56% -what a trip! #LIKEAGIRL FROM A GIRL TO A WOMAN. Did you know that...

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Maud Garrett
5 years ago
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1 FOR GIRLS

#LIKEAGIRL FROM A GIRL TO A WOMAN -what a trip! YOU RE A GROWING GIRL.

Puberty isn t just the time when you get your period; it s when you learn to be a better

.. 56% #1 of girls we surveyed had a drop in confidence at puberty.1 reason for the drop?

2 OUR GOAL: To change that by giving you all the info you need.

2 #LIKEAGIRL FROM A GIRL TO A WOMAN -what a trip! YOU RE A GROWING GIRL. Growing independent, growing strong, and growing into a woman. Puberty isn t just the time when you get your period; it s when you learn to be a better leader, a better friend, and a better you. Did you know that... 56% #1 of girls we surveyed had a drop in confidence at puberty.1 reason for the drop? Lack of information about what s happening to them.2 OUR GOAL: To change that by giving you all the info you need. Inside this booklet, you ll find helpful tips, information from experts, and activities used by girls around the world. Simply read on to find everything you ve always wanted to know but never dared to ask. Yours, T he Always & Tampax Expert Team 1

3 WHO S THAT GIRL? body changes TO EXPECT Over the next few years, you re going to experience some major physical changes as you grow into a woman but don t worry, they don t all happen at once! These changes, which usually start between the ages of 8 and 13, last a few years and are known as puberty. Keep in mind, the time puberty kicks in is different for each girl. For some it happens early, while for other girls it can take longer. YOUR CHANGES CHECK THEM OUT 1. You might experience new emotions and feelings: You will notice that the boys are developing them too! 5. You may begin to grow underarm, leg and pubic hair, and your hair may become oilier: Body hair is normal and natural. But if you want to remove it, it can be done in several ways You grow taller and broader: Stand tall! Looking older makes people treat you that way. 3. Your breasts start to grow: Bras are beautiful. Try one ont! 4. Your body develops its own odour: Make hygiene routine by remembering to stock up on your favorite deodorant. 2 If you re experiencing most of these changes, your first period is probably just around the corner!

YOUR BRAIN IS changing TOO Unstoppable Daring While changes to your body are obvious, there s a lot of change happening to your

It is normal and you have control over whether you listen to the bad stuff or focus on the good.

them, neurons in your brain create new and stronger connections. And when your brain gets stronger, your skills do too.

4 YOUR BRAIN IS changing TOO Unstoppable Daring While changes to your body are obvious, there s a lot of change happening to your brain too, affecting your emotions and confidence. It is normal and you have control over whether you listen to the bad stuff or focus on the good. BUILD YOUR BRAIN POWER Strong Healthy Your brain is like a muscle: when you take on challenges and practice until you overcome them, neurons in your brain create new and stronger connections. And when your brain gets stronger, your skills do too. 3 That means you can get better at pretty much anything - from school, sports and after-school activities, to relationships, small talk and public speaking! It starts with taking a first step and not stopping when it gets tough. Keep Going #LikeAGirl It s Working! 3

5 GROW YOUR MIND WITH THE growth mindset The growth mindset is simply the belief that your mind can grow and change with practice. 4 Research shows that kids who believe they can get smarter do better on tests and challenges. This chart will help you train your brain to go from a fixed mindset to the growth mindset. GROWTH MINDSET Challenging yourself Embrace challenges FIXED MINDSET Avoid opportunities Facing criticism Making an effort: Overcoming obstacles When others succeed Learn from feedback See effort as key to success A misstep is a step forward Find inspiration in your performance Ignore useful feedback See effort as useless A misstep is a reason to give up Feel threatened and upset 5 PRACTICE MAKES YOU POWERFUL Practice is more than just doing something over and over again. It s what helps you improve your abilities and discover solutions to problems. It boosts your confidence. So what if you try something new and don t get it right the first time? All that means is that you need more practice or a new strategy. Everything you ve ever learned took practice. Think about how good it feels to pull it off after hard work and persistence! #LIKEAGIRL 4

