Chapter 3

Caring for Oneself during Adolescence

Physical Changes
From ages 10-15, children like you will be growing faster. Girls tend to grow and develop about 2-3
years ahead than the boys.

The changes that occur in girls at this stage are:

1. Waistline becomes more curved

For the boys, the following changes occur:

1.shoulder becomes deeper and fuller

2. voice becomes deeper and fuller

3.skin becomes coarser

4. appearance of hair in the pubic area armpits arms legs and later in the chest or the face.

5.consciousness on physical appearance.

During puberty there is an increased secretion of the sebaceous glands in the face and in upper
trunk.These glands produce sebum.The sebum blocks the outlet of the glands and hardens .Oil
glands especially those that supply oil to the hair and skin, become activated too. These can log the
pores and cause pimples and other skin blemishes.

Perspiration and body odor are also part of the physical changes during puberty .It is therefore,
necessary for you to always keep you body clean.

The most significant change at puberty is the onset of menstruation for girls and the growth of the
reproductive organs for the boys. Girls reproductive organ at this stage also starts to grow develop.
The hormones sent out by a small gland in your brain called pituitary gland cause these physiological
changes.

Adjusting to Physical Changes

Since you entering a stage of human development with an awkward feling.It is important that
you should be aware of these changes in your body and be ready for them. As people might start
teasing you, remember that this is not something that you should be scared of embarrassed about.
Observe good grooming and proper hygiene at all times and carry a positive outlook in life.

Caring for Oneself during Puberty

A monthly period or menstruation is very uncomfortable for many girls. No female feels
completely comfortable when she has her period. One of the concerns of girls at the onset
menstruation is how to take care of themselves. There is no reason to worry because by simply
observing proper hygiene, one will feel comfortable and adequately protected. This will make you
confident even during your days of heavy menstrual period.

Here are some tips to remember:

1.Take a shower daily.

2.Shampoo your hair every other day.

3.Wear clean and comfortable clothes.

4.Wash your genitals and change panties and napkin as often as needed.

5. Eat the right kind of food and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

6. Have a good night’s sleep.

7. avoid getting stressed.

The use of sanitary pads provide added protection during your period. They come in various
thickness,length,width,scent,style and absorbing capacity. You may also use sanitary pad if you wish.
You have to decide what suits you best. Absorbent pads may noticeable in fitted clothes.

How do you dispose of a used sanitary napkin? Roll ,wrap it with old newspaper, and seal it
before disposing .Do not flush it in the toilet bowl to avoid clogging. A scattered napkin is unsanitary
and highly annoying.

Truth and Fallacies about Menstruation

Some girls may feel the signs of menstrual discomforts like abdominal pains, backaches headaches
and muscle cramps. These are sometimes painful experiences that limit your physical and social
activities. Observing simple health habits and proper exercise can relieve these. Consult a physician if
pain persists or when it becomes unbearable.

Rumors and superstitious about menstruation bring the wrong perception about it.Believing in
fallacies sometimes prevents you from doing your personal hygiene. You should not allow fear to
overcome and prevent you from making yourself pleasant during you period.
Here are some common misconceptions about menstruation:

1.Fallacy: Taking a shower or washing your hair can make a girl go crazy.

Truth: You develop foul body odor during your period. To prevent this you should see to it that you
practice taking a quick bath. Do not use extremely hot or cold water.

2.Fallacy: When you jump from the third step of the stairs you will have a three-day menstrual
period.

Truth: Menstrual period varies from one person to another it may last from 3 -7 days.

3.Fallacy: Washing you face with your first menstrual blood will help you develop a clear and smooth
completion.

Truth: at the onset of menstruation ,your body produces oil that may cause pimples and acne. No

amount of menstrual blood can provide a clear and smooth complexion. Frequent washing

with soap and eating a well-balanced meal will give you a flawless complexion. Besides

doing so is unsanitary.

4. Fallacy: Cold drinks and sour fruits can stop menstrual flow or cause menstrual pain.

Truth : The digestive system is different from the reproductive system. Abdominal pains and cramps

are normal during your period. Engaging in simple exercise and promoting regular bowel

movement can prevent this.

5.Fallacy: Menstruation is dirty blood.

Truth : Menstruation consists of nourishment produced by the book intended to sustain a growing

Fetus in times of pregnancy .Therefore, it is not dirty blood.

Personal Hygiene for Growing boys.

