Hygiene

Hygiene, refers to the set of practices associated with the preservation of health and healthy living and may be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. It is in general looking after yourself.
Hygiene is a concept related to medicine as well as to personal and professional care practices related to most aspects of living although it is most often associated with cleanliness and preventative measures.
In medicine, hygiene practices are employed to reduce the incidence and spreading of disease.
Personal hygiene pertains to hygiene practices performed by an individual to care for one’s bodily health and well-being through cleanliness. Motivations for personal hygiene practice include reduction of personal illness, healing from personal illness, optimal health and sense of well-being, social acceptance and prevention of spread of illness to others.
Personal hygiene is achieved by using personal hygiene products, to improve health and well being, including soap, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cotton swabs, deodorant, lip balms , cream, lotion, facial tissue, hair clippers, nail clippers, mouthwash, nail files, skin cleansers, razors, shaving cream, skin cream and toilet paper.
Personal hygiene practices include seeing a doctor, seeing a dentist, regular washing (bathing or showering) of the body, regular hand washing, brushing and flossing of the teeth, basic manicure and pedicure, feminine hygiene and healthy eating.
Personal hygiene can be controlled by sustaining high standards of personal care and humans have been aware of the importance of hygiene for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks spent many hours in the bath, using fragrances and make-up in an effort to beautify themselves and be presentable to others.
Personal hygiene products are a billion dollar business in the commercial market, with many high profile celebrities endorsing products that aim to keep us looking our best. In fact, hygiene is actually a scientific study. Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene will help to increase self-esteem and confidence whilst minimising the chances of developing imperfections, and is necessary for many reasons; these can be personal, social, for health reasons, psychological or simply as a way of life. Essentially keeping a good standard of hygiene helps to prevent the development and spread of infections, illnesses and bad odours.
Poor personal hygiene
Failure to keep up a standard of hygiene can have many implications. Not only is there an increased risk of getting an infection or illness, but there are many social and psychological aspects that can be affected.
Poor personal hygiene, in relation to preventing the spread of disease is paramount in preventing epidemic or even pandemic outbreaks. To engage in some very basic measures could help prevent many coughs and colds from being passed from person to person. Many people, women in particular, are very conscious of their hygiene needs and practices.
This can be a result of being taught of the importance from an early age, from being picked-on at school for head lice or similar, or as a way of making themselves more attractive to the opposite sex.
Self-esteem, confidence and motivation can all be altered by our body image, often reflected on our ability to care for ourselves and keep good hygiene practices. A bright white smile with clean and healthy teeth can endear people to us, whereas brown, unhealthy teeth can cause embarrassment and can alter our sense of well-being.
Healthy hair, skin and nails are signs of a good well-balanced diet and can give us confidence in everyday life.
Most people hate to be talked about in a negative manner. By ensuring that our body is clean and well presented, we feel more confident and portray a more positive body image.
By being well presented, clean and tidy, people can feel more confident, especially in social situations.
Many job interviews and such like are highly dependent of hygiene as many decisions are made by first impressions within the first few minutes of meeting; these decisions are often made in the sub-conscious.
Our chances of succeeding either in work or social settings, or even with the opposite sex can be altered by our maintenance of hygiene.
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.
Some bad habits of people who have no concept of personal hygiene are apparent body odour, greasy skin, oily hair, outdated hairstyles, bad breath, smelly feet, and clothing that is dirty or old. The sad part is most of these things can be remedied much, much, quicker than a bad cold or some disease and yet, individuals walk around like this day after day and endure the misery bad hygiene often brings.
The misery includes people who do not want to be near these people for the above reasons and lost personal opportunities. Skin is another major problem. Make sure skin is thoroughly cleaned on a day-to-day basis. The face is the first thing people see everyday, so it’s important that it’s clean.
If a person suffers with body odour that is uncontrollable, they should immediately try out new fragrances, strong smelling deodorant soaps, shampoos, or anything with a very pleasant smell. There is no excuse for walking around with bad body odour.
 These days stores are filled with cosmetics and items with various scents that can be of use to a person with this problem. And in this case, use the item and (most times) problem solved. You can also maintain underarm cleanliness, by trimming or waxing off the hair.
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.

Hair removal
Hair removal has been practised for centuries in almost all human cultures. The methods used vary among times and regions, shaving is the most common method.
 Hair grows on all areas of the human body except for the palms of the hands, the lips, certain areas of the genital structure and the soles of the feet. But hair is most noticeable in most people in a small number of areas that are most commonly waxed, trimmed, plucked, or shaved.
Hair is normally removed for social and sexual reasons related to the social role of hair in human society. Many cultures have an aesthetic “ideal” amount of hair for males and females.
Bath versus shower
Most people in our society prefer showers. Each year, consumers spend millions building or renovating their bathroom, though little time is spent in there.
When asked why people prefer showers, the three most common answers include:
l It is cleaner than a bath;
lIt is more invigorating than a bath;
lIt is faster than a bath.
Most of us wake up in the morning and ready ourselves as best we can to deal with all the stressors out there.
The daily commute, the meetings with bosses and customers, the unpleasant co-workers, the deadlines, etc. So what do you do? You step into that fast, heart-thumping shower. And when you come home at the end of the day, you really would prefer something to calm you down, not something to “invigorate”!
So a soothing soak in the bath tub will do just right to prepare for a good 8hrs sleep.
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:
lAfter using the toilet
lBefore making or eating food
lAfter handling dogs or other animals
lIf you have been around someone who is coughing or has a cold.
Some people may find that they are missing out on friends, job opportunities and partners because of something that no one had ever pointed out to them-their lack of better personal hygiene. Some ways people can start to improve is to take a realistic look at themselves in a full-length mirror. Even if it hurts to think about it, they should consider the advice of others, especially the people who are around everyday. Or, if you prefer, visit your doctor or dentist.
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