6 POWERFUL WORDS TO help you out 9 OUT OF 10 girls believe words can harm. 6 The good news is that changing your choice of words can change your world. Try these words: YET! Yet is a very powerful word. You can use it to remind yourself that though you haven t accomplished it yet, you will. I haven t figured out this math problem, yet! 7 I CAN. Have you ever said things like, I m totally going to fail this test or I got so many questions wrong? Lose the negative talk and think about how you can study harder and do better next time. AND. When you praise yourself, it s easy to add but to lessen your success. Try using and instead. Instead of, I m pretty good at geometry, but I still have a B-, try saying, and I m getting better every week. 9 LIKE A GIRL. Only 19% of girls have positive feelings about the phrase Like a girl. 8 We can change that. Let s make #LikeAGirl mean amazing things! What do you do #LikeAGirl? Stop the Drop Girls your age sometimes drop out of sport at puberty, 10 when in fact, sports are critical in building confidence. A recent study found that women are twice as likely to be confident if they play sports regularly than those who do not play at all! 11 So try out for a team, stay in your team, enjoy it - don t worry about being the best. Just Keep Playing #LikeAGirl and have fun! 5

YOU ONLY TRULY FAIL when you don t try Your brain needs to leave its comfort zone in order to grow and thrive. Risk-taking can be scary, hard and, well, risky!

Here are some tips to help you overcome that: TO PRACTICE TAKING RISKS, TRY THESE SMALL ONES: Speak up in class: ask a question or share your opinion Be honest about what you really want Volunteer to

7 YOU ONLY TRULY FAIL when you don t try Your brain needs to leave its comfort zone in order to grow and thrive. Risk-taking can be scary, hard and, well, risky! It can also be exciting, fun and rewarding. 12 Everyone has a different risk zone. Afraid to take the first step? Here are some tips to help you overcome that: TO PRACTICE TAKING RISKS, TRY THESE SMALL ONES: Speak up in class: ask a question or share your opinion Be honest about what you really want Volunteer to lead a project KEEP TRYING, KEEP LEARNING, KEEP GOING #LIKEAGIRL Growing up is a journey full of both failures and successes. The point is not WHETHER you fail it s what you learn from those failures that matters. Don t be afraid to fail! It is up to you how you are going to use your failure, whether to give up or use it as fuel to keep going! Learn from your mistakes, and get even stronger along the way. Try again. And again. And again. Know that sometimes you have to keep practicing and trying new ways if you want to grow. Keep Playing #LikeAGirl, because playing sports will help build your confidence. 6

MENSTRUATION: The endometrium leaves the body through the vagina 6 as a reddish fluid containing blood, called menses 7. This is your period.

8 UNDERSTAND your cycle Your menstrual cycle is the time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next one. The average time this takes is 28 days, but anywhere between 24 and 35 days is normal. Then the cycle starts again. 4. MENSTRUATION: The endometrium leaves the body through the vagina 6 as a reddish fluid containing blood, called menses 7. This is your period PRE-OVULATION: A woman s body has two ovaries that contain thousands of eggs (ova) 1. oestrogen, the female hormone, tells the ovary 2 to release an egg every month. At the same time, the soft lining (endometrium) 3 of the uterus 4 - the place where a baby can grow - starts to thicken PRE-MENSTRUAL: When the egg isn t fertilised, it breaks down and the endometrium isn t needed. As a result, hormone levels drop, causing the endometrium to shed. This may be when you start to experience symptoms known as PMS OVULATION: Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary. After the egg is released, it travels along the fallopian tube 5 to the thickening endometrium. If a sperm, which is the male reproductive cell, fertilises the egg, a baby develops. Around the time of ovulation you might notice that your vaginal discharge changes in volume and texture

9 YOUR PERIOD what is it? Your period is what we call the days of the month when you begin to shed tissue, fluid and blood (also called menstrual discharge). It leaves through your vagina. How often does it come? How long does it last? Well, it varies. For most girls and women, it usually happens once each month and lasts between three to seven days. It sounds inconvenient, but it s part of growing into a strong, healthy woman. Relax there is no right time for your first period to come. You re most likely to get your first period between the ages of 10 and 16, but every girl is different. Your period will start when your body is ready. If you haven t started by the time you re 16, it s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Keep track of your cycle with the period calendar Like many girls, your period will most likely be irregular at first. You could have one period one month and then two periods the next, or wait as long as six months for the next one. Visit the Always period calendar at or see Page 14 Don t worry; it s totally normal and natural. It can take a while before your body settles into a regular cycle. In fact, it may take up to two years. If your period remains irregular longer than this, talk to your doctor. 8

DON T GET CAUGHT by surprise Before your cycle becomes regular, your period may catch you by surprise.

Below are some tips to make sure you re never caught off guard: 1 2 3 It s a really good idea to keep a pad (like Always) or a tampon (like Tampax)

Another option is to use a pantyliner two to three days before your period is meant to start.

