The human body, when left unkempt can be a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria which are the leading the causes of illnesses and other life-threatening diseases. Personal hygiene is more than the labels on your clothes and the price tag on your perfumes. It’s your ability to take care of your body through proper grooming and proper personal care to promote good health and increase overall physical appearance.
Some good personal hygiene to never leave out of your daily routine include:
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Bathing regularly.
Although dermatologists can’t agree on how often one should shower in a day, I believe the answer lies in your level of activity and the part of the world you’re in. For me, the magic number is twice a day. Select a body wash material of your choice, add soap, and scrub your entire body. Rinse thoroughly and dry off with a clean, dry, towel.
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Brushing and flossing.
Brushing decreases the accumulation of bacteria which can cause tooth decay and gum diseases in the mouth. Flossing also helps to maintain strong and healthy gums. Brush twice a day by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and move back and forth. Don’t forget to visit the dentist for check-ups and deep cleaning every six months.
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Washing hands and trimming nails.
We literally use our hands everyday so it’s understandable that they could be the breeding ground for germs. Try to wash your hands often throughout the day—before and after meals, after using the bathroom, and whenever necessary. Trim your nails at least once a week and clean underneath your fingernails.
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Wearing clean clothes.
Clothes soak up sweat and germs from our environment. To have a good personal hygiene, wear clean clothes everyday. Learn to do your laundry at least once a week, and store your clothes in a dry place. Wear intimates once to prevent spreading germs to your privates areas which can lead to health issues.
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Using deodorants.
The body gives off a natural odour, and while it may not smell badly, environmental, diet, and activity levels can contribute to changing your natural scent to a bad smell. Choose between antiperspirant to control excessive sweating, or a natural deodorant to cover up bad odours.
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Cleaning private areas.
Maintain good personal hygiene by cleaning your private areas. For men: trim pubic hair; and wash the penis, scrotum, and anus everyday with mild soap and water. For women: trim pubic hairs; use unscented soaps and water to clean the area around the vagina and anus daily. Change pads and tampons regularly to avoid bacteria build-up and infections. Remember to always wipe front to back.
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Sleep well.
Personal hygiene is not complete without a good night rest. Sleep between 6-8 hours at night to wake up refreshed; and allow the body to completely repair itself and rest. Keep your room cool and dark to facilitate comfort.
