from this earth. She was a young woman with wisdom beyond her years. But---who was Rachel Joy Scott? Rachel Joy Scott was a girl who was full of life. She had the unique ability to understand one's need to find meaning in everyday life. She questioned the superficial things, seeking a more profound reason for existence. Craig, her brother was quoted as saying, "It never was important to Rachel what people looked like. She always looked at the inside. She wasn't fake and didn't put on a show." This ironically played out in the high school play, Smoke in the Room, where Rachel starred as a girl who on the outside looked different----but on the inside was a beautiful person. Rachel expressed herself in many ways. The hats she wore were no exception. Her collection of hats reflected the many dimensions of her personality ranging from Santa Clause's jollyness to Dr. Seus' eccentricness. In particular her "Gilligan" hat became a trademark. But it wasn't the appearance or hats which made Rachel. All were drawn to Rachel because of her belief; belief in everything she did. Whether it was music, drama, photography, forensics or her friendships, Rachel exuded unbridled passion and unwavering conviction. Even a stranger was a friend not yet met. Her belief was also personified in her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a dedicated Christian, Rachel was a leader in her youth group. She served as a deacon often organizing events for local youth to witness and share her love for God. Many members of Rachel's church have vivid memories of Rachel's mime performances to Watch the Lamb and Who Nailed Him There. Her life and her passion were a testimony to all those around her. Rachel had a personal goal of traveling outside the United States to share her faith and love for Jesus Christ. Though she may not have been able to physically accomplish this, through these words Rachel is reaching her goal. The family and friends' heart felt desire is to establish a living legacy. We have hopefully taken a stride towards this goal by establishing this web page. It is an opportunity for the world to meet and know Rachel Joy Scott; to see for themselves the magnitude of loss with this precious life. "Our pain must not be in vain. We are all called to pick up the torch." The family has established The Rachel Joy Scott Memorial Fund to carry on Rachel's beliefs, dreams and goals. The parents and family of Rachel Joy Scott wish to convey their heartfelt gratitude to the many people throughout the nation and world who support and express their love and condolences at the untimely passing of their beloved daughter, sister and most of all friend. Rachel Joy Scott came on to this earth on August 5, 1981 and on Tuesday, April 20, 1999 she left this earth to join our heavenly father.

DEPRESSED...? share your storys

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 22:19:18 +0100

What is Depression?

Depression is something almost everyone experiences from time to time during their life. Sometimes it’s just a short-lived gloomy feeling about something that has gone wrong, like having an argument with a friend or flunking a test at school. Sometimes it lasts longer, like if you’ve lost a close friend or there has been a death in the family (bereavement). Sometimes the sad feeling lasts a longer time during a period of grieving, but that can still be normal. Some people are just sadder or gloomier than others all of their lives, but yet they are really normal people; they just have a sad temperament or personality. Unfortunately, too many adolescents don’t realize that sad feelings and unhappy times do pass. As a result, sometimes teenagers will do foolish things, like hurting themselves by taking drugs or even attempting suicide. This is unfortunate because as we grow older we do learn that bad feelings and situations don’t last long and almost always go away, or at least improve.

When feelings of sadness and depression become really bad, constant and last a long time (more than two weeks), then we may consider the person to have a CLINICAL DEPRESSION. This would be a depression or depressed feelings that are not within what is considered to be normal. It is probably called “clinical” depression because it is something that a physician or psychologist would diagnose. The feeling of sadness is often associated with other symptoms, including one or more of the following: a loss of interest in things that used to bring a person pleasure or make them happy; sleep disturbance (either sleeping all the time or not being able to sleep); feeling tired all the time (fatigue and no energy); feeling guilty or worthless; not being able to concentrate at school or on homework; always thinking about death or hurting oneself (suicide). Clinical depression is a very serious problem and if someone is experiencing the above symptoms, they definitely should see a physician or psychologist. Depression is very treatable with talk (cognitive) therapy and if needed with medication.

There are many kinds of depression. Some children and adolescents are just mildly depressed all the time (called dysthymia). Some are more severely depressed with intermittent periods of being very excitable (now called bipolar disease or what used to be called “manic-depressive” disorder). During these periods of excitement, some teenagers do some really crazy things like driving very recklessly or taking tremendous chances without regard for their safety or welfare (including excessive risks with alcohol, drugs, sex or money.) Some people get depressed at certain times like around the holidays, especially if there has been a divorce or death in the family about that time. Another form of serious depression is called “melancholia.” Besides all the things that happen with a “Major Depressive Episode” as described above, when someone has this form of depression they enjoy almost nothing, they often lose a lot of weight and they often wake up really early in the morning (like 4 or 5 o’clock) and can’t get back to sleep.