10 DON T GET CAUGHT by surprise Before your cycle becomes regular, your period may catch you by surprise. It s a really good idea to always be prepared - just in case - especially when you re at school, at camp, or just out with friends. Below are some tips to make sure you re never caught off guard: It s a really good idea to keep a pad (like Always) or a tampon (like Tampax) in your purse or your locker, especially around the days you expect your period to start. Another option is to use a pantyliner two to three days before your period is meant to start. It will help protect you by absorbing light flow around your period and help you feel confident and fresh every day. Worst case: If there is absolutely no protection product available, you can always use toilet paper until you can get a pad. Your period may not start heavily, so you have a little time to get the right protection. 9

11 HOW TO USE an Follow 3 simple steps! Pull off the 1 2 wrapper and 3 Take out the paper the pad strip that from it s covers the plastic sticky part of wrapper. the pad and the wings. pad Attach the sticky part securely to the inside center of your panty. Wrap wings around the side of panty. How to get rid of a pad? 1 Fold it up and wrap it in a toilet paper or a wrapper from your new pad. 2 Put it in the rubbish bin. Never throw it into the toilet. If thrown into the toilet, the pad can clog it and the toilet could be flooded. How often should I change my pad? WE RECOMMEND TO CHANGE IT EVERY 4 TO 6 HOURS or more often if your flow is heavy. If you re wearing a smaller pad or one with less absorbency, you may need to change it more frequently. Your pad may begin to leak if you wear it for too long. 10

UP TO YOU TO choose your pad Always Ultra offers a range of thin pads so that you can find the one that fits you best, because the better the pad fits, the better it

To read the chart below, look at the top of the chart to find your shape and on the left of the chart to find your flow, and then pick the right number based on where those

12 UP TO YOU TO choose your pad Always Ultra offers a range of thin pads so that you can find the one that fits you best, because the better the pad fits, the better it protects. Always pads are numerically sized 1 through 4. Look for the number that s right for you based on your shape and flow. To read the chart below, look at the top of the chart to find your shape and on the left of the chart to find your flow, and then pick the right number based on where those two points meet on the grid. For example, if you wear a medium and your flow is light, we recommend to use Number 1. But if your flow is heavy, we recommend to use Number 3. For extra night protection you can use Number 4. 11

13 FOR DAY Always Ultra Normal without wings 1 Always Ultra Normal with wings Always Ultra Long without wings 2 Always Ultra Long with wings FOR DAY & NIGHT 3 Always Ultra Night with wings FOR NIGHT 4 Always Ultra Secure Night with wings 12

WHY DO WE BELIEVE ALWAYS ULTRA IS THE best

Unlike thick pads, Always Ultra contains

The menstrual fluid is absorbed and turned

As a result, Always Ultra pad keeps wetness

hours leakage protection for a clean and

Always Ultra is such a thin pad that you

14 WHY DO WE BELIEVE ALWAYS ULTRA IS THE best pad for you? Unlike thick pads, Always Ultra contains super absorbent material. The menstrual fluid is absorbed and turned into gel, and gel can t leak. As a result, Always Ultra pad keeps wetness away from your skin, providing you up to 8 hours leakage protection for a clean and fresh feeling. Always Ultra is such a thin pad that you might forget you re wearing it. Always Ultra has special designed wings to help your pad stay in place and prevent from side leaks, enabling you to move freely. 13

ALWAYS ULTRA GEL technology made simple 1 3mm 3 5 7 Always Ultra is a thin pad with only 3mm thickness. The core is made of thousands of gel granules....and lock it in.

15 ALWAYS ULTRA GEL technology made simple 1 3mm Always Ultra is a thin pad with only 3mm thickness. The core is made of thousands of gel granules....and lock it in. they keep the liquid inside, mm It has a super absorbent core. The granules absorb all the liquid... Even when pressure is applied, providing up to 100% leakage protection 14

16 LETS HAVE A QUIZ? Will I feel dry and protected? T hick Pad YES BUT its core is made of cellulose only, that absorbs but does not lock liquid that far away from your skin as like an Ultra pad. Ultra T hin Pad YES its core contains super absorbing granules that lock liquid inside by turning it into gel. NOT REALLY Can I forget Some girls about wearing perceive it as a pad? bulky, so you might feel it. YES An Ultra pad is 3mm thin: you might forget that you are wearing it! 3mm Can I wear NOT ALWAYS You might feel whatever more comfortable clothes I want wearing baggy on my period? clothes. YES It s up to you. If you want to wear tight trousers, go for it! Can I move freely? NOT AS MUCH as with an Ultra pad, which is thinner and thus more flexible. YES Always Ultra is thin and has special designed wings to help your pad stay in place. 15

