You will have a difficult time recognizing when something is wrong with your body unless you know it well. So take some time to get to know your body. This goes double for your private parts, I'm afraid.

When you are in the shower, run your hands under your armpits as you wash. Feel what is normal for your armpits. Are there bumps under there? Is there fatty tissue? What does it feel like?

The same goes for breast tissue. As you wash your breasts, get a good idea about how your breast tissue feels. And, no, boys – you are not excluded from these activities. Just because the word 'breast' is here doesn't mean you can tune out. Men can get breast cancer too, so it's important for you to know what your breast tissue feels like when it is healthy. If lumpy is normal for you, that's fine. If soft and squishy is normal for you, that's fine too. You just need to know what 'normal' means for you.

Next, of course, is your private areas. As you rinse water around your genital area (no soap inside, by the way. Your genital area cleans itself), feel around a little bit. Are there bumps? What does the skin feel like?

If you have a penis, know what your scrotum feels like. Learn where any little bumps are. Try to get a feel for what is inside the sac. Notice the way your testicles feel.

If you have a vagina, you should also check yourself out more closely. Feel around the outside and within the folds. Checking what the inside feels like is not a bad idea either.

Penis or vagina, get a good look at what things look like 'down there'. Get comfortable on a bed and bring out a small mirror. This may sound gross, but knowing what your private parts look like when they are healthy will help you to identify when you have a problem.

Know what is normal smelling for your penis or vagina. If the smell changes or makes you crinkle your nose in disgust, you should probably go and see a doctor.

Once you have a good idea of what is normal feeling, looking and smelling for your healthy body, keep checking on a regular basis to make sure things are still looking and feeling good. If you notice changes, you should get those changes checked by a medical professional. It is helpful for a nurse or doctor to know what is normal for you when you report a change that concerns you.

You are more likely to identify a new lump or bump if you know what wasn't there before. Early detection of most illnesses can lead to an increased chance of getting better.

The way your body smells can also be a good indicator of health. Know what is normal smelling when it comes to sweat. Recognize when your breath is so bad you barely stand yourself. If you can't make your breath smell better by brushing your teeth, you need to see a dentist. Afterall, it is said that oral health is related to the overall health of your body.

My Advice: Get up close and personal with your private parts. Know what is normal for you. If something abnormal for you develops, seek medical help.

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A/N I am not a doctor or a nurse. However, I believe medical professionals would agree with me ;)