She Strengthens

The Power of Personal Hygiene

Why Cleanliness Matters

Good personal hygiene is about more than just looking and feeling fresh. It’s a crucial aspect of our daily lives that can greatly impact our health and relationships. When we prioritize cleanliness, we’re not only boosting our confidence but also reducing the risk of spreading illnesses and infections.

The Importance of Handwashing

Our hands are our greatest asset when it comes to spreading germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing our hands:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or helping a child in the bathroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

To properly wash your hands, follow these 5 steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean water.
2. Turn off the water and apply soap.
3. Rub your hands together with the soap, including palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under your nails.
4. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
5. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
6. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air-dry them.

The Shower Habit

Showering daily is essential for maintaining good hygiene. According to the Cleveland Clinic, not showering can lead to acne, dandruff, and eczema flare-ups. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Shower with warm water, not hot.
• Use fragrance-free products if you have sensitive or dry skin.
• Focus on the areas that need it most: face, armpits, and groin.
• Pat dry and moisturize after showering.

Nail Care 101

Our nails can harbor bacteria and germs, making it essential to keep them clean. Here are some tips:

• Keep your nails short.
• Scrub the underside of your nails with soap and water every time you wash your hands.
• Use a nail brush for extra cleaning power.
• Clean nail grooming tools before use.
• Choose nail salons that sterilize all tools.
• Don’t bite or chew your nails.
• Don’t cut your cuticles — they act as barriers to prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is crucial for our overall health. Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride and replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
• Floss daily to clear away bacteria, food, and plaque between your teeth.

When You’re Sick

If you’re already sick, it’s even more important to prioritize hygiene to spare your friends and family from getting sick too. Here are some tips:

• Always cover coughs and sneezes to avoid spraying people with germs.
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow since your hands will quickly spread germs to other surfaces and people.
• Wash your hands even more often.
• Assume your hands are always dirty and wash them again.

Teaching Kids About Hygiene

Teaching kids about hygiene early on can help prevent frequent outbreaks of viruses and other communicable illnesses. Here are some body care basics for children:

• Brush teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after meals and at bedtime.
• Floss daily.
• Bathe to remove dirt, oil, sweat, and bacteria.
• Wash hair once or twice a week.
• Wash hands after using the bathroom; after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose; before eating or touching food; and after touching blood or any other body fluid.
• Trim and clean fingernails and toenails at bath time.

The Consequences of Poor Hygiene

Poor personal hygiene can lead to a range of illnesses and infections, including:

• Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK)
• Athlete’s foot
• Body lice
• Chronic diarrhea
• Dental caries
• Head lice
• Hot tub rash (pseudomonas dermatitis/folliculitis)
• Pinworms
• Pubic lice (“crabs”)
• Ringworm (tinea)
• Scabies
• Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)
• Trachoma

Making Hygiene a Habit

To make staying clean part of your routine, try the following:

• Decide when showering fits into your schedule and make it part of your morning or evening routine.
• Make signs for your kitchen and bathroom sinks to remind you to wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Set reminders to brush and floss until it’s a habit.
• Tie new behaviors to established habits.
• Remember, washing your hands takes just 20 to 30 seconds, showers should be under 10 minutes, and brushing your teeth takes 2 minutes.

By prioritizing personal hygiene, we can reduce the risk of spreading illnesses, boost our confidence, and maintain healthy relationships.