Dr. James Dobson

DR. DOBSON: It could happen, but that isn’t likely. Actually, studies now indicate that a leveling-off and perhaps a reversal of this trend are occurring. In 1988, the average age of the menarche reached a low point of 12.5. By 1993, however, a study found that the curve had begun to swing back in the other direction. Puberty appears to be arriving slightly later.

Why? Well, just as better nutrition and health care caused the average age to drop in the recent past, the present emphasis on ultra-thin bodies and intense exercise is apparently delaying development somewhat.

Many physicians are concerned about today’s obsession with what used to be called “skinniness.” Extremes, they say, are rarely beneficial to human beings — whether they are manifested in grossly overweight bodies or those that are bone-thin.

A famous biochemist at the University of Southern California, Dr. Sam Bessman, once told me: “Remember that the body never stops eating. If you don’t feed it properly, it will begin to consume itself.” That is precisely what happens in the girl who consumes too few calories; she may have no periods for years at a time.

QUESTION: I’m in my early 20s and trying to figure out a career path and general direction for my life. Do you have any suggestions?

DR. DOBSON: First, you need information. You might begin by going to an occupational psychologist or another knowledgeable counselor who can assess your skills and interests. There are excellent psychometric tests available today that will acquaint you with your own abilities. Computers will analyze your responses and correlate them with those of people who are successful and contented in given professions. You might be surprised at what you can learn about yourself from an occupational inventory.

Second, you should begin an energetic exploration of eight or nine occupations that you might find exciting. Visit people who are working in those fields and ask them for advice and counsel. Attack this problem like a private investigator who is determined to unravel a mystery. Leave no stone unturned.

Third, when you’ve identified the area of greatest interest, commit to it. Beyond that point there’s no looking back. Even if there might be a more attractive goal out there somewhere, there comes a point where you have to get on with life. Take your best shot and stay with it until you have a more secure and certain alternative to chase. Millions of others have been where you are now. They eventually got the rockets to fire. I believe you will too.

Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903; or www.family.org.