How can personal hygiene protect against illnesses. What are the key practices for maintaining good hygiene. When should you wash your hands. How does personal hygiene differ for men and women. What hygiene precautions should travelers take.

The Importance of Personal Hygiene in Disease Prevention

Personal hygiene plays a crucial role in safeguarding our health and the well-being of those around us. It serves as a primary defense against various illnesses, particularly those that spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. But what exactly constitutes good personal hygiene, and how effective is it in preventing disease transmission?

Good personal hygiene encompasses a range of practices, including regular handwashing, bathing, and proper care of our body and environment. These habits are especially effective in preventing the spread of gastroenteritis and other common infections. By maintaining cleanliness, we create a barrier against pathogens that could otherwise enter our bodies and cause illness.

Is handwashing really that important? The answer is a resounding yes. Handwashing is perhaps the single most effective measure we can take to prevent the spread of many common illnesses. It’s particularly crucial before handling food, after using the toilet, and after coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or individuals who may be ill.

The Science Behind Body Odor and Personal Cleanliness

Body odor is a common concern when it comes to personal hygiene, but what causes it? Body odor results from a combination of factors, including:

• Chemicals in sweat, including pheromones
• Waste products excreted through the skin
• Bacteria living on the skin that feed on dead skin cells and sweat
• Unwashed clothes, particularly items like underwear and socks

Understanding these factors can help us take more effective measures to maintain personal freshness. Regular bathing, use of deodorants, and frequent changing of clothes, especially those in direct contact with areas prone to sweating, can significantly reduce body odor.

Cultural Variations in Hygiene Practices

It’s important to note that personal hygiene practices can vary significantly across different cultures. While some cultures expect daily bathing and the use of deodorants, others may have different standards or traditions. These cultural differences highlight the need for respect and understanding when discussing or addressing personal hygiene in diverse settings.

Proper Handwashing Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide

Handwashing is a cornerstone of good hygiene, but are you doing it correctly? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re washing your hands effectively:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
2. Apply soap and lather well, making sure to cover all surfaces of your hands and wrists.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
4. Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When should you wash your hands? Always wash your hands:

• After using the toilet
• Before preparing or eating food
• After handling animals or animal waste
• When you’ve been around someone who is ill
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

Feminine Hygiene: Maintaining Vaginal Health

When it comes to feminine hygiene, it’s crucial to understand that the vagina is self-cleaning. Excessive cleaning or the use of douches can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels, potentially leading to infections. So, how should women maintain proper vaginal hygiene?

Here are some key tips for maintaining vaginal health:

• Wash the external genitals with warm water and mild, unscented soap during regular bathing.
• Avoid using douches or inserting anything into the vagina for cleaning purposes.
• During menstruation, change tampons and sanitary napkins regularly, at least 4-5 times a day.
• Always wash hands before and after handling menstrual products.
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear and avoid tight, synthetic materials.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse to help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.

Common Vaginal Health Concerns

Two common vaginal health issues that women may encounter are cystitis and thrush. Cystitis is a bladder infection that’s particularly common in sexually active young women. Thrush, a yeast infection, can be exacerbated by certain soaps, detergents, or the use of antibiotics. If you experience recurring issues with either of these conditions, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Male Hygiene: Proper Care for Uncircumcised Men

For uncircumcised men, proper genital hygiene requires some specific care. The area under the foreskin can accumulate a substance called smegma, which is a combination of shed skin cells, oils, and moisture. If not cleaned regularly, this can lead to irritation or infection.

How should uncircumcised men clean their genitals? Here’s a simple guide:

1. Gently pull back the foreskin during showering or bathing.
2. Clean the area underneath with warm water.
3. If desired, use a mild, unscented soap, but be sure to rinse thoroughly.
4. Pat the area dry and return the foreskin to its natural position.

It’s important to be gentle and never force the foreskin back if it’s tight or uncomfortable. If you experience persistent tightness or difficulty retracting the foreskin, consult with a healthcare provider.

Oral Hygiene: Combating Bad Breath and Maintaining Dental Health

Oral hygiene is an integral part of overall personal hygiene. Good dental care not only prevents bad breath but also protects against tooth decay and gum disease. But what causes bad breath, and how can we effectively combat it?

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by several factors:

• Poor dental hygiene leading to buildup of bacteria
• Certain foods like garlic and onions
• Dry mouth, often experienced upon waking
• Tobacco use
• Certain medical conditions or medications

To maintain good oral hygiene and fresh breath:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after each meal.
2. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
3. Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
4. Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth.
5. Avoid tobacco products.
6. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning.