At the onset of puberty ,boys easily develop foul body odor because of the rapid changes taking
place inside and outside their bodies. The penis has folds of extra skin where white oily secretion
called smegma develops. When this is not removed it causes bad odor. Develop simple good
grooming habits to feel fresh and look. The best way to be clean is to take a shower everyday and
pay more attention to the genitals. It should be frequently washed with soap and water to make it
clean and odor-free. This will make you a more confident individual and pleasant to be with.

Developing Good grooming Practices.

Caring for oneself physically means being neat, clean pleasing and properly dressed. When you
are still young. It is important that you already observe proper self-care. The following are good
grooming practices.
Body care

A daily shower keeps the body clean. Body waste can remove by showering with warm water and
soap. Scrub your body with use of a face towel or bath gloves. Use a bath soap that will not imitate
your skin. Use your own towel to dry your body after shower. Get habit of taking a shower before
changing into fresh clothes.

Hair care

The frequency of shampooing the hair will depend on the type of activity you have. Use a mild
shampoo and conditioner. Make sure you massage your scalp to stimulate proper blood circulation.
Use your fingertips and not your fingernails when massaging your scalp. Rinse your hair thoroughly
after shampooing.

A hair brush or comb should be used daily to remove dust and dirt from hair. Make sure you use
your own hairbrush and comb. Never brush your hair while it is still wet. Doing damages the hair
strands and may result to split ends. The hair should be neatly combed. Avoid the used of strong gel
just to keep your hair in place. A simple head band or hair clip used as hair accessory for girls. Clean
hair worn in a simple natural way appropriate for your age.

Facial Care

The face is not protected from dust and dirt. Wash your face by using mild soap or facial foam
and plenty of water. If you have on oily face, you should wash your face more frequently. Wet your
face with water. Apply soap on part of your fingers and gently rub-your face in slow circular. Rinse it
thoroughly and repeat the procedure. Dab your face with a clean soft towel to dry.

To maintain a good complexion, eat the right kind and amount of food, Take plenty of rest and
exercise. Drink a lot of water or fruit juice.

Teeth and Gum care.

A complete set of healthy teeth enhances the way you look and helps make a person feel more
confident. It should be kept clean and sparkling by brushing after meals and upon waking up in the
morning. A good toothbrush should be replaced every three months. You can use a mild mouthwash
if you wish.

You need healthy teeth to eat properly .The teeth to eat properly. The teeth are used to chew
food so that it could easily be digested. You could eat would be soft foods and liquid. If you do not
take good care of your teeth, you will develop cavities that will eventually lead into tooth decay and
gum problems.

Plaque causes problems for both teeth and gums. Cleaning plaque from your teeth daily is very
important. Massaging the gums helps keep proper blood circulation and strengthen the teeth. A visit
to the dentist twice a year will help correct any detect in the growing teeth when it is possible.
Hand and Nail care

Taking care of your hands and nails is also an important part of your personal hygiene. The
following are hand and nails care tips:

1.Wash your hands frequently using a mild soap.

2.Apply moisturizer after washing your hands to keep them soft and smooth.

3.wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh liquids such as cleaners.

4.Keep your nails clean by cutting them regularly. Avoid biting them.

5.Have a healthy diet. Drink plenty of water.

Eye Care

The eyes are said to be the windows of the soul. Your eyes are parts of the body that enable you
to see and appreciate the things around you. Taking care of the eyes is as important as keeping
other parts of your body healthy. The following are some eye cure tips.

1. For comfort, choose a level of light for you to read or work without squinting .Avoid glare or
uncomfortable bright light.
2. Wear sunglasses outdoors on sunny days to stop the glare from causing eye imitation.
3. Wear safety glasses or goggles when working with tools.
4. If something gets in your eyes, ask an adult to help.do not rub your eyes or try to remove it
yourself. You might damage your eyes in doing so.

Ear Care

Your ears give you the ability to hear. You will have trouble in understanding what other people

say if you cannot hear them properly. Having good hearing is important for leaning and also for
safety.

1.Keep your outer ear clean by using clean cotton or cotton buds.

2.Never stick any object into your ears.

3.Never shout into anyone's ear. Loud noises can damage the inner ear.

4.If you listen to music through headphones, keep the volume low.

5.Never slap anyone on the ear. The pressure can damage the eardrum.

Adapting to Social and Emotional Changes.

