1. PubertyPuberty What? Why? And when?

2. What is puberty? Puberty is the development of the body and emotions into adulthood. It's a time when your body develops secondary sex characteristics -- that's medical-speak for your reproductive system starting to work, preparing you for the day, many years in the future, when you might decide to have children of your own.

3. What is puberty? By the time puberty's over, your body will be bigger and more "adult looking," and there will be more noticeable differences between you and someone of the opposite sex.

4. When does it happen? Girls begin puberty between 9 – 12 years of age. Boys begin puberty between 12 – 16 years of age. It is not a race. Puberty happens when it happens, and every person is on his or her own schedule. The important thing is to understand what's going on so that it doesn't take you by surprise or confuse you.

5. What causes puberty? Hormones cause puberty. These are chemicals produced by your glands that tell the different parts of your body to change and mature. If you're baking a loaf of bread, you add yeast to the dough, right? The yeast is a special ingredient that makes the dough rise. Without it, the bread would be flat. Hormones are kind of the same thing. Your glands add them to your body -- like a special ingredient -- so you can grow up.

6. Hormones In girls, puberty is controlled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. In boys, puberty is controlled by a hormone called testosterone.

7. Changes to the body Acne (aka zits) Sweat – a lot more than usual. Intense emotions – insecurity, sensitive, mood swings, etc. Body hair Muscles Voice lowers Development of secondary sex characteristics – talk to parent/guardian about specific information. Girls begin period – talk to parent/guardian about proper care.

8. Who to trust There are many different ways that kids find out about puberty. Some are right and some are wrong. Good ways of finding out what you need to know are: Talking to parents/guardians Talking to guidance counselors Talking to school nurse/doctor

9. Societal influences Our society and cultures influence our behavioral choices and feelings. All of the following things/people influence how we feel about ourselves. TV, Movies, Commercials, & Advertisements Role models Parents/Guardians, family members & friends

10. Childhood Obesity Is know to start earlier for girls. Some weight gain is natural during puberty and varies from one person to another……again hormones. LIfE-Style does effect this as well. If you take in more calories eating than you burn through exercise you will gain weight no matter HOW old you are. –If you gain excessive weight then it is probably due to lack of exercise and poor diet.

11. Acne Acne is a very common condition which teens struggle with during puberty. Teens get acne because of the hormonal changes that come with puberty.

12. Acne…… Teens with parents who had or have acne are more prone to have acne themselves. About 8 out of 10 people will have acne. For most people acne goes away almost completely by the time they are out of their teens.

13. Puberty poem My legs are getting longer My feet are growing too I'm starting to get pimples I'm glad that you are too! The boys are talking 'six packs' The girls discussing bras Make-up, fashion, friendships Boys are mad on cars. Confusing and exciting The self I feel and see I guess that I am changing Into an adult me. BH