Body Hygiene

In the course of sensitizing our Intermediate learners on issues related to their age and their everyday experiences, sessions under a variety of topics were prepared. The following article summarizes the information from the session which dealt with the topic: Hygiene

Body Hygiene

Here come the learners again knocking on the school’s infirmary door, suffering from common colds, the flu, and other contagious diseases.
Proper body hygiene has been found to play an important role in reducing the rate of many viral and bacterial illnesses, since preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses prevents the spread of illnesses.

What is hygiene?

Hygiene is defined as the many practices that help people be and stay healthy. First, it prevents them from catching and spreading diseases. Second, it helps them feel good about themselves and their bodies. A good hygiene includes regularly washing one’s body (especially the hands), washing one’s hair, brushing and flossing teeth, and caring for gums. These habits will reduce the threat of Bacteria that constantly reside on the body after a long working day or school day.    

Showering and Hand Washing:

A shower or a bath using soap, shampoo, and hot water washes away the germs that build up during the course of the day.
The hands touch many foreign objects as well as many familiar objects (like one’s nose, mouth and eyes).One of the best ways to prevent bacteria from spreading, and the catching of the common cold, is to wash one’s hands which is recommended:

• before and after eating
• after touching or playing with pets and other animals
• after sneezing, coughing, or blowing one’s nose
• after going to the bathroom
• after touching trash or putting out the garbage
• before and after treating a cut or a wound

It is necessary to use warm water and soap, rub one’s hands vigorously, wash the front and the back of the hands and the wrists, wash under the fingernails, and then rinse. It is also advised that the water be left running during the drying process so one can use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Nails:

Nails should always be kept clean and neatly trimmed or filed. Dirt and bacteria can get trapped in nails that aren’t clean. They are a way for bacteria to be passed from person to person. Nails that are excessively long can by virtue of their length hold more dirt than shorter nails.

Controlling Body odor:

Daily bathing and showering are enough to control body odor, but many people go above and beyond just washing, and use different types of hygiene products that will keep the body smelling and feeling fresh. Deodorants work to cover up the body odor, while antiperspirants work to control, or dry up perspiration. Many products now contain both a deodorant and an antiperspirant.

Brushing and Flossing teeth:

Dental problems can be prevented by regularly using a toothbrush and dental floss: the tools for good teeth! Nothing can replace natural teeth; they are stronger than any artificial ones.
Brushing removes the plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that grows around the teeth) that causes tooth decay or cavities. Brushing also helps keep the gums healthy and the breath fresh.

Proper brushing includes:

• Choosing a soft -bristled toothbrush with a shape that suits one’s mouth and allows one to reach all the teeth easily.
•  Toothpaste with Fluoride is advised in order to prevent tooth decay.
• The toothbrush must be held at a 45 degree angle against the gums , and          brushing should be done back and forth in short movements.
• . One should make sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth.
•  Brushing the tongue will help remove bacteria that cause bad breath.

Flossing is a very important habit to acquire. Ideally, it should be done every time the teeth are brushed. Using dental floss removes plaque caught between the teeth. This will help prevent cavities and gum diseases.

Simple hygiene practices have a huge impact on our health. So, let us endeavor to make these practices become habits!