Aside from physical changes there are social and emotional changes that will be experienced as
well. It is normal for you to experience feelings of worry confusion, sadness or fear especially when
you hear or have gone through disaster, political turmoil, or war. You need adults in your life to help
you cope with these feelings. Studies have shown that young people can handle stressful situations
as long as there are supportive adults around them. It is important that you feel safe or that
someone is there when you feel upset.

Coping Activities

1. Recreational activities. Physical and sometimes vigorous activities like sports help reduce stress
and make you feel more alert, energetic and happy.

2.Peer group activities. Spend some time together with your friends to discuss important matters
affecting your lives. Share your thoughts and feelings. You can also share your experiences with your
acquaintances. Get good tips and advices from them. All these will be of help as you slowly adapt to
the changes happening around you.

3.Diaries.Wrting down your thoughts and feelings on a diary is stress relieving. It helps develop your
writing skills too.

4.Relaxibg activities. Reading a good book listening to soft music taking a walk or biking helps you
unwind and reduced tension in your body.

5.Volunteering.This help you grow up to be a caring, confident and responsible person. Reading a
good story to younger children or helping them with their homework, visiting a home for senior
citizens or the elderly, and assisting a person with disability are just some of the many volunteering
work you can do.
LESSON 2

Caring for One's Clothing

Clothing is one of the basic human needs. It is important to wear clothes that are freshly laundered
and good smelling. Sometimes because of our busy schedule we forget how to keep our clothes in
order. When we open our closet we find the newly laundered clothes mixed up with the soiled ones.
Sometimes we see a bedroom full of clothes scattered all around. This is certainly not a good
practice.

1.Keep your closet in order. Arrange your wardrobe according to use. Those clothes that need to be
hanged like your school uniform church wear and clothes for special occasions should be hanged
properly with care.

2.Similar kinds of clothes should be kept groped together.

3.Fold clothes properly and stock them one top of the other orderly.

4.Have a separate drawer or container for all undergarments, socks and handkerchiefs.

5.Do not place soiled clothes inside your closet .When wet let it dry first before placing them in the
laundry basket.

6.Clothes should be washed after use. It is also best to change outer clothing and undergarments
daily. They should not be worn again unless they have been washed and ironed if desired.

7.MAke sure to check on clothes that need special attention the clothes that are stained, those with
missing buttons destroyed zippers,unsewn hemlines or torn clothes.

Simple Hand Sewing Repair of Clothes

Hand sewing -sewing without the use of a sewing machine. Sewing is important skill to lean because
it can save time, money and you clothes as well.

1.Heming unstitched hemline

a. Pin in a place the unstitched area along the hemline by folding the hem following the width of the
rest of the hemline that is not defective.

b.Secure the thread on the inside of the hem working from right to left.

c.Catch only one thread of the garment fabric and bring the needle through the edge of the hem.
Hemming stitch is a small slanting stitch.

2.Darning

Darning is a sewing technique for repairing holes and worn areas in fabric using a thread and
needle alone. The torn or worn threads in the cloth are replaced by darning threads just like in
weaving. Darning is done by hand. Only a tear a worn part or small hole is darned.
a.Straight tear

1.Use thread of the same color as the fabric.

2.Work on the right side o the torn area.

3.Match the torn edges very carefully. Use running stitches back and forth passing over the tear.

4.Begin darning about 1/4 inch from the edge of the tear using a thread without a knot.

5.Make the rows of small running stitches irregular in length.

6.inish about 1/4 inch after the end of the tear.

b.Diagonal tear

In this type both the warp and woof threads (lengthwise and crosswise)are torn at the same
place. These are more difficult to mend than straight tears since both yarns of the cloth have been
torn. Both have to be replaced. There should be two sets of darning stitches.

1. Use thread of the same color as the fabric.

2.fill in the warp thread first.

3.Turn the cloth and make darning stitches to fill in the woof threads sewing over and under the
lengthwise threads.

c.Three-cornered tear

1. Use thread of the same color as the fabric

2.Make a set of fine running stitches from one end of the tear up to the corner. Make the stitches
even

3.Make other straight running stitches from the end going to the same corner overlapping the
running stitches made at the corner.

4.Close with a knot.

3.Patching

The process of replacing worn material with a new piece of material .

Steps in patching

1.Trim the hole to a regular square or rectangle shape cutting on the warp and woof thread.

2.Place a ruler across the hole from one corner to the other. Mark with a pin a point 1/4 inch from
each corner. Repeat with the other two corners of the whole. Cut up to the marked point in each
corner.

