One of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves from ill effects of health risk is good personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is the first step to good grooming and good health. Elementary cleanliness is common knowledge. Neglect causes problems that you may not even be aware of.
Many people with bad breath are blissfully unaware of it. Some problems may not be your fault at all, but improving standards of hygiene will control these conditions.
Poor oral hygiene and infection of gums often results in a bad odour emanating from the mouth. This is called halitosis. Proper brushing of the teeth and oral care can get rid of bad breath. There can be other reasons for bad breath. Cold, sinuses, throat infection or tonsils can cause bad breath. It means being careful not to cough or sneeze without any protection.
Body odour: The body has nearly two and half million sweat glands. These glands produce three quarts to one pint of sweat in a day. In tropical countries, naturally, more sweat is produced. The perspiration level increases with an increase in physical exertion.
Fresh perspiration, when allowed to evaporate does not cause body odour. An offensive smell is caused when bacteria that are present on the skin get to work on the sweat and decompose it. Diet influences the odour too.
Two baths a day, with liberal lathering and change of clothes in close contact with the body should take care of the problem. Talcum powder or deodorants or antiperspirants can be used. Most skin deodorants contain an antiperspirant, such as aluminum chloride, which reduces sweating by forming a hydroxide gel in the sweat ducts. But sweat suppressed in one area, comes out in another.
The world around us swarms with microorganisms. Some bacteria are found on our bodies. Where food is eaten and prepared with bare hands extra attention has to be paid to the cleanliness of hands. Besides, a permanent layer of dust or grime reduces the sensitivity of the hands.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after every meal and after visiting the toilet. Soaping and rinsing should cover the areas between fingers, nails and back of the hand. Hands should be dried with a clean towel after wash.
Things to remember, use gloves as protection while handling waste items otherwise you might be at risk of catching an infection. Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect others and us from many illnesses.
