If you want to minimize your risk of infection and also enhance your overall health, follow these basic personal hygiene habits:
- Bathe regularly. Wash your body and your hair often. “I’m not saying that you need to shower or bathe every day,” remarks Dr. Novey. ...
- Trim your nails. Keeping your finger and toenails trimmed and in good shape will prevent problems such as hang nails and infected nail beds. ...
- Brush and floss. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal. ...
- Wash your hands. ...
- Sleep tight. ...
Full Answer
Why is personal hygiene important?
They can linger on your body, and in some cases, they may make you sick. Personal hygiene practices can help you and the people around you prevent illnesses. They can also help you feel good about your appearance. Learn more about why hygiene is so important, the best ways to practice it, and how you can change your habits to make yourself feel ...
What is good dental hygiene?
Good dental hygiene is about more than just pearly white teeth. Caring for your teeth and gums is a smart way to prevent gum diseases and cavities.
How to care for a baby's nails?
You’ll clip your child’s nails when they’re a baby, but as they grow older, you can help them care for their own nails. Encourage your children to wash under their nails at each shower — a fun nail brush will help. Then, sit down with them weekly after a shower for a trim.
How to keep your nails clean?
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.
Why is not brushing your teeth bad?
Not brushing your teeth can lead to teeth issues and plaque buildup. Poor dental care is also a risk factor for several serious health issues, including heart disease. Poor hygiene habits can also affect your self-esteem. Looking and feeling presentable can give you a confidence boost and a sense of pride in your appearance.
How to teach kids to be healthy?
Personal hygiene for kids. Good personal hygiene will help your kids stay healthy, ward off illnesses, and build better self-awareness. It’s never too early to start teaching hygiene. You can wipe down your child’s hands after changing their diapers or before eating, brush their teeth and gums before bed, and get them into a daily bath routine.
What to do if you can't remember to do things?
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.
Why is personal hygiene important?
Learn more... Managing your personal hygiene is important not only to look and smell your best on a daily basis, but also to prevent the onset and spread of infectious diseases. Taking the proper precautions can help you avoid getting sick and passing illnesses on to those around you.
How to avoid spreading germs?
This is extremely important if you want to avoid spreading germs to those around you. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after you cough or sneeze.
How to wash your hair when you don't have time?
If you don't want to wash your hair every day, then invest in a shower cap and wash your body with soap and water. If you don't have time to shower, then use a hand towel to rinse your face, underarms, and genitals at the end of the day.
How to get rid of sweaty odor?
Use a deodorant or antiperspirant. Antiperspirant helps control excessive sweat, while deodorant covers up unpleasant body odor caused by sweat. Consider using a natural, aluminum-free deodorant to reduce potential health risks associated with conventional deodorants. [3]
How to prevent gum disease?
Brush your teeth every morning and evening. Regular tooth-brushing and flossing helps prevent gum disease, which has been linked to other illnesses elsewhere in the body like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. [2]
What to do if your face is dry?
Take your skin type into account when choosing a face cleaner. If you have very dry skin, avoid products that has high alcohol content, as this will further dry out your skin. If you have very sensitive skin, opt for hypo-allergenic products that contain less harsh chemicals.
Why do we shower?
As a plus, showering helps you feel, look, and smell your best throughout the day.
Hand hygiene assessment
Please select the response that best describes your facility and its routine practices related to hand hygiene.
Scoring
Note: add 10 points if you or a member of your team has stopped and corrected someone not following proper hand hygiene protocols (a standard practice when conducting direct observation).
For more insights and strategies on hand hygiene and infection prevention check out these resources
Watch this webinar for more about hand hygiene challenges and innovative new approaches.
What to do when you are sick?
Similarly, if you are sick, then avoid going in large crowds and meeting people, and stop the chain of infection.
How to avoid shaking hands?
No. #8: Try to Avoid Shaking Hands. It is better to avoid shaking hands, or hugging each other when you meet someone, no matter how dear they are to you. You have to be emotionally and mentally aware of the effects of shaking hands with a sick or infectious person. So, be careful.
When to use hand sanitizer?
When you go out and do errands, immediately use a hand sanitizer. Also, when you touch common surfaces such as ATMs or similar, then sanitizing your hands instantly is an effective idea. Make sure your hand sanitizer does not have an expired date and is made of right ingredients.
Is it bad to wash your hands?
Washing your hands often is mandatory. Are you someone who eats food without washing hands or returns home after the gym and does not take a shower? Well, all this is extremely bad for your health. You are sending an informal invitation to germs, bacteria, viruses and everything that is infectious. So, wash your hands on several occasions – before eating a meal or a meal preparation, before and after touching your mouth or coughing, sneezing (even if you are using a handkerchief), after returning from the gym or outside, and other situations.
Is practicing hygiene a habit?
Practising hygiene is not just a habit but a boon to mankind. You are not only saving yourself but also several others. The sudden global pandemic has a revolutionary change in the hygienic practices followed by the people across the world.
Does eating healthy boost immunity?
People often believe that eating a healthy diet and exercising is enough to boost immunity. Yes, they even add an immunity-booster in their routine, and it works to some extent. But what they do not know is the power of good hygiene and related practices. Practising hygiene is not just a habit but a boon to mankind.
Is it better to avoid social gatherings?
So, it is better if you avoid going in social events and gatherings, and maintain social distancing for a while. If you are sick or are feeling low, then avoid this practice completely. If it is a family event or gathering, then ensure that no one participating in the same is sick or infectious.
How often should I change my towel?
"Change your towel regularly, at least once a week. If your towel smells, and you use it, you will smell too. You may not be able to tell the difference, but others will." — CaptainCalamari
How to clean your ears?
"Clean your ears. I've noticed that a lot of people tend to neglect their ears. Take a wet wash rag and run it around and behind your ears. Don't stick anything inside of your ear canal, but make sure you wipe up the dirt/wax that's around/on your ears." — Rayvenwolf13
Do you floss before or after brushing?
"Floss BEFORE brushing not after (rinse first if there's a lot of particulate). That way you get rid of all the gunk that comes out of your teeth when you floss." — Neetz512
