These practices will help girls stay healthy and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem, whether you are a girl entering puberty or a parent supporting your daughter through this transition.
Every person experiences puberty at a different age. It may be smooth for some, but others may be mindful of the changes in their look. Puberty refers to the process through which a child’s body experiences physical changes to transform into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. Girls often reach puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 years.
This is the age when individuals begin to experience bodily changes such as mood swings, quicker hair growth, pimple/ acne, budding breasts, increased height development, menstruation, and so on. Habits inherited throughout adolescence can serve as the foundation for adult behaviours. This is the age when one must assess their well-being, which may encourage good practices throughout maturity.
Richa Pendake, Founder and CEO of Nutrizoe, offered some critical suggestions that any girl approaching puberty should follow in order to lay a solid foundation for her physical, mental, sexual, and spiritual health.
Hygiene
Menarche, or the commencement of menstruation, during the early days of menstruation require sanitary pads to be changed every 4 to 6 hours, depending on flow, to prevent blood from soiling the garments, which can attract germs and progressively lead to infection in the intimate region. The pad’s size must be determined by the projected flow.
Menstrual cups have recently been regarded more popular and convenient than pads. There is definitely a need for education on how to wear them appropriately according to size. Every day, one must shower, change their clothing, and change their pants twice.
Exercise can help you regulate your hormones
Keeping an active lifestyle improves immune and hormone balance, which may become imbalanced in a sedentary state/lifestyle. Following an exercise regimen helps the brain release endorphins, which are well recognised to improve mood. Balance your aerobic and weight training to improve your mood.
A nutritious diet
Exercise alone will not make you feel better. There’s a reason why the phrase “food is medicine” is so popular. Treating your body like a temple and sustaining it with nutrient-rich meals is essential if you want to feel good from the inside out. Incorporate protein-rich foods such as fish, eggs, lentils, soya, and poultry. Berries will increase your antioxidant intake, keeping you energised throughout the day.
In addition, iron needs to rise during puberty to compensate for blood loss and to increase blood volume with normal development. Iron is found in lean meats, shellfish, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and beans, as well as iron-fortified cereals and bread.
Physical modifications
Keep a close eye on your bodily changes. This will allow you to keep track of how your body is changing and when something frightening needs to be addressed with a medical professional. Monitor your menstrual cycle month by month. See your doctor if you notice anomalies in your dates over an extended length of time. If you have painful acne on your face, neck, or chest, see a dermatologist who will evaluate your skin and provide recommendations based on your skin type.
Medical examinations on a regular basis
After puberty, full-body check-ups at regular intervals are required. Rapid changes in breast size, painful periods, bloated sensation, sudden increase or loss of body weight, skin discolouration, and other indications of illnesses should be investigated sooner to treat them at an early stage. It is advisable to get your entire body examined every six months.
It’s also critical to have a medical checkup for PCOS or PCOD. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, with a frequency of up to 20%. Because of its reproductive, metabolic, and psychological aspects, PCOS is a severe public health issue.
