Hygiene
Ecancerawareness.com defines hygiene as “the science of health, and the practice of cleanliness that promotes good health and well-being”. The word is derived from the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation, Hygieia. Hygienic practices also vary from one culture to another. Good hygiene starts grooming and a blooming outward appearance. We may often ignore it, but our unhygienic attributes, such as bad breath or body odour, can be so powerful to leave a lasting negative impression on the people we interact with. Surely, how we take care of our bodies spell who we really are.
Men wash Hands more than Women
One of the areas or daily activities where hygiene should be observed is in food preparation. Cleanliness and sanitation should be practiced in cooking and preparing food to avoid food contamination and poisoning. Special care should always be done from handling, preparing to serving and even eating food.
Here are some essential tips on hygienic food preparation:
- Washing of hands before and after handling or preparing food
- Sanitizing dishes and other food utensils
- Sterilizing of food-preparation areas
- Proper storage of food
- Refrigeration of food
- Proper labelling of food
- Proper disposal and packaging of uneaten or leftover foods
For medical professionals, hygiene should also be a must in attending to their patients. Protective gears should always be used such as lab gowns, gloves, caps, eyewear and others. Injuries and wounds should be properly bandaged and dressed. Likewise, medical wastes and garbage should be properly disposed to avoid spread of diseases and harmful bacteria.
Personal Unit of Choice
Personal hygiene is also greatly significant. To start off, the hair is considered a person’s crowning glory, thus failure to take care of it spells a big disaster. Both for boys and girls, hair should be kept at the length and style one is comfortable with. Shampoo must be applied at least once a week to wash away the dust, oil and other harmful chemicals absorbed by the hair and rinse it well. Conditioner can also be applied regularly to help maintain the nutrients and glow of the hair. Brushing your hair three to four times a day can also help keep the hair smooth. Avoid unnecessary colouring or dying of hair since dyes can cause allergies and hair damages. It is always more recommended to keep it natural.
For the skin, soap and water are essential. A cool bath at least once a day is a must. Cleaning of the private body parts is also necessary to avoid infections. After soaping, wash off properly and dry up using a towel. Sharing of soaps and towels should also be avoided. After taking a bath, wear clean clothes and underwear.
brushing teeth regularly
Teeth should always be properly brushed. Dental flosses may also be used. Gargles are also available, to avoid bad breath. Always watch out for food particles that may have still remained stuck between your teeth. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. Nails should always be kept short and clean. Avoid obsessive nail polishing as nail polishes may cause splitting of the keratin. Feet should regularly be treated with a good and soothing scrub. Socks worn should always be clean. Powder should also be applied between the toes before wearing socks and shoes. For ladies, always take a bath during your menstruation days. Change your pads as often as possible. Most important, stay clean.
Recommended Websites:
Site Name: Hygiene Council
Domain Name: www.hygienecouncil.com
This site introduces a group of health professionals committed to advocate the importance of hygiene and sanitation. Their studies, findings, as well as their events are also featured and explained.
Site Name: Soaps and Detergents Association
Domain: www.cleaning101.com/handhygiene/
This site features essential tips on how to keep yourselves clean. From laundry to dishwashing, sanitary activities are pretty much comprehensively covered.
Site Name: Health Protection Scotland
Domain: www.washyourhandsofthem.com
This site promotes the country’s hand hygiene campaign. Tips and relevant information are presented as well as an information campaign kit for kids that can be downloaded or accessed by schools.