While mouthwashes and breath fresheners can provide temporary relief from bad breath, they don’t address underlying issues. If you experience persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene practices, it’s important to consult with a dentist to rule out any dental or medical problems.

Travel Hygiene: Staying Healthy in Unfamiliar Environments

Maintaining good hygiene while traveling can be challenging, especially when visiting areas where sanitation standards may differ from what you’re accustomed to. How can travelers protect themselves from waterborne illnesses and other hygiene-related health risks?

Here are some essential travel hygiene tips:

• Drink only bottled or boiled water in areas where water safety is uncertain.
• Use bottled water for brushing teeth if tap water isn’t safe to drink.
• Ensure hands are completely dry before handling food.
• Avoid washing fruits and vegetables in unsafe water.
• If bottled water isn’t available, boil water for at least one minute before consumption.
• Be cautious with ice cubes, as they may be made from unsafe water.
• Ensure dishes and utensils are completely dry after washing.

In addition to these water-related precautions, it’s important to maintain regular handwashing habits, especially before eating and after using public facilities. Carrying hand sanitizer can be helpful when soap and water aren’t readily available.

Adapting to Local Hygiene Practices

While traveling, you may encounter different hygiene norms and practices. It’s important to respect local customs while still maintaining your personal health standards. This might involve adapting your usual routines or carrying your own hygiene supplies if certain products aren’t readily available at your destination.

The Role of Personal Hygiene in Public Health

Personal hygiene isn’t just about individual health; it plays a crucial role in public health as well. How does your personal hygiene affect the broader community?

Good personal hygiene practices contribute to public health in several ways:

• Reducing the spread of infectious diseases in communities
• Decreasing the burden on healthcare systems
• Promoting overall community well-being
• Setting positive examples for others, especially children
• Contributing to cleaner, more hygienic public spaces

By maintaining good personal hygiene, you’re not only protecting yourself but also playing a part in safeguarding the health of your community. This becomes especially important during disease outbreaks or pandemics, where individual actions can have significant collective impacts.

Hygiene Education and Public Health Initiatives

Many public health initiatives focus on promoting good hygiene practices. These often include educational campaigns about handwashing, proper food handling, and sanitation. Such initiatives are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases and improving overall public health outcomes.

In schools, workplaces, and public facilities, hygiene education and the provision of proper sanitation facilities play a vital role in maintaining community health. By participating in and supporting these initiatives, individuals can contribute to creating healthier, more hygienic environments for everyone.

Addressing Common Hygiene Myths and Misconceptions

Despite the importance of personal hygiene, there are many myths and misconceptions that can lead to improper practices. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth: More frequent bathing is always better

While regular bathing is important, excessive bathing can strip the skin of natural oils and beneficial bacteria. For most people, daily or every-other-day bathing is sufficient, unless you’ve been sweating heavily or are visibly dirty.

Myth: Antibacterial soap is necessary for effective handwashing

Regular soap is just as effective as antibacterial soap for removing germs when used properly. The key is thorough washing and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.

Myth: Hand sanitizer is a complete substitute for handwashing

While hand sanitizer can be effective when soap and water aren’t available, it doesn’t remove all types of germs and may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Myth: You don’t need to wash produce if you’re going to peel it

Even if you plan to peel fruits or vegetables, it’s important to wash them first. Dirt and bacteria on the surface can be transferred to the inside when you cut or peel the item.

By understanding and dispelling these myths, we can make more informed decisions about our hygiene practices and better protect our health.

Integrating Good Hygiene Habits into Daily Life

Maintaining good personal hygiene doesn’t have to be a chore. How can we effectively incorporate hygiene practices into our daily routines?

Here are some strategies for making good hygiene a habit:

1. Create a routine: Establish a daily hygiene routine that includes regular handwashing, bathing, dental care, and other necessary practices.
2. Use reminders: Set alarms or place visual reminders to prompt hygiene practices, especially for children or those developing new habits.
3. Make it enjoyable: Choose pleasant-smelling soaps or fun toothbrushes to make hygiene tasks more enjoyable.
4. Educate yourself: Learn about the importance of different hygiene practices to stay motivated.
5. Lead by example: Practice good hygiene yourself to encourage others, especially children, to do the same.
6. Prepare your environment: Keep necessary hygiene products easily accessible in relevant areas of your home.

Remember, good hygiene is about consistency rather than perfection. Small, regular habits can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.

Adapting Hygiene Practices to Different Life Stages

It’s important to recognize that hygiene needs can change throughout life. Children may need more guidance and supervision in their hygiene practices, while older adults might need to adapt their routines to account for mobility issues or other health concerns. Being aware of these changing needs can help ensure that good hygiene is maintained at all stages of life.

