Mouth
Body Basics
With your body on the brink of some pretty big
changes, it’s time to start taking control of your
health and well-being. This section introduces
you to the basic facts about puberty and
reminds you to take care of yourself, inside and out.
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
