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Hygiene Basics
Personal hygiene is an important step in staying healthy. Neglecting your personal hygiene is not only a nuisance to others; it may also cause health problems such as gum disease from not brushing your teeth.
Every external body part requires basic care and grooming on a regular basis to maintain good hygiene and ward off serious infections and diseases. Consider these personal hygiene suggestions for good health:
Hair Care
Keep your hair at a manageable length that is easy to maintain and care for.
Wash your hair at least every other day using shampoo and conditioner.
Brush your hair three to four times per day with a soft bristle brush or comb.
Consider washing your brush or comb when you wash your hair.
General Body Care
Take a bath or shower once per day, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
Bathe immediately after engaging in exercise or physical activity.
Use a mild soap to lather your entire body thoroughly and dry yourself with a clean towel when done.
Put on clean clothes once you finish bathing.
Women should change tampons and pads when menstruating as suggested by manufacturers to avoid odors and infections.
Oral Care
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes in the morning, in the evening and after eating a meal. Some electric toothbrushes will time your brushing for you, making it even easier.
Pay particular attention to the crevices between your teeth, your molars and even
your tongue while brushing.
Floss your teeth daily.
Use mouthwash to ensure fresh breath after brushing.
Hand Care
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, after sneezing or coughing, after changing a diaper or after handling animals.
Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel after washing.
Keep your fingernails at a manageable length by cutting or filing them often.
Foot Care
Wear clean, cotton socks daily and consider placing fresh-smelling powder in your shoes to suppress odors.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional.