By integrating good hygiene practices into our daily lives and adapting them as needed, we can protect our health, enhance our well-being, and contribute to a healthier community overall. Remember, good personal hygiene is one of the most effective and accessible ways we have to prevent illness and promote health for ourselves and those around us.

Personal hygiene – Better Health Channel

Actions for this page

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• 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.

One of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and others from illness is good personal hygiene. This means washing your hands, especially, but also your body. It means being careful not to cough or sneeze on others, cleaning things that you touch if you are unwell, putting items such as tissues (that may have germs) into a bin, and using protection (like gloves or condoms) when you might be at risk of catching an infection.

Personal hygiene, such as bathing, is very much dependent on the culture in which you live. In some cultures, it is expected that you will wash your body at least every day and use deodorants to stop body smells. Other cultures have different expectations.

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

• Your doctor
• Dentist.

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:

Give feedback about this page

Was this page helpful?

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 30-06-2011

Personal hygiene – Better Health Channel

Actions for this page

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• 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.

One of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and others from illness is good personal hygiene. This means washing your hands, especially, but also your body. It means being careful not to cough or sneeze on others, cleaning things that you touch if you are unwell, putting items such as tissues (that may have germs) into a bin, and using protection (like gloves or condoms) when you might be at risk of catching an infection.

Personal hygiene, such as bathing, is very much dependent on the culture in which you live. In some cultures, it is expected that you will wash your body at least every day and use deodorants to stop body smells. Other cultures have different expectations.

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

• Your doctor
• Dentist.

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:

Give feedback about this page

Was this page helpful?

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 30-06-2011

Healthy lifestyle – a person’s lifestyle

Ministry of Health of the Astrakhan Region

GBUZ JSC “Center for Medical Prevention”

Memo for the population

W HEALTHY LIFESTYLE – HUMAN LIFESTYLE

A healthy lifestyle (HLS) is a lifestyle of a person aimed at preventing diseases and promoting health. No matter how perfect medicine is, it cannot save everyone from all diseases. A person is the creator of his own health, for which he must fight.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. It is known that our health is 10% determined by our genes, 20% by the environment in which we live, another 10% by the level of medical care, and the remaining 60% by a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy lifestyle includes the following main elements: rational mode of work and rest, rational nutrition, optimal motor mode, hardening, personal hygiene, elimination of bad habits and stress.

· A rational regime of work and rest is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. The daily regimen must be built taking into account age, the nature of labor activity and the state of health. Rational alternation of physical labor and mental work is the key to good health, high performance. Also important is the alternation of work activity and rest. Sleep is an essential component of rest during the day. It is very important for health and performance is the development of the correct rhythm of sleep. You also need to be able to fully relax in a dream. An adult’s sleep should last at least 7-8 hours. What can ensure good sleep?

1. Fluff your pillows well before going to bed. It is best to use a small rectangular pillow or roll under the neck.

2. Remove all flowers and sources of strong odors from the room.

3. Do not eat at night and refrain from drinking alcohol before bed.

4. To get enough sleep, you must go to bed before midnight (lack of sleep leads to overwork of the nervous system, its exhaustion and weakening of the body).

5. Your bed should have a firm and level surface.

6. It is not recommended to sleep in front of the TV or in a room with a working computer.

7. It is better to sleep turning over from one side to the other so that the internal organs of the right and left sides rest.

8. The air in the room must be clean, for this it is good to get used to sleeping with an open window or window (at a temperature of 17-18 ⁰ C).

· Good nutrition – extremely important for health. Nutrition should be complete, i.e. contain a sufficient amount of carbohydrates (50-75%) due to cereals, vegetables, pasta; a sufficient amount of protein (10-15%) of both vegetable and animal origin; fats (15-30%) as well as vegetable and animal origin. Nutrition should be energetically balanced, i.e. the same amount of nutrients and energy should be taken into the body as was spent. Meals should be regular, at least 4-5 times a day. Breakfast is a must! The break between dinner and breakfast should not exceed 10 hours. Proper nutrition is the key to your health and active longevity.

· Physical activity is the most important condition for a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a normal weight. In the modern world, people tend to move little. Persons with a sufficient level of physical fitness are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases. On the contrary, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are prone to obesity and the acquisition of many chronic diseases. It is useful to walk up the stairs without using the elevator. According to doctors, each step gives a person 4 seconds of life, 70 steps burn 28 calories.

Hardening is part of a healthy lifestyle. Hardening is an increase in the body’s resistance to adverse environmental factors. Hardening should be constant and consistent, they should be practiced daily.

