Hygiene and Puberty – JSS2 Home Economics Lesson Note (Second Term)

Hygiene is the practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean, especially to prevent illness and the spread of diseases. Puberty is the period that marks the beginning of sexual maturation, when boys and girls show body changes. In girls, menstruation begins. Good personal and menstrual hygiene helps prevent body odour and keeps the body healthy.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define hygiene and puberty;
• list the signs of puberty in boys and in girls;
• explain menstruation, the menstrual period, the menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene;
• state the importance of personal hygiene;
• state the causes of body odour and how to prevent it.

What is hygiene?

Hygiene means one’s level of cleanliness. It is the practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean, especially to prevent illness or the spread of diseases.

What is puberty?

Puberty is the short period that marks the beginning of sexual maturation. This period differs between boys and girls. Boys generally reach puberty at about the age of 14 years. Girls reach it at about 12 years of age.

There are individual differences. Therefore, these periods cannot be the same for everyone.

Signs of puberty in boys

1. Hair begins to grow on different parts of the body, such as the armpit and pubic region.
2. A beard grows around the jaw and a moustache above the upper lip.
3. The voice breaks and becomes deeper.
4. There is a change in general body appearance as muscles develop. The boy may need larger and new clothes.
5. The sex organs develop. The sex glands, called testicles, produce spermatozoa or sperm.

Signs of puberty in girls

1. The breasts develop.
2. The body changes.
3. Hair grows on her armpits and pubic region.
4. Menstruation begins.
5. There could be skin changes and problems such as pimples.

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is the monthly flow of blood from the womb, through the vagina. It occurs in every woman of childbearing age. This period is called the menstrual period. It takes place after about every 25 to 30 days. The number of days before the next period is called the menstrual cycle. The menstrual period and cycle differ from one person to another.

As soon as a girl starts menstruating, she becomes a woman. She can then become pregnant and have a baby if she has a sexual relationship with a man.

The blood that flows during menstruation can produce a very bad odour if a person fails to keep her body clean. It is therefore very important to keep your body very clean during menstruation. This is called menstrual hygiene.

Why is personal hygiene important?

1. It helps people to cope with some physical conditions such as oily skin and hair.
2. It helps to remove body odour.
3. It results in better health.
4. It gives an attractive appearance.
5. It gives an individual the confidence needed to be in the company of mates.

What is body odour?

Body odour is an unpleasant smell that comes from the body.

Causes of body odour

1. Poor hygiene during menstruation.
2. Accumulation of dirt on the body.
3. Failure to have a bath regularly.
4. Using body care products that smell bad.
5. Wearing dirty clothes and underwear.

How can body odour be prevented?

1. Bathe regularly, especially during the menstrual period and after exercise.
2. Observe good menstrual hygiene practices.
3. Wear clean clothes.
4. Change your underwear every day.
5. Use good perfumes and deodorants sparingly. Avoid heavy perfume.

Evaluation

• What do you understand by the menstrual cycle?
• Mention ways of preventing body odour.

Assignment

1. List four signs of puberty in boys.
2. List four signs of puberty in girls.
3. State three causes of body odour.