Hygiene is the science of maintaining overall health and preventing disease. Without proper hygiene, we may develop foul smell, dandruff, skin disease, tooth decay, dirty fingernails, and other hygiene and health issues. So, what are we doing wrong? Here…
NOT CLEANING CONTACT LENS. This may lead to eye redness, infection, inflammation, allergy, cut. To properly clean contact lens, wash hands with soap/water. Wash contact lens with FRESH contact lens solution, not tap water or old solution. Change contact lens case every 3 months. Place contact lens case in a cool place. If you develop eye problem, see an eye doctor.
ALWAYS TOUCHING FACE. Studies say that a person touches his face 16 times every hour. We forget that our hands are breeding grounds for viruses that may penetrate our eyes, nose, and mouth. This puts us at risk for infections that may lead to allergies, flu, colds, and coronavirus. If you can’t help it, always wash hands. Or, wear sanitized soft gloves.
OVER-EXFOLIATING. This may lead to acne and fine lines that will make you look older. Dermatologists recommend to exfoliate skin only twice a week to remove dead skin cells and other blemishes.
NOT WEARING FACEMASK. In the hospital, mall, public transportation, or anywhere where there’s a sea of people. You’ll never know what disease you will catch.
NOT CHANGING TOOTHBRUSH. Toothbrushes collect bacteria that may lead to tooth and gum disease and heart problem. Dentists recommend to change toothbrush every 2 or 3 months. Always brush teeth every after meal for 2 minutes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and floss afterwards.
BITING NAILS. We bite our nails because of emotional, physical, and mental stresses that we go through in life. Sometimes, we do it out of habit, without realizing that we swallow the bacteria breeding under our nails. This may lead to serious illnesses that may put our health at risk. Besides being unhygienic, this habit is a turn-off to see.
USING COTTON SWABS. We use these to clean our ears of earwax. But the more you push that tip, the more the earwax accumulates farther down until it becomes a problem. It may lead to infection, hard of hearing, damaged eardrum, and inflammation. Better to use a clean, damp cloth instead. Or see an ear doctor.
NOT WASHING HANDS WELL. Properly washing hands is the easiest and cheapest way to prevent diseases. Apply soap and lather well. Rub hands vigorously for 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces, back of hands, wrists, between fingers, and under fingernails. Rinse well and towel dry.
NOT CHANGING TOWELS. We use towels not only after taking a bath but also when we are dripping with sweat or after using the toilet. Which makes this cloth a breeding ground for micro-organisms. Change towels twice a week. This goes for pillowcases and bedsheets too.
USING OTHERS’ PERSONAL THINGS. Such as hairbrush, nail clippers, tweezers, slippers, shoes, and more. This is classic habit in the family, which is totally wrong and unhygienic. One can get germs, dandruff, skin breakouts, cuts, and inflammation when infected. Buy your own for safety.
WEARING WORN CLOTHES. We do this to save on detergent and laundry time without knowing that this habit may lead to body odor, armpit skin breakout, accumulation of germs. Once worn, toss it in the washer — especially your underwear.
NOT DISINFECTING THINGS. Such as gadgets, doorknobs, switches, remote controls, and anything that you always use and touch. All this can accumulate bacteria that may lead to colds, flu, and allergy. Always have alcohol ready.
There is a saying that, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” We all have an obligation to keep ourselves clean and healthy — not only on the outside but more so in the inside.