17 ALWAYS SENSITIVE Superior cottony feeling*` If you are looking for softness, try the comfy, cottony and soft protection of Always Sensitive. *vs Always Ultra Thanks to its cottony topsheet, you can feel smoothly and delicately protected on those days when you need it most. Always trusted protection, only softer* Always Sensitive normal ultra with wings Designed for light to moderate flow. Exists without wings. Always Sensitive long ultra with wings Designed for moderate to heavier flow. Always Sensitive night with wings Designed to give you extra comfort and protection during the night. Most young girls feel comfortable with Always Sensitive normal ultra and we would also recommend to start with. 16

DISCHARGE what is it? You might have noticed that you occasionally have some traces of transparent, whitish, or yellowish fluid in your underwear, and you re wondering what it is.

The amount of vaginal discharge varies during the menstrual cycle as hormone levels in the body change. This is a perfectly normal, natural, and healthy sign that your body is functioning properly.

That s where a pantyliner can help! Pantyliners are specially designed to absorb vaginal discharge and, unlike pads, pantyliners are designed to be worn every day.

18 DISCHARGE what is it? You might have noticed that you occasionally have some traces of transparent, whitish, or yellowish fluid in your underwear, and you re wondering what it is. It s called vaginal discharge, and it s made up of fluids that come from glands in the walls of the vagina and cervix. Discharge helps maintain moisture in the vagina. So discharge is your friend. The amount of vaginal discharge varies during the menstrual cycle as hormone levels in the body change. This is a perfectly normal, natural, and healthy sign that your body is functioning properly. If your discharge is different than usual or has a bad smell, talk to your doctor. STAY FRESH EVERY DAY Whilst vaginal discharge is normal, it doesn t always leave you feeling fresh or comfortable. That s where a pantyliner can help! Pantyliners are specially designed to absorb vaginal discharge and, unlike pads, pantyliners are designed to be worn every day. They are very flexible and reliable and are also offered with fresh scent. Why should I wear a pantyliner every day? Pantyliners like Always liners can help you feel fresh every day, simply include them in your daily routine to seize each day without any worries. For up to 12 hours, you will get this stepout-of-the-shower feeling but will hardly feel anything. 17

19 WHY DO WE BELIEVE ALWAYS DAILIES is the best pantyliner for you? To choose a pantyliner, you should look at the following 3 features: 1 You don t feel it while wearing As you wear pantyliners every day, you don t want to feel them. Always Fresh & Protect Normal are comfortable and reliable for everyday use. 2 Stay-in-place & flexibility You want your liner to stick to your panty and follow your moves. Always Fresh & Protect Normal have glue applied from side-toside for optimal stay in place. 3 Breathability: Feeling fresh and clean all day is important. Always Fresh & Protect Normal will help you feel fresh all day long! 18

So you get protection and comfort to move

20 WHAT S A TAMPON? Let s make this easy. Because it is! A tampon is made of soft materials that you insert inside of your body. The tampon soaks up menstrual blood BEFORE it leaves the body. So you get protection and comfort to move freely, whether you re in class, on the field or in the pool! You should change your tampon every 4-8 hours and ensure that the last tampon is removed at the end of your menstruation. 19

WHAT S TSS? TSS, or Toxic Shock Syndrome, is a rare, but serious disease that can be fatal.

Be aware of these warning signs: Sudden high fever (39oC or higher) Vomiting Diarrhea Sunburn-like rash Dizziness Muscle ache Sore throat Fainting/near fainting when standing progress from flu-like

If you have one or more of the warning signs above, immediately remove your tampon, contact a doctor or directly reach out to an emergency room if your physician is not available.

21 WHAT S TSS? TSS, or Toxic Shock Syndrome, is a rare, but serious disease that can be fatal. About half of the cases are associated with tampon use, but it occurs also in men, children and women who are not on their periods. TSS is treatable and the earlier it is caught, the better. Be aware of these warning signs: Sudden high fever (39oC or higher) Vomiting Diarrhea Sunburn-like rash Dizziness Muscle ache Sore throat Fainting/near fainting when standing progress from flu-like SS cantorapidly Tsymptoms a serious illness that can be fatal. If you have one or more of the warning signs above, immediately remove your tampon, contact a doctor or directly reach out to an emergency room if your physician is not available. Tell them your symptoms, that you were using tampons Although TSS is rare, and think you may have TSS. Also, here are a few ways to make sure to consult your reduce your risk of doctor before you use getting TSS: tampons again if you ve had TSS warning signs in the past. Use the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow Alternate between tampons and pads during your period Look out for the warning signs above Even though TSS is rare, you should be aware of it. 20

YOU RE PROBABLY WONDERING Am I old enough to use tampons? If you have your period, your body is ready. Just make sure you feel ready and your parents are cool with it, too. Do tampons hurt?

