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Adolescence is a unique stage of life marked by rapid physical, emotional, mental, and social development. During this period, adolescents become more curious, energetic, and aware of the world around them. Developing healthy habits, making thoughtful decisions, and adopting a responsible lifestyle help ensure overall well-being and lay a strong foundation for a healthy future.
Meeting Nutritional Needs:
Why is Nutrition Important?
- Adolescence is a period of rapid growth.
- The body requires a balanced and nutritious diet to support healthy development, increase energy levels, strengthen bones and muscles, and ensure the proper functioning of body systems.
- A healthy diet should include: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Each nutrient performs a specific function essential for growth and development.
Important Nutrients During Adolescence
Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
- Some adolescents, especially girls, may develop blood-related health problems due to deficiency of Iron and Vitamin B12.
- A balanced diet containing these nutrients helps prevent such deficiencies.
Scientist-Dorothy Hodgkin:
| Fact | Details |
| Achievement | Dorothy Hodgkin was a renowned scientist who determined the structure of Vitamin B12 |
| Nobel Prize |
She became the third woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1964)
|
| Importance of Vitamin B12 | Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Since the body cannot produce it, it must be obtained through food. |
Personal Hygiene
Importance of Personal Hygiene:
- Good personal hygiene is essential during adolescence.
- It helps maintain cleanliness, prevents infections, and promotes good health.
- Special attention should be given to keeping the armpits and pubic area clean.
- Maintaining hygiene in these areas helps reduce the chances of infection.
Menstrual Hygiene:
For girls, maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is important for both health and comfort.
Menstrual hygiene can be maintained by using:
- Sanitary pads
- Reusable cloth pads specially designed for menstruation
Safe Disposal of Used Sanitary Pads:
| Step | Reason |
| Wrap in newspaper |
Maintain cleanliness
|
| Dispose in a dustbin |
Protect community health
|
| Use biodegradable pads | Reduce environmental pollution |
Biodegradable sanitary pads are also available and are environment-friendly.
Government Initiatives Promoting Menstrual Hygiene:
| Initiative | Purpose |
| Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) |
|
| Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) |
|
| Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Initiative |
|
| State-Level Initiatives |
Several states have introduced free sanitary pad distribution programmes in government schools.
Examples:
|
Remember: Proper menstrual hygiene promotes health, comfort, dignity, and confidence.
Physical Activities:
- Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health during adolescence.
- Examples include: Walking, Running, Exercise, Games and Sports.
Benefits of Physical Activity:
Regular exercise:
- Keeps the body healthy.
- Keeps the mind active.
- Builds stamina.
- Improves mood.
- Promotes overall fitness.
Physical Exercises
Balanced Social Life:
- Adolescents interact with family members, friends, teachers, and society every day.
- A balanced social life requires adolescents to be polite, respectful and responsible.
- These qualities help create a safe, friendly, and supportive environment.
Responsible Behaviour:
During adolescence:
| Situation | Responsible Action |
| New emotions | Understand and manage them positively |
| Peer influence | Make wise decisions |
| Online communication | Behave responsibly both online and offline |
Therefore, responsible behaviour is important both offline and online.
Responsible Use of Social Media:
Social media allows people to:
- Obtain information.
- Communicate.
- Share ideas.
- Build connections.
These platforms should always be used responsibly.
Guidance from parents and teachers helps adolescents use social media wisely and positively.
Cyberbullying:
Cyberbullying is the use of digital devices or online platforms to harass others by:
- Sending misleading messages.
- Spreading false rumours.
- Sharing personal information without permission.
How to Respond?
| Situation | Action |
| Someone bullies you online | Stay calm |
|
Feeling unsafe
|
Inform parents or teachers |
|
Need support
|
Seek help from trusted adults |
Online Safety:
Always remember:
- Think before posting.
- Avoid uploading personal photographs carelessly.
Social Media:
| Dos | Don'ts |
|
Be respectful and kind.
|
Do not share personal photographs with strangers |
|
Think before posting.
|
Do not reveal any personal information (eg, mobile number, address) |
|
Protect your privacy.
|
Avoid careless online behaviour |
Avoiding Harmful Substances – Learn to Say NO
- Some people may encourage adolescents to consume harmful substances such as Tobacco, Gutka, Cigarettes, Beedi, Alcohol and Illegal drugs.
- Adolescents should confidently refuse such offers.
Say No to Drugs
Substance Abuse:
- Many harmful substances are addictive.
- When a person develops a strong urge to consume these substances repeatedly, it is known as substance abuse.
Harmful Effects of Substance Abuse:
Depending on the substance used, it may cause:
- Breathing difficulties
- Memory loss
- Damage to the lungs
- Poor physical health
- Poor mental health
Lungs Before and After Smoking
How to Prevent Substance Abuse
- Say "NO" confidently.
- Choose healthy habits.
- Seek support from parents, teachers, family members, or trusted adults.
- Take counselling or medical advice whenever required.
Remember: Someone who is addicted today may have started with "just one time."
Science and Society:
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
| Launched by | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
| Aim |
|
| Helpline | 14446 (This helpline assists individuals affected by drug addiction) |
The "Why" Question for Adolescence:
Many physical and emotional changes during adolescence occur because of hormones.
Hormones:
Hormones are chemical substances produced in different parts of the body.
- Regulate growth and development.
- Control various body functions.
- Are released in response to signals from the brain.
- Influence mood and behaviour.
Hormones are responsible for changes such as menstruation and other signs of puberty.
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