TRUE or
FALSE
FALSE
Body spray does the same job as deodorant.
FALSE!
Deodorant PREVENTS smells.
Body spray ADDS a smell.
During puberty, your body starts producing more sweat. Why doesn't sweat itself usually smell?
The smell comes from bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat, not the sweat itself.
Someone wears the same hoodie all week. It doesn't look dirty. Why might it still need washing?
Sweat, oils, odours, and bacteria build up even when clothing looks clean.
You realize you forgot deodorant and have gym class later.What would you do?
Ask a trusted teacher or someone in the office, keep a spare in your backpack, wash your armpits before your next class, etc.
Why might someone forget to brush their teeth even if they know it's important?
Forgetfulness, rushing, distraction, no set routine, etc.
If I wear a shirt for a full day and it looks clean, it doesn't need washing.
FALSE!
Sweat is often invisible and will start to smell as it sits on your clothing.
Two people play the same sport for the same amount of time. One develops body odour more quickly than the other. Why might that happen?
Differences in body chemistry, bacteria on the skin, hygiene habits, clothing, or genetics.
Why are people often better at noticing someone else's hygiene issues than their own?
NOSE BLINDNESS
Our brains get used to our own smells and routines.
You have 10 minutes before school.You don't have time to shower and do your full hygiene morning routine. What 3 things would you DEFINITELY do?
Brush teeth, use deodorant, put on clean clothes.
Why might someone struggle to notice when they need deodorant?
NOSE BLINDNESS
They become used to their own smell or don't notice body cues.
Everyone should have EXACTLY THE SAME hygiene routine.
FALSE!
Everyone's schedule is different. Some people may prefer to shower right when they get home while others shower later in the evening.
Why might a hygiene routine that worked when you were 8 years old not work as well when you're 12?
Puberty causes changes such as increased sweating, oil production, body odour, and skin changes.
If a person consistently has poor hygiene, how might it affect friendships or group activities?
People may avoid sitting near them, working with them, or spending time with them.
You really, really want to wear your favourite shirt today, but you find it crumpled in a ball on the floor, dirty. What do you do?
Choose a clean shirt and put the dirty one in the laundry.
What is the difference between "I forgot" and "I don't care"?
Forgetting is a memory/routine problem; not caring is a motivation problem.
Some people need to shower more often than others.
TRUE!
For example, as kids go through puberty, they need to start showing more.
A friend says, "I don't smell bad, so I don't need deodorant." What's one problem with that logic?
NOSE BLINDNESS
People often become used to their own smell and may not notice it themselves.
Someone brushes their teeth before bed but never in the morning. What might other people notice first?
Bad breath.
You notice your friend has food in their teeth before a group presentation. What do you do?
Tell them privately in a kind and respectful way.
Why can creating a new habit be difficult?
It takes repetition, reminders, and consistency before it becomes automatic.
A good hygiene routine should fit the person's body, activities, and lifestyle.
TRUE!
You may want to shower right when you get home, or maybe right before bed. You may want to brush your teeth right when you wake up, or after you eat breakfast.
Name three changes that can happen during puberty that might affect hygiene routines.
Increased sweating, body odour, oily skin, acne, body hair growth, increased need for regular bathing.
You haven't showered because you're nose blind so you don't think you smell and besides, no one else has said anything to you about smelling bad. What might prevent someone from telling you about your smell?
It can feel awkward, embarrassing, or they might be afraid of hurting your feelings.
You're very busy and keep forgetting to take a shower all week! You need a strategy to help you remember. What should you do?
Make a checklist, visual schedule, set an alarm, plan your routine, etc.
What is one strategy that could make sticking to a hygiene routine easier?
Make a checklist, visual schedule, set an alarm, plan your routine, etc.