Hygiene

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 French hygiene) refers to the cleaning and personal hygiene practices in homes and public spaces . Hygiene is important in the lives of human beings since its absence has negative consequences for the health of the organism and society as a whole.

While the origins of these practices can be traced to ancient Greece, hygiene It was established as a branch of medicine at the beginning of the 20th century. in order to prevent diseases and preserve the physical and mental health of the populations.

Thanks to the conception of hygiene as a science many diseases were prevented in several countries. Access to basic services such as light, gas or electricity contribute to the maintenance of personal and urban hygiene.

Importance and benefits of hygiene

Maintain personal hygiene, as well as in the home and work environment, It is essential to take care of one's own health and that of others. since it generates protection against diseases and increases the quality of life of individuals. For this, it is important to incorporate hygiene habits and routines, such as brushing your teeth or washing your hair, which must be transmitted from generation to generation in the family and educational environment.

The health of a community depends on the health of each member of the population. That is why it is important to generate awareness campaigns that provide information about the importance of some practices, such as hand washing or cleaning in the work environment.

Types of hygiene

Hygiene can be typified 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 city that acts considering the circumstances and needs of the population as a whole. For example: sewage networks or drinking water networks. Many times public campaigns are carried out to disseminate information related to hygiene.
• Private hygiene. Hygiene practices carried out by individuals in a particular way, whether it is their bodily hygiene or that of the physical space they inhabit.

Examples of hygiene

Occupational hygiene

It involves measures that protect the physical and mental integrity of workers.

Three groups of measures are distinguished:

• Social conditions: the climate among workers, the environment and the organization, both hierarchical and informal.
• Temporary conditions: the number of working hours, vacations and overtime.
• Environmental conditions: the physical space in which the worker works.

Body hygiene

It involves practices that contribute to body cleanliness, with special attention to the skin, nails and hair.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and protects it from possible environmental attacks. To keep it in good condition, it is recommended to remove dry skin, dust and secretions from the body's glands. It is important to note that the abuse of some cleaning products, such as chlorine or detergent, is harmful to the skin.

Sports hygiene

It involves practices that are beneficial for health and allow us 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 fit for the desired activity.

You should start with gentle 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 say that it is not good to end the task suddenly, which is why it is necessary to do a gentler activity once the exercise is finished. Finally, it is recommended to take a bath to cleanse the body.

School hygiene

Refers to the hygiene practices 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 for frustration, satisfying basic needs, developing an attitude of gratitude, balance in sleep, taking care of physical health, a balanced diet, 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 to the health of workers and their exposure to work-related illnesses or accidents.

Industrial hygiene promotes the conditioning and cleanliness of work environments to reduce workers' exposure to factors that alter their physical or mental health.

Oral hygiene

It refers to those practices of cleaning the body, specifically the 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.

Posture hygiene

It refers to avoiding postures or efforts that can have harmful effects on the spine. The spine must receive special attention, since it is the main structure of the human body, when it is not taken care of, lower back pain and abnormalities can appear.

Some advice from specialists are:

• Distribute the weight in both hands or arms.
• Avoid stretching to reach objects that are high (using a ladder or bench is preferable).
• 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 each meal.
• Go to the dentist.
• Wash your hair regularly.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Wash your body regularly.
• Cut your nails.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Change clothes regularly.
• Use deodorant.
• Maintain cleanliness in the bathroom.
• Wash food before consuming it.
• Keep personal items clean.
• Keep skin hydrated.

References

• “Treaty on school hygiene” in the Miguel de Cervantes Virtual Library.
• “Mental hygiene” at Iberdrola.
• “The importance of hygiene for everyone's health” at DiBosch.
• “Body hygiene: why is it important?” in Family and Health.
• “The importance of handwashing” in the Ministry of Health.