Growing up and life stages

Humans change as they grow. This is called growing and developing.

• Babies grow into children.
• Children grow into adults.

As we grow, our bodies get taller and stronger. We also learn new skills, like talking, reading and riding a bike.

All animals, including humans, have offspring (babies). These babies grow and change until they become adults.

You are growing all the time — even when you are asleep! Your body works hard while you rest to help you grow.

What humans need to survive

To stay alive and healthy, humans need some very important things.

We need:

• Water keeps your body working properly and stops you from becoming dehydrated.
• Food  gives you energy to move, think and grow
• Air gives your body oxygen, which helps your lungs and heart do their jobs.

Without water, food and air, we cannot survive.

Staying healthy

Looking after your body helps you grow strong and feel your best.

To keep your body healthy, you should:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet
• Wash your hands
• Brush your teeth

Healthy food gives your body energy and helps you grow.
Exercise keeps your heart, muscles and bones strong.
Good hygiene helps stop germs from spreading and keeps you feeling well.

When you take care of your body, it takes care of you!

Why do I need to exercise?

Moving your body every day is important.

Running, jumping, dancing and playing are all types of exercise. Exercise:

• Makes your muscles and bones stronger
• Helps your heart beat steadily
• Gives you energy
• Helps you sleep better

When you move and play, your body and brain feel happy.

So every day, remember to get up and get moving!

How much exercise do I need?

Children between 5 and 8 years old should do one hour of exercise a day if they can. You can tell if you have worked hard enough if you start to feel sweaty and your heart is beating fast.

Looking after your teeth

Your teeth help you bite and chew your food so it is easier to swallow.

When you are young, you have baby teeth. As you grow older, these fall out and are replaced with adult teeth.

To keep your teeth healthy:

• Brush them twice a day (morning and before bed)
• Use toothpaste
• Try not to eat too many sugary foods

Too many sweets and fizzy drinks can damage your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth turn sugar into acids, which can cause holes called cavities.

Visiting the dentist helps keep your teeth clean and strong.

Brush, brush, brush — and keep your smile bright and healthy.

How well do you brush your teeth?

Ask in a pharmacy for a special tablet that turns all the plaque in your mouth coloured, and see if you can brush your teeth clean. Notice how long it takes, you should aim to brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Find a timer and time yourself brushing.

NOTE: Please follow the instructions on the packet carefully.

Take a look at your teeth in a mirror. Can you see that they are not all the same? How many teeth do you have? Now count how many teeth an adult has. Do you have more or less than them?

Brushing your teeth
Learn how to ensure your mouth stays healthy by brushing properly.

Brush those teeth
Brush the monsters teeth and get those teeth looking white!

Shine Time
clear the sugary ‘invaders’ and defend mouths against the build-up of plaque before it attacks and damages teeth. Are you up to the challenge?

Washing your hands