What is a Step in Practicing Correct Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene might not be the most fashionable topic, but to be honest, it’s very important because of its impact on our overall health.

It is beyond just smelling and looking good. Good personal hygiene habits are the underappreciated heroes of our everyday life.

Adopting good hygiene practices is not just about taking your bath but encompasses a set of practices that positively contribute to your physical, mental, as well as your social health.

Keep in mind that when you do not follow the recommended practice of hand washing, regularly showering, or respiratory etiquette, among others, you are simply practicing bad personal hygiene and not good or the correct personal hygiene.

Think of personal hygiene as the way of taking care of your body to keep it clean, prevent diseases, and promote your general well-being.

How’d you feel each time you recall that you rarely visit the hospital due to any germ-related illness? All thanks to your ability to practice good personal hygiene. Awesome right? There is nothing that gives joy like seeing that your effort pays off. 

Steps in Practicing Correct Personal Hygiene

What is a Step in Practicing Correct Personal Hygiene?

Step 1: Washing Hands

The number one step in practicing good personal hygiene is to wash your hands frequently and appropriately.

According to a study published by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) on December 17, 2003, hand washing is the single most essential way to stop the spread of diseases as up to 80% of common infections are spread by our hands. So therefore, washing your hands is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy.

Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that keeping our hands clean is one of the most essential ways to prevent the spread of diseases such as respiratory illnesses and diarrheal among others.

You’d be shocked when you find out that you move around with millions of hidden hitchhikers throughout the day. Our hands have become the breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, just waiting for an opportunity to bring disorder to our health. 

When you wash your hands appropriately, you build a strong defense against toxic germs that are capable of causing havoc on your health.

Each time you create a rich, foamy layer of soap on your hands, you’re essentially disarming these microscopic menaces before they can invade your body and cause disease.

So to say, this is an easy but still a remarkably productive way to safeguard your wellness and the well-being of those around you.

How to Wash Your Hands

To wash your hands thoroughly, you’ve to wet them with clean, running water. It could either be warm or cold.

The next step is to apply soap and lather it up. Ensure to cover all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, as well as your wrists.

Scrub for at least 20 seconds and rinse your hands thoroughly under clean running water after which you dry them with an air dryer or a clean towel. This helps to eliminate any germ that is still present and prevents further spreading.

Most importantly, do not reuse the towel that you previously used to dry your hands. The reason is that; it can transmit germs back onto your hands. To be on the safer side, always wash and dry your reusable towels.

Nevertheless, the CDC recommends washing your hands at the following times:

• Before, during, and after preparing any food
• Before eating your food
• After making use of the toilet
• After coughing, sneezing, or expelling mucus
• Before and after treating an injury
• After handling pet treats
• After changing a baby’s diapers or cleaning up a child when he/she uses the toilet
• Before and after caring for a sick person
• After touching any animal or the animal’s waste
• After coming into contact with trash

Step 2: Showering and Bathing

Showering and bathing are parts of good personal hygiene that aren’t supposed to be overlooked. They aid in eliminating sweat, dirt, as well as bacteria from our body and can equally help to prevent infections of the skin.

I once had a next-door neighbor who was very bad at taking care of her body. It seems she doesn’t bathe as supposed. Each time she passes by, I do feel like throwing up. There is this type of awful smell emanating from her body. 

Unfortunately, other neighbors noticed the same thing and started avoiding her. I took the bold step as a public health educator to let her know my observation and how to avert the situation.

Thank goodness she listened to me and started practicing good personal hygiene.

I bet you wouldn’t want to be in this person’s shoes, people would run away from you because of body odor.

However, it’s paramount to bathe or shower at a minimum, once a day, and regularly if you have been in contact with any germs, dirt, or even sweating.

Furthermore, it is essential to use a gentle, pH-balanced soap. If you’re struggling with dry skin, consider using a moisturizing soap and lukewarm water while bathing. Do not scrub your skin too hard as well.