All forms of clinical depression should be taken seriously. Just feelings of being depressed should be taken seriously in adolescents, because sometimes teenagers overreact to even normal feelings of being “bummed out” and can endanger themselves. Professional help is the wisest answer.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT?

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 22:03:58 +0100

How To Lose Weight and Keep It Off

How can I lose weight? That’s one of the most common questions teens ask, and no wonder. Almost 25 percent of adolescents are already overweight or even obese (harsh word, but true) by medical standards. Extra weight gain often starts in puberty, and overweight teens are very likely to remain overweight as adults. So the teen years are a great time to learn how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. You’ll find hundreds of popular books and programs and advertisements about weight loss, some very good and some just hype. Here is a summary of the best health information currently available on weight control.

Your body weight is determined by diet (how many calories you eat) and exercise (how many calories you burn off). No matter how sophisticated, complicated, glitzy or expensive a weight loss program is, in the end they all work the same way: you have to burn off more calories than you eat each day in order to lose weight. One pound equals 3500 calories. If you eat 500 calories less each day (or 3500 calories less each week), then you will lose one pound a week. Likewise, if you increase your activity to burn off 500 more calories a day (as in race-walking for 40 minutes), you would also lose one pound a week. If you do both, you will lose two pounds a week. One to two pounds a week is the most weight (pounds of fat) you can safely lose and still have adequate nutrition. Diet plans promising more weight loss than that usually rely on temporary water loss, not true fat reduction.

Why is it that some people seem naturally slim and others constantly struggle with being overweight? The reason may be genetics. You’re born with a certain number of fat cells, your own rate of metabolism, and a complex biochemistry that governs your weight. Teens who are overweight often have family members with the same problem. But that doesn’t change what you have to do to lose weight– which is to adjust your personal eating habits to match your activity levels.

Here are the five essential steps to permanent weight control.

1. See your doctor for a health check-up and advice on your healthy weight range.
Many teens do not know what their healthy weight should be. It is determined by age, height, sex and the percent of body fat necessary for good health. Your doctor can use specific growth charts and may calculate your “Body Mass Index” (BMI), now the preferred guide to use. A BMI above the 85 percent indicates overweight and risk of obesity. Your doctor can recommend the healthiest range for your weight. For example, a 16-year-old girl who is 5’4” tall would be advised to maintain a weight between 110-144 pounds and a BMI between 20-24. A 14-year-old boy who is 5’6” and still growing might be advised to keep his weight between 128-165 pounds and his BMI between 18-22. As you can see, a medically acceptable weight falls within a wide range. Teens who struggle with being overweight can be reassured they will still be healthy if they stay within the more realistic upper end of the range. Your doctor can also evaluate you for any medical problems, such as thyroid disorders or diabetes, that could be associated with overweight.

2. Be ready to commit to changing your health habits for the rest of your life.
For teens with a tendency to be overweight, weight control is a lifetime commitment. Some teens who are usually normal weight may temporarily gain pounds in certain circumstances (for instance, high stress, the “freshman 15” pounds at college, or after a pregnancy). These teens usually lose that weight fairly easily and can then continue their normal eating patterns. But for most overweight people, permanent weight control means changing eating and exercise habits for the rest of their lives. Forget the word “diet” (a four letter word for something you go on and then off of). You are going to change your relationship with food. You have to feel ready to make this commitment. Otherwise, you may lose and then regain the weight, lose and regain (the “yo-yo” pattern), leading to increased frustration and loss of self-esteem. The good news is that adolescence is a perfect time to make these changes, since you’re becoming independent and taking charge of your life and your choices. Success depends on making changes that you can comfortably live with. Many people need help learning how to do this, so talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian if possible to get a healthy, personalized plan that’s right for you.

3. Take these four simple steps to change the way you eat.
We’ll assume you already know the basics of good nutrition: the recommended Food Guide Pyramid, the need to eat a well balanced variety of foods in moderation, and the wisdom of eating three regular meals and a couple of snacks each day.

