The physical and mental well-being of an individual is regarded as an individual�s health. To keep the body healthy, every human being, at any age, needs to have a balanced diet. The person must also observe personal hygiene and undertake adequate physical exercise. Let us learn how to take care of our bodies and maintain good reproductive health.

During adolescence, however, these become even more essential as the body is growing.

Nutritional Needs of the Adolescents: Adolescence is a stage of rapid growth and development. Hence the diet for an adolescent has to be carefully planned. You have already learned what a balanced diet is.

Recall that a balanced diet means that the meals include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in requisite proportions. Our Indian meal of roti/rice, dal (pulses), and vegetables is a balanced meal. Milk is a balanced food in itself. Fruits also provide nourishment. For infants, mother�s milk provides all the nourishment that they need.

Iron builds blood and iron-rich food such as leafy vegetables, jaggery, meat, citrus, Indian gooseberry (amla) are good for adolescents. Check items for lunch and dinner in your meal. Is the meal balanced and nutritious? Does it include cereals that give energy and milk, meat, nuts, and pulses that provide proteins for growth? Also, does it include fats and sugar that give energy?

What about fruits and vegetables which are protective foods? Chips and packed or tinned snacks, though very tasty should never replace regular meals as they do not have adequate nutritional value.

Maintaining Good Reproductive Health: Personal Hygiene

Everyone should have a bath at least once every day. It is more necessary for teenagers because the increased activity of sweat glands sometimes makes the body smelly. All parts of the body should be washed and cleaned every day. If cleanliness is not maintained there are chances of catching a bacterial infection.

Girls should take special care of cleanliness during the time of menstrual flow. They should keep track of their menstrual cycle and be prepared for the onset of menstruation.

Maintaining Good Reproductive Health: Physical exercise

Walking and playing in fresh air keeps the body fit and healthy. All young boys and girls should take walks, exercise and play outdoor games

Say �NO� to Drugs

Adolescence is a period of much activity in the body and mind which is a normal part of growing up. So do not feel confused or insecure. If anybody suggests that you will get relief if you take some drugs, just say �No� unless prescribed by the doctor.

Drugs are addictive. If you take them once, you feel like taking them again and again. They harm the body in the long run. They ruin health and happiness.

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