Personal hygiene, by all accounts, is a set of preventive measures that protect the body from all types of diseases and bacteria in the environment. This is not limited to your internal organs, but also other parts of the body such as skin, mouth, and even eyes.
It is very important to have good personal hygiene because while doctors can prescribe and treat any kind of illness you may have, you can also do your part in preventing it from happening by taking care of your body. Not only that, but you can also prevent others from getting sick as most bacteria are quite tiny and can stay on various surfaces, especially hands; and can be transmitted to others either by touch or by sneezing. That being said, apart from personal hygiene practices that protect you, you end up protecting others as well.
It also indicates a sense of good grooming and can give you confidence when you tackle your daily activities. Here are a few examples of how to start and maintain your hygiene.
1. WASH YOUR HANDS
This age-old lesson is taught to us by our parents and even teachers. Most people tend to forego this on the argument that the hands will just get dirty again. This sort of mindset could lead to poor personal hygiene in ALL aspects other than hand washing. Regardless, it is important to wash your hands frequently. Especially before you eat or shake hands with someone. When washing your hands, thoroughly scrub and rinse each of your fingers. After washing your hands, you can have some hand sanitizer with you to maintain your clean hands. This is a good personal hygiene routine to adopt, which could slowly introduce your activity to include more good personal hygiene habits — like the ones mentioned below (most of which you would have adopted by now anyway, we hope).
2. BRUSH YOUR TEETH (ORAL HYGIENE)
There is nothing more embarrassing than having something stuck in between your teeth. More so if someone else sees it when you are speaking to them. Even worse if you happen to have bad breath. You might think that it’s not something to worry about, but not brushing your teeth can cause tooth decay and develop gum disease. To prevent this, you must always brush your teeth after every meal. Floss your teeth, and make it a point to visit your dentist for a yearly check-up.
3. TAKE A BATH
Make it a habit to take a shower every day regardless of the weather. There is nothing more refreshing than taking a long and clean shower before heading out to do your errands. But when coming home, you never know what tiny bacteria might still be on your person. It’s best to take a shower the moment you come home as well. When showering, thoroughly scrub your body from head to toe and rinse well. You can even treat this as a self-care routine by employing scented soaps and body washes. If you happen to have sensitive skin and scrubbing is out of the question, opt for sensitive skin body wash that can remove dirt and bacteria without causing any side effects whatsoever.
4. COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH WHEN YOU SNEEZE
Always have a handkerchief or a tissue on you when you feel the need to sneeze. And when you are in front of someone else, always cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. The same applies when someone else is sneezing in front of you. Always cover your nose to prevent any airborne bacteria from traveling towards your body. Refrain from using your bare hands when covering your nose and mouth.
5. BODY ODOR
There is no helping the fact that your body will sweat and release an odor that can be unbearable – especially in the armpits. Apply deodorant on both your armpits at least twice a day to prevent body odor.