What is the most important hygiene

Body odour

Body smells are caused by a number of factors working in combination, including:

• Chemicals in sweat, including pheromones, which are made by the body and sexually attract (or repel) other people.
• Wastes excreted through the skin, such as metabolised alcohol.
• The actions of bacteria that live on the skin and feed on dead skin cells and sweat.
• Unwashed clothes, such as underwear and socks.

Hand washing

Most infections, especially colds and gastroenteritis, are caught when we put our unwashed hands, which have germs on them, to our mouth. Some infections are caught when other people’s dirty hands touch the food we eat. Hands and wrists should be washed with clean soap and water, using a brush if your fingernails are dirty. Dry your hands with something clean, such as paper towels or hot air dryers. You should always wash your hands:

• After using the toilet
• Before making or eating food
• After handling dogs or other animals
• If you have been around someone who is coughing or has a cold.

Personal hygiene for women

The vagina is able to clean itselfno special care is needed, other than washing the external genitals. Do not put anything like douches into the vagina, as the delicate skin can be damaged. Here are some personal hygiene suggestions for women:

• Menstruation - wash your body, including your genital area, in the same way as you always do. Change tampons and sanitary napkins regularly, at least four to five times a day. Always wash your hands before and after handling a tampon or pad.
• Cystitis - is an infection of the bladder. This is a common condition for sexually active young women. Urinating after sexual intercourse can help to flush out any bacteria that may be in the urethra and bladder.
• Thrush - some soaps and detergents can irritate the skin of the vagina, and make thrush infections more likely. Some people find that they often get thrush when they use antibiotics. Use mild soap and unperfumed toilet paper. Avoid tight, synthetic underwear. Try cotton underwear, and change regularly. There is medical treatment for thrush, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Personal hygiene for men

A build-up of secretions called smegma can form under the foreskin of uncircumcised men. If you are uncircumcised, gently pull back the foreskin when you have a shower and clean with water. You can use soap if you like, but make sure you rinse it off well.

Bad breath

Good dental hygiene includes regular brushing and flossing. Bad breath can be caused by diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth, such as infections. Most people have bad breath first thing in the morning because saliva is not made while you’re asleep. Some foods that can cause bad breath include garlic and onion. Mouth washes, mouth sprays and flavoured chewing gum can make your breath smell better for a while, but if you have a health problem in your mouth, you need to see your dentist.

Travelling hygiene

When travelling overseas, take special care if you’re not sure whether the water is safe. Suggestions include:

• Drink only bottled water.
• Don’t use tap water to clean your teeth.
• When you wash your hands, make sure they are totally dry before you touch any food.
• Don’t wash fruit or vegetables in unsafe water.
• If you have no other water source, make sure the water is boiled before you drink it by holding it at a rolling boil for one minute.
• Make sure any dishes, cups or other utensils are totally dry after they are washed.

Where to get help

Things to remember

• Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from many illnesses, such as gastroenteritis.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially before preparing or eating food and after going to the toilet.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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Learn more about hygiene for healthy feet and the dangers of fish pedicures, how to prevent athlete’s foot and more.

One of the best ways to maintain good overall health and wellness is to maintain proper personal hygiene. Personal hygiene helps you to stay clean, giving you a boost in confidence and positively impacting personal relationships, as well as reduce the risk for disease and negative medical conditions that stem from bad hygiene. Keep reading for ten ways you’re able to practice proper personal hygiene.

10 Personal Hygiene Practices

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently: Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of disease. You should especially wash your hands before and after you eat, after going to the bathroom and when you come into contact with someone who is sick. In order to achieve effective results, make sure you wash your hands properly.

• • Wet your hands with clean water and apply soap.
  • Lather your hands by rubbing them thoroughly with soap.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Rinse your hands well.
  • Dry your hands with a towel or air dry.

2. Bathe: Cleaning your body washes away dead skin cells and dirt and helps fight the spread of disease. For older adults, it’s recommended to shower or take a bath at least twice a week to achieve the positive effects.

3. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, to maintain good oral hygiene along with regular dental checkups.

4. Floss Your Teeth Daily: In addition to brushing your teeth, floss your teeth once a day for optimal oral hygiene.

5. Take Care of Your Nails: Cleaning and trimming your nails reduces your risk of hangnails and infected nail beds.

6. Wear Clean Clothes: After you wear clothes, wash them with a detergent and dry them immediately upon rinsing. Dirty clothes can harbor bacteria that could lead to body odor or even skin irritations.

7. Cover Your Mouth When Your Cough or Sneeze: This is extremely important to avoid spreading germs to people around you.

8. Get Restful Sleep: Restful sleep is essential to wellbeing, no matter your age. It is recommended for all adults to sleep between seven to nine hours a night.

9. Create a Routine: Whatever your process may be to maintain good personal hygiene, make either a mental checklist or write it down. This way, you’ll remember and keep up with the steps you need to take to stay clean and healthy.

10. Visit the Doctor: Maintaining regular healthcare appointments can help you catch infections and illnesses early, making it easier to treat them. Visit your healthcare provider when you have a concern and schedule routine check-ups.

Learn More About Wellness at The Moorings at Lewes

The Moorings at Lewes offers a continuum of care that covers all aspects of wellbeing. LivWell is our holistic wellness program touching on all seven dimensions of wellness. Through community activities and amenities, you’re able to learn healthy lifestyle tips and ways to improve your wellness that helps you to achieve your own personal goals.

Learn more about how we offer healthy lifestyle opportunities within our community by contacting our team today. We’re happy to answer any questions you have!