Use your finger to push it in further, or gently pull it out and try inserting a new one. Are tampons easy to take out? Yes!

You might want to switch to a lower absorbent tampon for the next time. Can I use tampons when I play sports or go swimming? Yes!

22 YOU RE PROBABLY WONDERING Am I old enough to use tampons? If you have your period, your body is ready. Just make sure you feel ready and your parents are cool with it, too. Do tampons hurt? You shouldn t feel a thing! If it s uncomfortable, you probably didn t insert it far enough, which is an easy fix. Use your finger to push it in further, or gently pull it out and try inserting a new one. Are tampons easy to take out? Yes! The removal string is sewn on tight, so just pull it in order to remove the tampon and it ll easily slip out! If you feel strong resistance, the tampon might not be full yet. You might want to switch to a lower absorbent tampon for the next time. Can I use tampons when I play sports or go swimming? Yes! Tampons will keep you protected through all your kicks, jumps and dunks. And yes, you can even go swimming! Do I need to wear a pad AND a tampon? No. Tampons are designed to work on their own. But while you re getting used to tampons, you can use a pantiliner. For example, an Always pantiliner can make you feel extra protected! Can I use a tampon at night? Yes! Insert a new tampon before you go to bed and replace it immediately when you wake up. If you sleep for more than 8 hours, use a pad instead. 21

23 SO HOW DO YOU USE A TAMPON? Tampax Compak Pearl is a good option for beginners because it is easy to use and offers great protection! To make insertion easy, it has a smooth applicator with a ro unded tip. Tampons are made in different levels of absorbencies because girls and women have different flows that change each day of the period! We recommend starting with Tampax Compak Pearl Regular. YOU VE GOT THIS! PERIOD. A clean start. Wash your hands, then unwrap the tampon. Get comfy: Find your comfy position. You can either stand or sit. Move your legs apart so you can reach in between. Tampon in, Applicator out. The tampon is in, so pull the empty applicator out leaving the string hanging from your body. You should not feel the tampon now. However if you do, push it in further with your finger or pull it out and start over with a new one. Don t worry, it is perfectly normal to feel some friction when pulling out a fresh tampon. One and done. Hold the applicator by the grip and pull the inner tube of the applicator out, until you hear one CLICK. Wrap it up. Wrap the applicator and toss it in the trash NEVER the toilet. Get a grip. Then, take the applicator by the grip with your thumb and middle finger. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH. Lady V. Lady bits. Whatever you may call it, it s time to find your vagina. It s the opening in the middle the bigger one you can t miss it. Relax. Insert the tampon angling slightly to your back. If you still feel a bit tense, take a couple of deep breaths and loosen up, that will also help relax your vaginal muscles. Let it slide. Slide the tampon in deep enough that your fingers holding the grip touch your body. Not touching means it s not far enough in. 22 Take the plunge. Use your index finger to push the thinner applicator tube up and in completely, releasing the tampon inside of you. DONE DEAL. Good timing. Remove your tampon after about 4 to 8 hours (never more than 8!) Tip: If you need more protection, try a higher absorbency. If the tampon is dry when you remove it, try a lower absorbency. Always use the lowest absorbency for your flow. Pull some strings. Relax your muscles and gently pull on the string until the tampon slides out. That s all! Now just wrap the tampon and throw it in the trash NEVER the toilet.

24 Keep Going #LikeAGirl You re doing great! SOURCES CONSULTED 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 Always 2014 Puberty & Confidence Survey Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati. Online survey with 1,300 US females. 4, 9 Hill, Jess, Kathryn Bowers, Armistead Lemon, Elizabeth Baker, and Jennifer Jervis. Growth Mindset and Confidence. Telephone interview. 20 Apr Simmons, Rachel, and Simone Marean. Growth Mindset. Telephone interview. 9 Apr Survey by Ernst and Young and ESPNw network. Results found at Athletes-Global-Leadership-Network---Infographicwomen-sport-and-leadership P&G copyright@2017

Let s talk aboutperiods

Let s talk aboutperiods A booklet about growing up for girls who have a learning disability WHEN will my PERIODS start? As we grow up our bodies start to change. For girls, one of the biggest changes is