Eat less saturated fat: For most overweight teens, a big source of unhealthy calories is too much fat in their foods. By cutting back on fat, you’ll lose weight, increase your energy, and help protect your future health from heart disease and many serious illnesses. The simple way to do this is to avoid the following: fatty meats (like hamburger, sausage, bacon and cold cuts), all fried foods, butter, whole milk, full-fat cheeses, ice creams, salad dressings and mayo, and rich sauces and desserts. Instead choose these: lean beef, chicken and fish, veggie burgers, low-fat dairy products like skim milk and low-fat yogurt and cheese, use low-fat dressings on salads, mustard on sandwiches, and eat fresh fruit for dessert. Cook foods by baking, broiling and steaming instead of frying. Get the whole family to join you in this healthy way of eating.

Reduce your portion sizes: Most Americans have forgotten what normal portion sizes are, since our meals have become “supersized” and almost everything (muffins, cookies, sandwiches, pizza, movie popcorn) is served giant size. The simplest approach is to just cut your portions in half, until you get used to smaller sizes. At home, use smaller plates. Have a small bowl of cereal instead of a large, 1 piece of chicken instead of 2, 1/2 a large baked potato instead of a whole. When out, order the small size, or share with a friend. In restaurants, take half the meal home for the next day. Read labels to learn what “1 serving” really is. Surprisingly, you’ll still feel satisfied with smaller portions.

Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables: One of the most important nutritional changes most teens need to make is to increase their daily intake of fruits and vegetables (ideally 7-9 servings a day.) This not only provides a wealth of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, but also fills you up with complex carbohydrates and fiber. Teens tend to snack constantly. So snack on apples, oranges, baby carrots and sliced veggies, or microwave vegetable soup for instance. Avoid anything rich or greasy, like chips, nachos, candy bars and cookies. Take fresh or dried fruit to school for a snack, pack low-fat energy bars in your backpack (and don’t go near the snack machines).

Drink water instead of soft drinks and soda: The average American teen drinks 36 ounces (three cans) of soda pop a day. That’s over 50 gallons a year! And it’s just empty-calorie, heavily sweetened sugar water, with 160 calories per 12-ounce can. Just by eliminating the soft drinks, the average teen would lose a pound a week. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your intake of unhealthy refined sugar. What should you drink? The human body needs eight glasses of water a day. Water flushes out toxins and waste byproducts, and helps weight loss. So carry that liter sport bottle full of pure water with you and drink, drink, drink.

There are many, many other helpful strategies to reduce calories and eat more healthily, but the simple steps above are an excellent start and are the only changes most overweight teens need to make to lose weight and keep it off for life. The golden rule is everything in moderation.

4. Get moving - incorporate regular exercise into your daily life.
Virtually every study done shows the people who lose weight and keep it off have become aerobically active and exercise regularly. A sedentary lifestyle is the plague of modern life: too much television viewing, computer time and driving even the shortest distances! Overweight people seldom feel a passion for exercise, so it has to become a priority and a commitment. And it needs to be activity that is simple and readily available. Start by taking the stairs, walking or biking instead of driving, turn off the television and walk the dog, dance, rollerblade, or do anything that gets you out and moving. Take all the school gym classes you can, and find some sports you enjoy. Eventually the goal is at least 40 minutes of vigorous exercise four times a week (that’s just to be considered “moderately active”). “Aerobic” exercise is the kind that brings a drop of sweat to your brow and makes you feel a little out of breath. Since walking is the simplest activity for most people, try to find a time and place where you can walk briskly without stopping for 40 minutes. Do that four days a week, and on the other three days do strength training with weights. Exercise makes a huge difference. Your reward is a toned and fit body, and a feeling of great health!

5. Learn to love yourself and your body, regardless of your weight.
One of the most important factors in long-term weight control is a strong sense of self-esteem. “But I’m so fat and ugly” you may think, and that’s a lot of the problem. Remember this: you are not your weight. It’s like a shirt. You can put on a shirt and take off a shirt, but you are not that shirt. Likewise, you can put on weight and take off weight, but you are not your weight. You’re a unique, valuable and worthwhile person regardless of your body size. If you’re too focused on your appearance, you will be too anxious (or too depressed) to make permanent healthy changes. Only when you truly accept that you’re fine just the way you are, and you don’t have to lose weight to be lovable, will you finally be free to make the lifestyle changes that lead to good health. So concentrate on boosting your self-esteem. Make a list of your best attributes (your kindness, creativity, intelligence, smile…everyone has many things to list). You’re a handsome/beautiful/gorgeous human being. Believe it!

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN YOU FIRST GOT YOUR BRA?.

