Personal Hygiene - Infinity Health Tips!

One of the most effective ways 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 at others, clean things you touch if it is not OK, put items like tissues (which may have germs) in a wastebasket and use protection (such as gloves or condoms) when you may be at risk Of getting an infection.

Personal hygiene, such as bathing, depends largely on the culture in which you live. In some cultures, you are expected to wash your body at least every day and use deodorants to stop body odors. Other cultures have different expectations.

Body odor

Body odors are caused by a number of factors that work in combination, including:

Sweat chemicals, including pheromones, are made by the body and sexually attract (or repel) other people.
Wastes excreted through the skin, such as metabolized alcohol.
The actions of bacteria that live on the skin and feed on dead skin cells and sweat.
Unwashed clothing such as underwear and socks.

Hand washing

Most infections, especially colds and gastroenteritis, are caught when we put our dirty hands, which have germs in them, into our mouths. 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 nails are dirty. Dry your hands with something clean, such as paper towels or hot air dryers. 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 itself does not need special care, other than washing the external genitalia. Do not put anything like showers in the vagina, since the delicate skin can be damaged. Here are some personal hygiene tips for women:

Menstruation - wash your body, including your genital area, in the same way as always. 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 intercourse can help eliminate any bacteria that may be in the urethra and bladder.
Thrush - some soaps and detergents can irritate the skin of the vagina, and make canker infections more likely. Some people find that they often get canker sores when they use antibiotics. Use mild soap and unscented toilet paper. Avoid tight synthetic underwear. Try cotton underwear, and change regularly. There is medical treatment for canker sores, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Personal hygiene for men

An accumulation of secretions called smegma may form under the foreskin of uncircumcised men. If you do not have a circumcision, gently remove the foreskin when you have a shower and clean with water. You can use soap if you wish, but be sure to rinse thoroughly.

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 done while you sleep. Some foods that can cause bad breath include garlic and onion. Mouth washes, mouth sprays and flavored 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.

Travel hygiene

When traveling abroad, be especially careful if you are not sure if the water is safe. Suggestions include:

Drink only bottled water.
Do not use tap water to clean your teeth.
When washing hands, make sure they are completely dry before touching any food.
Do not wash fruits or vegetables in unsafe water.
If you do not have another water source, make sure the water is boiled before drinking, keeping it in a boil for a minute.
Make sure dishes, cups or other utensils are completely dry after washing.

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 diseases, such as gastroenteritis.
Wash your hands regularly, especially before preparing or eating food and after going to the bathroom.