Of all the hardening methods for , air bath hardening is the easiest. They take air baths naked to the waist, combining them with gymnastics, running or other physical exercises.

The strongest hardening effect is provided by water procedures – wiping, dousing, showering, bathing, rubbing with snow and winter swimming. Hardening with water begins with rubbing and washing a part or the whole body, then proceeds to dousing first with warm water (32-34 ⁰ C), then with room temperature water, gradually reducing it to 15-10 ⁰ C. The duration of the procedure is 2 minutes.

Hardening methods also include walking barefoot, first in the apartment on the floor, then in May-September on the ground, combining it with cold foot baths (water temperature 18-10 ⁰ C).

· Personal hygiene is the hygiene of a person’s personal life and everyday life, work and leisure, an element of a healthy lifestyle. It includes a rational daily regimen, body care, clothing and footwear hygiene. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene contributes to the preservation of health and ability to work, and consequently, an active long life.

Quit bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs).

When smoking, colds and coughs are more likely to cause complications. The smoker does not inhale all the harmful substances in tobacco smoke – about half goes to those who are next to him. In families of smokers, children suffer from respiratory diseases much more often than in families where no one smokes. Constant and prolonged smoking leads to premature aging.

Limit your alcohol intake. Alcoholism has a destructive effect on all human systems and organs. The change in the psyche that occurs with episodic alcohol intake (excitement, depression, etc.) determines the frequency of suicides committed while intoxicated.

· Stress prevention, positive emotional attitude – learn to relax by imagining some pleasant scenery. 30 minutes a day is enough to increase the body’s resistance to various infections. If you learn to relax, you can activate the immune system.

WANT TO BECOME HEALTHY – LEARN TO LEAD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!

PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR LIFE, HEALTH, HEALTH OF YOUR FUTURE CHILDREN!

Prepared by

Editorial and Publishing Department 90 005

GBUZ JSC “CMP” – 2016

State Autonomous Healthcare Institution of the Republic of Tatarstan “Emergency Hospital”

September 10, 2012, Monday

Why is it necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene and what do they consist of?

What is personal hygiene?
Personal hygiene is a set of rules that help maintain health and also protect a person from disease, premature old age and death. A section of the science of hygiene called personal hygiene is the rules on how to handle your skin, teeth, genitals and those objects that surround us in everyday life. Be sure personal hygiene also affects proper nutrition, daily routine, mental state.

If you eat healthy food, go in for sports and even douse yourself with cold water, this improves the general condition of the body, increases immunity, and prolongs life.
Personal hygiene is an integral part of human culture. It is the observance of the rules of personal hygiene consciously that distinguishes each of us from animals.
One of the most important postulates of personal hygiene is skin care. This must be done not only for an attractive appearance, but also for health.

The skin is one of the largest organs in the human body. Moreover, the skin still occupies one of the first places in the body in terms of the number of functions performed. So, the skin is responsible for thermoregulation, oxygen enters the body through it, nutrients enter the blood through the skin, the skin is the most important of the sense organs. In a healthy person, the skin is clean and smooth. The appearance on the skin of any acne, redness or ulceration indicates the trouble of the whole organism. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of your skin. Take a warm shower daily using a hard washcloth and soap. Do not wear underwear dirty and unwashed. Do not try to open boils or crush blackheads yourself. Choose underwear and clothes made from comfortable materials. It may not necessarily be pure cotton, many modern materials are not inferior to cotton in all respects. When going out in severe frost, put on mittens and treat exposed skin with special fatty creams.

Separate conversation about facial skin hygiene. Everything is very individual here. Depending on the type of skin and age, you should select both the means for caring for it and the method of care. So, for example, it is easiest to take care of normal facial skin. But this is very rare. With age, the skin often becomes drier. Oily skin should not be washed with hot water. The same applies to oily hair. Hot water stimulates the production of sebum. Owners of dry skin should protect it from exposure to both cold and heat. It is important to moisturize dry skin because it fades faster.

Oral hygiene is a very important component of personal hygiene. If your teeth are not in order, then the whole body suffers. In the presence of foci of caries in the mouth, with periodontitis or periodontal disease, the infection easily spreads to the sinuses, tonsils, and kidneys. Therefore, brush your teeth regularly twice a day. To do this, use a suitable toothpaste and brush for yourself. If you are not able to brush your teeth after the next meal, rinse your mouth with at least clean water. It is advisable to remove food debris using dental floss or a toothpick. You should visit the dentist once every six months.

Personal hygiene is impossible without hair hygiene. Wash your hair as often as necessary to keep it clean. It is only important to choose a shampoo.