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:53:41 +0100

Getting your first bra is often both exciting and embarrassing. It’s exciting because getting to wear a bra means that you’re growing up. Some girls feel embarrassed, for various reasons, when they get their first bra. What happened, and how did you feel, when you got your first bra? Share your story with the girls who are still waiting for their first bras.

CARE FOR YOUR ACNE!.

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:50:34 +0100

Steps to clean skin

Clean Skin Gently
People with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps. However, scrubbing will not improve acne; in fact, it can make the problem worse.
Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening. Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use. The skin should also be washed after heavy exercise. Patients should wash their face from under the jaw to the hairline; rough scrubs or pads should not be used. It is important that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it.
Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots.
Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day.
Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin
People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars. Acne lesions can form in areas where pressure is frequently applied to the skin. Frequent rubbing and touching of skin lesions should be avoided.
Shave Carefully
Men who shave and who have acne can try electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.
Avoid Suntanning
A suntan or sunburn that reddens the skin can make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier for a little while. But the benefits are only temporary. The sun can seriously damage skin, promote aging of skin, and cause skin cancer. Furthermore, many of the medications used to treat acne make a person more prone to sunburn.
Choose Cosmetics Carefully
People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause small, open and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in contact with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people with acne. Products that are labeled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of blemishes) should be used; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne.

PUBERTY

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:43:59 +0100

Puberty is the time when your body begins to change from a child’s body into an adult woman’s body. Boys also experience puberty although they’re usually a little older when their body begins to change. For girls, puberty usually begins between the ages of 9 and 13, while boys experience their changes between the ages of 10 and 14. This is why girls are often taller than boys are during puberty and why girls sometimes feel uncomfortable about their bodies during puberty. Don’t worry if you’re taller than the boys are, before you know it, the boys will be the taller gender. Puberty is nothing to fear, in fact, it’s the beginning of your own independence. Puberty gives you more freedom because you’re maturing and are able to begin to make responsible choices of your own.

What Causes Puberty to Start?

Hormones are the reason that the physical and emotional changes of puberty begin. For girls, the hormone that starts puberty is estrogen; the production of the hormone testosterone begins puberty in boys. Estrogen is the female hormone, while testosterone is the male hormone. However, the fact is that women produce a small amount of testosterone and boys produce some estrogen. Another hormone that plays an important role in female reproductive health is progesterone. You may also hear these hormones called sex hormones. These are the key reproductive hormones; however, the body produces many other hormones that work together with other parts of the body, such as the thyroid, to keep us healthy.

Other changes that occur during puberty include:

Breast changes. During puberty, your breasts will begin to grow larger. You may feel a small, sometimes painful, lump just below your nipple when your breasts start to develop. This is perfectly normal occurrence in girls.
Body hair. This is the time when you’ll start to notice soft hair beginning to grow in your pubic area; overtime this hair begins to grow thicker and you’ll notice hair growing under your arms and on your legs. If you decide you want to shave this new body hair, make sure to use clean water and a new razor. Never use anyone else’s razor. Sharing razors may cause other infections to develop.
Body size and shape. The size and shape of your body also changes during puberty. Your hips widen, while your waist gets smaller. You’ll also develop extra fat in your stomach and buttocks. Don’t worry, you’re not getting fat; you’re body is developing the curves that grown up women’s bodies have.
Another change to your body is the lengthening of your arms, legs, and the growth of hands and feet. Often, these changes occur more rapidly than the changes in the rest of your body. Sometimes girls feel uncomfortable at this stage of development. Fortunately, these are temporary changes and you won’t even notice them when the rest of your developing body catches up.
Emotional changes. You might think you’re going crazy sometimes during puberty. You’re not. Many girls and women experience these feelings around the time their period comes each month. These types of emotional ups, downs, irritability are most often due to the fluctuating hormone levels that happen during the menstrual cycle. You might notice that sometimes you feel great, and before you know what happened, you may suddenly feel horrible emotionally and physically.

If your emotions become too intense, talk to your doctor. You might be experiencing premenstrual syndrome or PMS or another condition. Your doctor may be able to prescribe some medicine or lifestyle changes that may help improve your mood swings. Regular exercise and dietary changes are often effective ways to treat PMS or other emotional changes during puberty and throughout your life.

Talk to your mom, an older sister, or another woman you feel comfortable talking to about how the physical and emotional changes of puberty make you feel. It’s often easier to deal with these changes when you have someone that you can talk to about your feelings.