Happy International Day of the Girl: 15 Girls Health Education Facts

Self-Esteem & Body Image:

• Approximately 15-25% of girls worldwide have experienced physical or sexual trauma before or during adolescence. 
• 6 in 10 girls will stop participating in sports they love due to poor body image
• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
• 50% of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 see themselves as overweight
• 80% of 13-year-olds have attempted to lose weight

Nutrition & Fitness:

• According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality.
• People aged 5–17 should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. 
• Amounts of physical activity greater than 60 minutes provide additional health benefits.
• Healthy eating helps reduce one’s risk for developing obesity, osteoporosis, iron deficiency, and dental cavities.
• Most US youth do not obtain the proper nutrients daily.
• The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period

Reproductive Health:

• In 2011, there were 54.5 pregnancies per thousand to girls 15 to 19 years old.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in women, and is the main cause of cervical cancer.
• Young girls and teens who do not have knowledge of their own body anatomy are more likely to be taken advantage of sexually.

Skincare:

• According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), skin problems can lead to embarrassment, lowered self-esteem and self-confidence, anxiety and even depression. Furthermore, the skin of the face is often sensitive, and therefore more susceptible to damage and skin problems. In fact, experience with serious skin conditions can have lasting psychological effects, which can lead to social withdrawal. Clinical depression, social phobia, and certain anxiety disorders have been associated with skin problems.