HEALTH: Lesson 1: Growth and Development

At the end of the lesson, the learners are able to;

1. identify and describe the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during puberty. 

2. identify common myths related to puberty and differentiate between factual information and misconceptions. 

3. identify common health problems related to puberty and explain ways to manage or seek help for them. 

4. demonstrate ways to maintain personal hygiene and self-care practices to promote health and well-being during puberty. 

What is the difference between sex and gender?

Sex is generally recognized at birth by external genital appearances. Gender, on the other hand, refers to the different roles and responsibilities that are culturally determined for boys and girls.

Gender roles are behaviors and attitudes that are socially accepted and labeled as either masculine or feminine.

Gender identity refers to the personal conception of a person as either male or female.

Puberty-related Health Myths

Myths are traditional, ancient stories that include supernatural beings, heroes, and ancestors.

Which one is a fact or a myth?

1. Girls are born with eggs.

2. If you kick a man in his testicles, he can never have children.

3. Girls begin to produce mature egg cells when they reach puberty.

Menstruation or monthly period is the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus. Females begin to menstruate between the ages of 11 and 15.

Circumcision - process of removing the foreskin

What are popular myths about menstruation and their corresponding facts?

What are myths on circumcision?

Puberty-related Health Problems

What are the health-related issues on puberty and their preventive measures?

1. Mood swing - quick change of emotions that teenagers usually feel during puberty.

2. Body odor

3. Dental and oral health concerns

Here are some common dental and oral problems:

a. Tooth decay occurs when the teeth are often exposed to foods such as starches, candies, milk,and sugars.

b. Bad breath or halitosis is another common problem among growing teens. This is caused by tooth decay or gum disease.

c. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums.

4. Pimples/Acne - develop when the sebaceous gland or oil gland produces too much oil.

5. Poor Posture

• Posture is the position in which a person carries himself/herself while standing, walking, sitting, and lying.

Taking Care of Myself

Self-management skills for proper diet

• Eating calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, broccoli, fish, yogurts, and soybeans help you reach the ideal and normal bone density. It builds and strengthens the bones and helps in the teeth formation to grow properly.

• Iron is responsible for the formation of red blood cells

• Calories provide energy for growth and daily activities in life.

• Protein is very essential for growth, repair of tissues, and maintenance of healthy muscles. Children should eat pork, chicken, eggs, nuts, and dairy products in their diet to that learning self-management skills can greatly help in overcoming common puberty-related health issues and concerns. nuts dairy products prevent protein-deficiency diseases like severe underweight called marasmus and severe protein-energy malnutrition called kwashiorkor.

Self-management skills for proper hygiene

A. Skin care

B. Hair Care

C. Nail Care

Seeking the Advice of Professionals/Trusted and Reliable Adults

School Physicians - responsible for checking and taking care of the pupils’, teachers’, and other school personnel’s health status.

School Nurse - assists the physician in the conduct of physical or medical check-up for the pupils and teachers and other school personnel.

School Dentist - takes good care of the pupils, teachers, and other school personnel’s dental examinations and problems.

The Principals, Teachers, Guidance Personnel, and Other School Personnel observe any changes in a pupil’s manner or appearance, identify possible health problems, and make referrals for appropriate services as needed.