Maintaining Hygiene

for a Healthier Lifestyle

THE ONE YOU TRUST

www.guardian.com.my

hygiene
We use our hands all the time: to touch, lift, manipulate and hold. In the process, our hands accumulate germs. In fact, our hands are the most common transmission route for infections. Proper hand washing and regular bathing are important ways to help stop the spread of disease as it removes visible dirt, besides loosening and reducing the amount of harmful micro-organisms. Bacteria and viruses can be carried by people and animals, and be present on equipment and in food. These micro-organisms cause diarrhoea, inuenza [including inuenza A (H1N1)], severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and even body odour.

Importance of good

Diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea is a common cause of death in developing countries, and the second most common cause of infant mortality worldwide. The loss of uids through diarrhoea can cause severe dehydration and lead to death. You can help prevent the spread of viral diarrhoea by washing your hands often (especially before handling food and after using the toilet) and encouraging the habit in your children.
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Inuenza A (H1N1)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that there may be a another wave of inuenza A (H1N1) soon, so it is vital that we maintain our vigilance. The most commonly recommended preventive measure against the spread of inuenza viruses is proper hygiene, especially hand washing.

SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome is a contagious and sometimes fatal respiratory illness. SARS rst appeared in China in November 2002. Within six weeks, it had spread worldwide, carried by unsuspecting travellers. According to the WHO, 8,000 people were infected and about 800 died during the outbreak. Since May 2006, the spread of SARS has been contained. However, SARS may not have been completely eradicated. There is evidence that the virus may still be present in animal populations and could reappear in humans. Thus, this is yet another good reason to practise good hygiene via proper hand washing.

Common cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and is usually harmless. The most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus, which can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. It also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with an infected person or by using shared objects.

HFMD
Every hour, an average of two children in Malaysia are infected by hand-foot-andmouth disease. In 2008 alone, there were 15,564 reported cases. HFMD is a contagious viral infection characterised by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Children in day-care centres are especially susceptible to HFMD because the infection spreads by person-to-person contact. There is no specic treatment for HFMD, but we can reduce our risk of infection by practising good hygiene.

Body odour
If you are experiencing body odor, it is a good time to talk about personal hygiene. The scent is caused by bacteria, and removing the bacteria with soap and water is a simple x. Showering needs to be a process of truly getting clean, not just allowing for the water to run over your body. Do pay special attention to the underarms, groin and genital regions to help control body odor.

Prevention is better than cure

The easiest way to prevent diseases is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, as well as take daily baths to protect from germs. Also, do teach your children the importance of good hygiene. To simplify things, ve key occasions we can practice good hygiene are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Before breakfast Before lunch Before dinner During the daily bath Immediately after visiting the toilet

Read on to nd out more.

When to wash your hands No clean water?

Sometimes we may not be able to have access to water or soap. There is now an option to use a hand sanitizer. These sanitizers do not require water and can instantly kill germs and viruses when dispensed on our hands. These sanitizers are not only convenient, but effective as well.

Although it is impossible to keep your hands germ-free, washing them frequently can help limit the presence and transfer of germs.

Always wash your hands before:

Preparing food. Eating. Treating wounds. Giving medicine. Touching a sick or injured person. Changing a diaper.

Always wash your hands after:

Preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry. Using the toilet. Changing a diaper. Touching an animal. Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands. Treating wounds. Touching a sick or injured person. Handling garbage.

Sometimes good hygiene alone is not enough to prevent diseases such as the H1N1. We may need to do more. Below are tips from WHO and Unicef.

Children, especially, need cleanliness

The immune system is not fully developed in children. As a result, they are more susceptible than adults to contracting infectious diseases. You can help your children stay healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands and bathe properly and frequently. Here are useful and creative ways to encourage them: Wash your hands with your children to show them how it is done. To prevent rushing, suggest washing their hands for as long as it takes to sing their favourite song or nursery rhyme twice (at least 15-20 seconds). Place reminders, such as a colourful chart, by the bathroom sink for them to mark every time they wash their hands or take a bath. Establish a routine that children can remember. For example, what do we wash rst, second, third: our hair, our face, behind the ears, the neck, shoulders, back, chest, etc. Let them use funny-shaped or coloured soaps. Create a fun bathroom environment through kid-friendly dcor, such as an underwater or cartoon scene. Read them books on hygiene. Immerse your child in good hygiene and it will become a habit.

Conclusion
Good hygiene does not take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illnesses. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting the health of your whole family.