MODULE 5

PHYSICAL SELF

Physical features are the crucial aspect of the self. People are often recognized by their physical features. The physical self is shaped by BIOLOGICAL and ENVIRONMENTAL factors. It is surrounded by issues associated with health, hygiene, nutrition, and standards of beauty.

QUESTIONS THE CONCERN THE PHYSICAL SELF

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Am I beautiful/handsome?

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Do people find me attractive?

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What can I do to enhance my features?

These questions concern the physical self, which embodies one’s appearance, what one sees in the mirror and what often triggers a person’s first impressions of another.

The physical self is not only limited to what is seen by the naked eye. Underneath the skin is a dynamic system of biological and chemical processes that contribute to one’s physical features. Body structure, height, weight, skin color, hair color, and other physical characteristics do not just develop at random; these are triggered by genetic transformations and biological development through HEREDITY.

HEREDITY is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring. The traits are made up of specific information embedded within one’s GENE, the basic unit of heredity. The manifestation of particular traits can be attributed to the concepts of genotype and phenotype.

GENOTYPE refers to the specific information embedded within one’s genes.

PHENOTYPE is the physical expression of a particular trait.

Each individual carries 23 pairs of chromosomes (threadlike bodies in the nucleus of the cell and the storage unit of genes). The 23RD PAIR shall determine the sex of the individual.

Within each chromosome is the deoxyrybonucleic acid (DNA). It is considered as the blueprint of life. This explains why DNA sample is the most crucial material in establishing paternity or maternity or identifying the suspect in a crime. This cellular components also trigger the physical growth and maturation of organisms, from birth to adulthood.

MATURATION is known as the completion of growth of a genetic character within an organism or the unfolding of the inherent traits of a person.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING

As you grow up, you are exposed to environmental influences that shape your physical self, including those from your social networks, societal expectations, and cultural practices.

Aside from factors of heredity, your FAMILY is also primarily responsible for how you take care of your body. Nutrition and sustenance was initially established by what was cooked in the home. Thus, your food intake and diet is often determined by the meals you were served. Aside from food, practices on hygiene were first transmitted by your parents.

As you grow older, you get exposed to a larger social group with new practices and standards. As a result, you may begin engaging in acts that would make you attractive and acceptable to others.

For some girls, these include choosing the right outfit, wearing the right make up, and acting more feminine. Boys may begin to have facial hair, learn how to shave, go to the gym, and do other similar activities.

One aspect of physical beauty is a person’s BODY TYPE. Contemporary media has portrayed slim bodies as ideal body type for women and muscular bodies for men. Thus, adolescents indulge in activities that would enable them to achieve these ideal body types. For some, these activities involve in healthy life style, eating the right food, and engaging in sports.

However, some adolescents may resort to unhealthy habits just to achieve the ideal body type. There has been a steady rise of teenagers who have eating disorders, including BULIMIA (binge-eating) and ANOREXIA NERVOSA (not eating). A substantial number have been resorting to COSMETIC SURGERY to alter certain facial or body features, even among adolescents.

Below are some tips in taking care of yourself and your body:

HEALTHY EATING - You need to eat the right amount and combination of food to ensure your health and sustenance.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE - Avoid drinking, smoking and doing unhealthy habits to reduce the risk of illness and diseases and to make your immune system stronger.

PROPER HYGIENE - Taking care of your body by consistently following a hygiene regimen can also help you feel good about yourself.

BEING CONFIDENT - Self-confidence is your best make up and results in an optimal physical well-being.