Personal hygiene is the practice of maintaining cleanliness and taking care of one’s body to promote overall health and well-being. It encompasses a wide range of habits and routines that individuals should incorporate into their daily lives to prevent illness, feel more confident, and present a positive image to others.
Hygiene is a very broad term that encompasses the personal habits choices which include frequently bathing, washing hands, trimming fingernails and frequently changing clothes. It also includes keeping our environments clean.
Everyday, we come into contact with millions of viruses. They can linger on your body, and in some instances, they may make you sick. Personal hygiene practices can help you and the people around you prevent illnesses from these threatening viruses. They can also help you feel good about your appearance. We shall delve into some tips on how we can maintain or keep personal hygiene.
Tip 1
Regular Bathing.
Regularly taking showers or baths helps removes dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells from the body. It also helps in relaxation and refreshment.
Tip 2
Brush and floss.
Is there a person at all who doesn’t brush their teeth every morning? That would be quite weird , you know? Brushing of teeth should be a daily ritual. In fact, it is advisable to brush twice daily. Brushing your teeth helps you get rid of all forms or bacteria, and food remains in your teeth. It makes your teeth shine bright and also gives you a good breath with a beautiful smile.
Tip 3
Wash your hands regularly.
It is basically an obligation to wash your hands with soap under running water. Having dirty hands frequently is a literal invitation to all the microorganisms and viruses that expose us to diseases. It is even more important to do so as our hands are frequently in contact with sensitive parts of our body like our eyes, nose and mouth, especially when we handle food with our hands.
Tip 4
Change into clean clothes daily.
Dirty clothes would not only expose you to agents of diseases, but they are indecent, unattractive and unhygienic. Change into clean clothes regularly to remain hygienic and decent.
Tip 5
Cooking food properly.
It is important to make sure you cook your food properly in a clean environment as food gets exposed to some of our vital organs when ingested.
Tip 6
Keep your environment clean.
As implied in the preceding point, keeping your environment clean eliminates the chances of disease causing microorganisms entering your internal body system and reaching vital tissues and organs.
Tip 7
Sleep adequately.
As underrated as it may sound, sleep is very essential for a normal human body functioning. By sleeping at an optimal period of seven to nine hours a day, you reduce stress levels and boost your immune system to increase you chances of fighting diseases off.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.2 million people around the world die due to poor hygienic conditions in which they find themselves. This can also be co-existing and common in middle and low income countries, where affording to achieve sanitation may present as arduous. Thus, hygiene is closely linked to mortality and morbidity.
Good personal hygiene not only helps prevent illness and maintain physical health but also has a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being. It boosts self-confidence, fosters positive self-image, and contributes to a sense of overall cleanliness and well-being. It is hence advised that the practice of personal hygiene is frequently practiced to enhance one’s overall health.
–
Story by : Kwao Gerald | univers.ug.edu.gh
