General Hygiene
What is personal hygiene?
The behaviors and steps we can take as individuals to maintain our health and prevent sickness for ourselves and the people around us. The primary goal of good hygiene is to be healthy and take good care of ourselves!
Name 3 examples of when we should wash our hands.
Before, during, and after preparing food; before and after eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; before and after treating a wound; after going to the bathroom; after touching an animal; after touching garbage; after blowing your nose.
True or false: Standing under the water in a shower does enough to clean our bodies.
False! It is important to wash our bodies with soap in order to make sure that we are getting clean!
What are 3 ways we can take care of our oral hygiene?
Brushing our teeth, flossing, using mouth wash, going to routine dentist appointments, using a tongue scraper
Why is facial hygiene important?
It helps us remove dirt, dead skin, and bacteria.
Name 3 examples of personal hygiene practices.
Showering/bathing, brushing hair, brushing teeth, blowing your nose, washing your hands, wearing deodorant, wearing clean clothes, washing your clothes, washing your face, trimming your nails, going to regular dentist and doctor appointments!
Name at least 3 surfaces we come into contact with that can transfer germs onto our hands.
Door knobs/handles, money, railings, remotes, shopping carts, telephones, bathroom stalls, tables/desks, etc.
Name 2 reasons it is important to shower everyday.
To remove dirt and bacteria; to prevent body odor; to promote skin health; and to keep our hair clean.
How often should we brush our teeth?
At least 2x per day!
Caring for our teeth, mouth, eyes, and ears.
Name 2 ways that germs can spread.
Touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; touching surfaces or objects with unwashed hands; blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing into your hands and touching other people's hands or common surfaces; preparing food with unwashed hands, etc.
How long should we wash our hands for?
At least 20 seconds!
True or False: I should only wear deodorant when I am doing some sort of physical activity.
False! It is important to wear deodorant everyday, even when you don't think you are moving much. Our activities of daily living can cause us to sweat, even if we don't realize it, and it can lead to body odor.
How long should we brush our teeth for?
At least 2 minutes!
Why should we try to refrain from popping pimples?
Popping pimples can cause swelling, scarring, and increased risk of infection.
What is the best way to decrease the spread of germs when coughing and sneezing?
Cough or sneeze into your elbow -- make sure your elbow is up against your face, not far away from it! (Also, sneezing into a tissue is also a good option when sneezing, just make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterwards)!
True or false: Hand sanitizer is as effective as washing your hands with soap and water.
False! It is not as effective, but it is definitely the best option if you do not have access to a sink. Always make sure to use hand sanitizer with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol.
Explain at least one way we can make sure we clean our bodies fully.
Wash all areas of our bodies using soap-- head to toe!
Use different soaps/washes for different parts of the body.
Make sure we are rinsing all the soap off of our bodies.
Swap our our towels after 3-4 uses in order to prevent bacteria growth and musty odors.
How often should we go to the dentist for regular cleanings?
Once every 6 months.
Name 3 ways we can engage in facial hygiene practices.
Washing your face; using sunscreen; not touching your face throughout the day; not popping pimples; cleaning the nose piece of your glasses; moisturizing your face; taking off your makeup before bed; throwing out old makeup, etc.
Why it is important to trim our nails regularly?
Cutting our nails regularly helps make sure that bacteria and germs do not stay under our nails. Biting or picking our nails can cause bacteria and germs to spread, so refraining from doing so can also help maintain good hand hygiene as well.
Name the 5 steps of properly washing our hands.
1. Wet your hands with water.
2. Apply soap.
3. Lather hands together (including in between your fingers, backs of your hands, etc.) for 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands with water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or paper towel.
What are 3 reasons we use deodorant?
To inhibit the growth of bacteria (antimicrobial agents), masking odor (fragrance), and blocking sweat ducts (antiperspirants).
How often should we change our toothbrush out for a new one?
Every 3-4 months, or when the bristles start to get frayed.
On average, how many times per hour do people touch their face?
23 times per hour!