- What is hygiene?
- Importance and benefits of hygiene
- Hygiene types
- Hygiene examples
- Personal hygiene habits
We explain what hygiene is, its benefits and the types of hygiene in different areas. Also, personal hygiene habits.
What is hygiene?
The term hygiene (from the Frenchhygiène) refers to the practices of cleaning and personal hygiene, of homes and public spaces. Hygiene is important in the lives ofHumans since its absence has negative consequences for the health of the organism and thesociety as a whole.
Although the origins of these practices can be traced back to ancient Greece, hygiene was instituted as a branch of medicine in the early 20th century in order to prevent disease and preserve health.Health physical and mental populations.
Thanks to the conception of hygiene as science many diseases were prevented in various countries. Access to services basic like light, the gas wave electricity They contribute to the maintenance of personal and urban hygiene.
See also:Security
Importance and benefits of hygiene
Maintaining personal hygiene, as well as in the domestic and work environment, is essential to take care of your own health and that of others since it generates protection against diseases and increases quality of life of individuals. For this it is important to incorporate habits and hygiene routines, such as brushing teeth or washing hair, which must be transmitted from generation to generation in the family and educational environment.
The health of a community it depends on the health of each member of the population. That is why it is important to generate awareness campaigns that provide information on the importance of some practices, such as hand washing or cleanliness in the workplace.
Hygiene types
Hygiene can be classified according to particular characteristics, the two groups in which it is classified are:
- Public hygiene. Hygiene practices carried out by the competent authority of a town or town that acts considering the circumstances and needs of the population as a whole. For example: sewage networks or sewage networksdrinking water. Public campaigns are often carried out to disseminate information regarding hygiene.
- Private hygiene. Hygiene practices carried out by individuals in a particular way, be it their body hygiene or that of the physical space they inhabit.
Hygiene examples
Occupational hygiene
It involves measures that protect theintegrity physical and mental of the workers.
Three groups of measures are distinguished:
- Social conditions: the climate betweenworkers, theenvironment and both hierarchical and informal organization.
- Temporary conditions: the number of working hours, vacations and overtime.
- The conditions of the environment: the physical space in which the worker unfolds.
Body hygiene
It involves practices that contribute to body cleansing, with special attention to the skin, nails, and hair.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and protects it from possible environmental aggressions. For it to be in good condition, the removal of dry skin, dust and secretions from the body's glands is recommended. It is important to note that the abuse of some products Cleaning agents such as bleach or detergent are harmful to the skin.
Sports hygiene
It involves practices that are beneficial to health and allow you to achieve better sporting levels, especially in competitive spaces. It is necessary to pay attention to the body before, during and after physical activity. First of all, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check if the body is in condition for the desired activity.
You should start with mild activities so that the body can prepare and it is recommended to drink water to keep the body hydrated, hydration continues even after the activity is finished. The clothing used must be clean, comfortable and must not inhibit perspiration.
Specialists affirm that it is not good to end the task suddenly, so it is necessary to do a gentler activity once the exercise is finished. Finally, it is recommended to take a bath to sanitize the body.
School hygiene
It refers to the hygiene practices that are carried out within a school or university. On the one hand, it includes the teaching and promotion of hygiene habits in students and other members of the institution. In addition, it takes into account the cleaning and maintenance in optimal conditions of common spaces such as classrooms, bathrooms and offices.
Mental hygiene
It refers to those practices that an individual develops to keep their mental health in balance; such as activities or habits that cope with stressful situations, changes in the social and physical environment or situations of fear or anxiety.
Among the routines used to maintain mental hygiene are: managing emotions, tolerance to frustration, satisfaction of basic needs, development of a attitude gratitude, sleep balance, physical health care, a feeding balanced, physical activity, social ties, among others.
Industrial hygiene
It refers to the practices that are carried out within the scope of work and that seek to avoid risks in the health of workers and their exposure to diseases or accidents at work.
Industrial hygiene promotes the conditioning and cleanliness of work environments in order to reduce the exposure of workers to factors that alter their physical or mental health.
Oral hygiene
It refers to those cleaning practices of the body, specifically mouth, tongue, gums and teeth. For this, habits such as: brushing your teeth regularly, going to the dentist for a check-up or flossing are recommended.
Hygiene in posture
It refers to avoiding postures or efforts that can have harmful effects on the spine. The spine should receive special attention, since it is thestructure The main part of the human body, when it is not cared for, back pain and abnormalities can appear.
Some tips from the specialists are:
- Distribute the weight in both hands or arms.
- Avoid stretching to reach objects that are at height (it is preferable to use a ladder or a bench).
- Bend your legs when bending over.
Personal hygiene habits
There are certain habits that are important to maintain personal hygiene, take care of health and prevent diseases:
- Brush your teeth after every meal.
- Go to the dentist.
- Wash your hair regularly.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wash your body regularly.
- Cutting the nails.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Change clothes regularly.
- Use deodorant.
- Maintain cleanliness in the bathroom.
- Wash them food before consuming them.
- Keep personal items clean.
- Keep the skin hydrated.