Step 3: Oral Hygiene

Meet Robert, a 42-year-old energetic young man, married with 2 kids. He thinks his wife hated him because she neither let him kiss her nor come close to her while talking. He had this mindset that he married a woman who didn’t love him.

Do you know why? I will tell you.

Jane, Robert’s wife sincerely loves him but her husband has this habit that irritates her. He only brushes his teeth thrice a week. This made his mouth smell each time he was talking and his wife couldn’t stand it.

Keeping our mouth clean and free from disease is one of the healthy lifestyles one should adopt.

Learn how to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Also, make use of dental floss to clean your teeth and remove any food particles that might be stuck there. This helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plague, which can lead to disease of the gum and decaying of the tooth.

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It’s important to pay attention to your oral health when it comes to practicing good personal hygiene. Brushing your teeth and regular flossing is vital for preventing dental decay and gum infection. 

How to Brush Your Teeth

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Hold it to your gums at an angle 45-degree
• Gently brush in circular motions
• Ensure to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth
• Do not forget to brush your tongue too. This will help to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Above all, brush at least, twice daily, spending up to 2 minutes in each brushing.

Step 4: Staying at Home When Sick

Many people do not know that staying at home when they are sick is an important part of personal hygiene. They’d be like wow, how is this even possible? Now, let me tell you why it is good to stay at home when you are down with illness.

When you are sick, especially if the disease is communicable, it’s best to avoid going to public places like work, events, school, or any other public places where there is a tendency to spread your illness.

If you do, you won’t be the only one suffering from the disease in the few days to come. Other innocent people who came in contact with you’d start experiencing the symptoms as soon as possible.

The most advisable practice is to catch up with some rest at home and drink enough fluids. Also, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and wash your hands frequently. This will help minimize the spread of the illness.

Step 5: Nail Hygiene

Nail hygiene is an important part of personal hygiene. It involves keeping the fingernails and toenails clean, trimmed, and free of dirt and bacteria.

I have a friend who frequently visits the hospital due to a nail infection. The funniest part is that this lady has refused to trim her nails. She belongs to the “long nails gang” I keep asking myself if this is not madness, then what else could it be? How can you always experience pain due to your unhealthy lifestyle yet refuse to learn and do the right thing?

I bet many people are on this table, they prefer so-called outward beauty to their health. Truth be told, this is wrong. Your health should be your top priority. Even if you’re not suffering from any disease due to keeping long nails, it would be in your best interest to take care of your nails and your general health.

Do not carry long nails about. They can harbor germs which can destroy your health. Often trim your toe and fingernails. Keep them clean. This act can help to prevent infections, such as fungal infections, and can also improve the appearance of the nails.

CDC recommends that each time you wash your hands, try and scrub the underside of your nails with water and soap. In addition, trim your nails regularly and keep them short, do not bite or chew your nails. Some people are guilty of this. They bit their nails at any given chance, forgetting that the nails harbor germs.

Step 6: Hair hygiene

While practicing good personal hygiene, do not forget to also keep your hair clean. Washing your hair regularly can help prevent many diseases.

To wash your hair, the first step is to wet it with warm water, apply shampoo, then massage gently into your scalp after which you rinse out the shampoo and apply conditioner. It is advisable to leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing out. Then, while your hair is still damp, gently comb.

Step 7: Respiratory etiquette

Respiratory etiquette involve covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of germ. Many people do not know what respiratory etiquette is all about. That is why they cough or sneeze into the air.

Have it in mind that it’s best to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then dispose off the tissue properly. Nevertheless, you can also cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, to help prevent the spread of germs.

Advantages of Practicing Good Personal Hygiene

• Practicing good personal hygiene reduces your vulnerability to illness and disease. 
• It helps prevent the spread of microorganisms. 
• It can also help to reduce the risk of skin diseases. 
• Good personal hygiene helps to keep your immune system strong.
• It can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
• It helps to promote your overall well-being.

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Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/hands.html
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/nails.html
3. Canadian Association of University Teachers. https://www.caut.ca/docs/default-source/health-safety-fact-sheets/handwashing.pdf?sfvrsn=8