Personal hygiene

Personal hygiene is the first step to good grooming and good health Personal hygiene is the first step to good grooming and good health. Elementary cleanliness is common knowledge. Hygiene and Good Habits are commonly understood as prevention methods against infection. In broader call scientific terms, hygiene is the maintenance of health and healthy living. Hygiene involves healthy diet, cleanliness, and mental health

Good personal hygiene is important to help control the spread of harmful germs. A person who is sloppy in dress, unclean, and emits body odour is not only unhygienic but also aesthetically unpleasant.

In Hospital When working in hospitals where you are surrounded with patients, you tend to become a carrier of disease causing germs which can harm others as well as harmful to yourself.

Which part of the body can harbour more harmful bacteria? Hands

Did You Know? If you wear a ring there could be as many germs under it. Millions of germs can also hide under watches and bracelets.

When to wash your hands Some germs can stay alive on our hands for up to three hours and in that time they can be spread to all the things we touch. Before preparing food Before eating Caring for the sick, changing dressings, giving medicines Before/after going to the toilet Coughing or sneezing, especially if you are sick.

How to wash Hands We all think we know how to wash out hands but many of us don't do it properly, simply rinsing the tips of fingertips under cold water does NOT count. Here are some reminders: It's better to wet hands before applying soap as this prevents irritation. Rub hands together vigorously for about 15 seconds, making sure both sides of the hands are washed thoroughly, around the thumbs, between each finger and around and under the nails. Then, rinse with clean water. Germs spread more easily if hands are wet so dry them thoroughly. Use a clean dry towel, paper towel or air dryer; it doesn't matter which.

Did You Know? 1,000 times as many germs spread from damp hands than dry hands.

Fingers Keep fingernails short and clean, free from nail polish. Short nails make less trouble. Clip nails short, along their shape. Don't cut them so close that it pinches the skin. Avoid wearing ornate jewelers.

Skin/ Hair Wash and shower daily to reduce body odour and risks from bacteria and wash hair regularly. Soap and water are essential for keeping the skin clean. A good bath once or twice a day is recommended, especially in tropical countries like India. Wash your hair twice in a week and dry it immediately.

Did you know? A 1mm hair follicle can harbour 50,000 germs.

Protective Clothing Wear protective clothing. Keep your clothing clean and change it daily. Don’t wear very tight dress, especially in the night.

Teeth Brush teeth twice a day and rinse well after every meal. Brushing before going to bed is important. Do dental checkup once in two years

Feet Wash/scrub your legs thoroughly, after coming from outside. Give importance to wearing comfort in the choice of footwear. For those who go barefoot indoors, door mats must be cleaned or changed frequently. Keep outdoor footwear separate from indoor to reduce risk of infection.

Health Do not work if you have any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains and infections, report your symptoms to your supervisor. Don't sneeze or cough near foods. Cover all cuts, burns and sores and change dressings regularly – pay extra attention to any open wounds on hands and arms

Avoid bad habits Like Picking, scratching or touching your nose. Scratching your heads. Coughing or sneezing without using napkins. Biting nails.

Essential Knowledge Maintain a clean and professional appearance. Avoid a risk of contamination of food from hair and bacteria. Ensure personal freshness and eliminate the risk of bad odour. Prevent accidents. i.e through clothes or jewellery coming in contact with the machinery

Hygiene check list Wash your hair and body regularly. Wear clean protective clothing. Wear protective hair covering and keep your hair tidy. Wash hands after visiting the toilets, touching your hair or face. Use only clean utensils and equipments at all times. Report any illness immediately. Keep all cuts and wounds covered.

Thankyou