3.Turn the row edge to the wrong side and crease firmly.
4.Pin the patch in place ,then baste it using a small even basting stitches.

5.Hold the right side of the dress toward you. Hem the dress to the patch.

6.Keep the hemming stitches small and evenly spaced.

7.Hem the patch to the dressmaker the stitches shallow so that they will not show on the right side.
Remove the basting stitches and press.

Laundering

1.Preparing the clothes to launder- Check the clothes for any damage that should be repaired before
laundering. Check for any stains and deal with these first.

2.Sorting. Separate washable items from those to be dry-cleaned. Then separate hand-wash items

such as delicate fabrics)from machine washable gods.

3.Soaking- Soak the clothes in water to loosen the dirt.

4.Soaping.hand wash delicate items in lukewarm water using a mild detergent or soap flakes. Keep
colored items separate at all times until completely dry.

5.Bleaching.stains may be removed by soaking in warm water and heavy-duty washing powder or
bleach. Never mix different types of stain remover, detergent and bleaches.

6.Rinsing.Rinse in cold water twice or thrice to remove the soap. Never leave the wet clothes in a
machine or folded in a bucket for long periods, particularly in warm conditions as this results in
washing mold and foul -smell.

7.Drying.hang clothes in the shade to dry. Turn bright clothes inside out on sunny days as bright
sunlight can cause some colored fabrics to fade. Hang garments nearly and appropriately so that
they do not stretch while drying.

Kinds of stains

Stains Treatment
1. Blood 1.Heavely duty detergent will usually remove blood and other protein -based
stains.
2.Soak in warm water solution for several hours or overnight ,then wash
according to fabric.
2. candle wax 1.Gently scrape off the war without damaging the fabric.
2.Place the item on a thick layer of absorbent kitchen paper and cover with a
double thickness of paper.Apply a warm iron to melt wax.The paper will absorb
the melted wax.
3.Remove the used paper and replace.Apply heat to clean paper each time
until

3. Chewing Gum 1. Chill the gum to harden it then pick it off the fabric as much as you can.
2. Use a grease solvent fluid or rub in a strong hand cleaner before washing.
4. Fat and grease 1. A warm iron and paper may be used to melt and absorb fat just like candle
wax.
2. Use a grease solvent or dry-cleaning spray.
5. Ink 1. Wash or soak in heavy-duty detergent.
2. There are also appropriate types of stain remover for specific types of ink.
You may use them for heavy or stubborn ink stains.
6. Mold 1. Heavy-duty detergent usually removes stain.
2. Old stains should be treated with a weak solution of bleach (1 part bleach to
100 parts water)
7. Perspiration and 1. Apply liquid detergent to the spot and allow it to remain there for at least 20
sweat minutes. Wash it in the usual manner.
2. Use vinegar solution (1 tablespoon of white vinegar to a cup of water).
Apply the solution to the stain and allow it to stay for 20 minutes before
washing.
8.Tar 1. Treat with grease solvent over pad of cloth.
2. Wash or soak in heavy duty detergent
9. Urine 1. Rinse in cold water
2. Soak in heavy-duty detergent wash.
10. Wine 1. Soak in heavy-duty detergent.
2. Wash at high temperature. If the fabric cannot be washed at high
temperature use a solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Ironing

There are clothes that need to be ironed. These are made of wash and wear materials . For clothes
that need to be ironed, follow these steps so that you can avoid many common ironing problems.

1. Prepare the materials. The majority of fabrics particularly cotton or linen benefit from being ironed
while slightly damp. Sprinkle the clothes with water. Then roll the clothes to distribute the moist
evenly.

2. Iron clothes.

- Follow the instructions for the heat setting indicated in the iron. Remember to keep the iron clean.
Use a recommended cleaner to remove any burnt-out fabric dishes. If you scorch a fabric, wipe the
iron with a damp cloth afterward, taking care not to burn your hand.

- Always iron on a clean , padded but firm surface . The cover should be firmly fitted to the surface.
Otherwise, it will slip as the clothes are ironed.

-Where a particular pleat is required , always iron on the right side of the fabric, take care not to
press seam marks through the right side. Press pleats neatly in place.

-Press difficult areas before ironing the bulk of a garment such as pants, skirt and shirt.

-When ironing a lined garment, remember that the lining may require a lower heat setting.

3.Hang or fold the clothes.