Overview
Hygiene here simply means ‘conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness’.
Did you know that the sole reason for maintaining a good hygiene is to curb germs and viruses? Every day, you come into contact with millions of outside germs and viruses. They can linger on your body, and in some cases, they may make you sick.
Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is simply how you care for your body. This practice includes;
- cleaning your body every day
- washing your hands with soap after going to the toilet
- brushing your teeth twice a day
- covering your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your sleeve) when sneezing or coughing
- washing your hands after handling pets and other animals
Maintaining good personal hygiene will also help prevent you from falling ill and also spreading diseases to other people, while helping you feel good about your appearance.
Types Of Personal Hygiene:
Personal hygiene varies from one individual to another, but the basics to help enhance a healthy living include:
1. Hands hygiene
Do you know that germs on your hands can easily enter your body through your mouth, nose, eyes, or ears. Therefore, washing your hands:
- when you handle food
- before you eat
- if you handle garbage
- when you sneeze
- any time you touch an animal
will help prevent or reduce illness or diseases in the body.
Likewise, washing your hands after changing a baby’s diaper, helping someone clean themselves, or when cleaning a cut or wound will reduce the transfer of germs or viruses.
2. Nail hygiene
Trim your nails regularly to keep them short and clean. Brush under them with a nail brush or washcloth to rinse away buildup, dirt, and germs.
Tidying your nails helps you prevent spreading germs into your mouth and other body openings. You should also avoid biting your nails.
3. Bath hygiene
Personal preference may dictate how often you wish to bath, but most people will benefit from a rinse at least every other day. Showering with soap helps rinse away dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils.
You should also wash your hair at least twice a week. Shampooing your hair and scalp helps remove skin buildup and protects against oily residues that can irritate your skin.
4. Teeth hygiene
Creating a good dental hygiene is about more than just having pearly white teeth. Caring for your teeth and gums is a smart way to prevent gum diseases and cavities.
It is advised to brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Aim to brush after you wake up and before bed. If you can, brush after every meal, too. Floss between your teeth daily, and ask your dentist about using an antibacterial mouthwash.
These two steps can help prevent tooth decay and eliminate pockets where bacteria and germs can build up.
5. Sickness hygiene
YAY! If you’re not feeling well, you should take steps to keep from spreading germs to others. This includes covering your mouth and nose when sneezing, wiping down shared surfaces with an antibacterial wipe, and not sharing any utensils or electronics. Also, immediately throw away any soiled tissues.
How to create a personal hygiene routine
If you want to improve your personal hygiene or create a new healthy habits, the folowing steps can be of help!
1. Set reminders
If you can’t remember to do things like shower, wash your hair, clip your nails, or brush your teeth, set a reminder on your phone. The cue will push you to the activity, and over time, you’ll begin to do it yourself.
2. Use pictorial signs
Hang a reminder in the bathroom to wash your hands after using the toilet. Put a little sign by the plates or bowls in the kitchen to cue yourself to wash your hands before eating. These signs can help jog your memory and improve your habits. They can help both you and your children.
3. Do not give up
It takes time to learn a new habit. Start with a new habit at the beginning of the week and make it your priority. Practice it for a week or two. When you feel comfortable with it, add a new one. Overtime, you’ll establish the habits you wish to have.
Disclaimer: The information published in this article is purely for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not intend to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and should not be treated as medical advice.
