An Introduction to Personal Hygiene

Personal Hygiene Personal hygiene is defined as that the healthy practices and lifestyle helps in the maintenance and promotion of individual health, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.   Purposes of Personal Hygiene and Protect from Disease To prevent illness To promote good health To improve the standard of health To maintain mental well-being   To promote socially and spiritually health To improve the self-esteem in the society To maintain resistance and prevent from infection   Principles of Personal Hygiene Hygiene practices are learned practices that change throughout the life span. It also affects the health issues and practices of individuals. Individual differences exist from one individual to another. Health practices of people vary with cultural values and personal values. Health practices directly influence the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of an individual. Good health practices prevent entry of microorganisms into the body. Nature acts as a first line of defense on human health: natural light and ventilation.   Components of a Good Personal Hygiene Program Maintaining personal cleanliness Wearing proper work attire Following hygienic hand practices Avoiding unsanitary habits and actions   Maintaining good health Reporting illness   Factors That Influence Personal Hygiene Social Practices Social Group Influence (Including the family type of personal care offering childhood) is influenced by: Personal Preference: Each person has individual desires and preferences. Individuals select different practices according to personal preference, needs, and financial resources. Body Language: No individual general standards for the person. Body language is a subjective concept for each individual. Physical appearance of this image can change frequently within individuals. This image can change dramatically due to illness or other functional disorders. Socio-Economic Status: Socio-economic status & resources influence the type and extent of hygiene practices used. Socio-economic status may influence his/her ability to legally maintain hygiene. Health Beliefs and Motivation: Knowledge about the importance of hygiene and its implications for well-being influences hygiene practices. However, knowledge alone is not enough.   Cultural Variables: The individual case must be considered to maintain self-respect. Individuals are built from divine and personal values. Cultural background builds different self-care practices. Cleanliness may not hold the same importance to some. This goes as far as bathing habits. Physical Condition: The condition of the client with the certain types of physical limitations, disabilities or lack of physical energy and dexterity to perform hygienic care. A client’s traction on a car/bones has an intravenous line or other devices connected to the body will need assistance with hygiene. Importance of Personal Hygiene: Maintenance of physical hygiene is a state of health.   Personal hygiene helps maintain physical and physiological homeostasis. Personal hygiene helps to promote individual comfort, safety, and well-being. A clean mouth and teeth aids to the patient a feeling of self-approval. Stimulation of circulation by massage and brushing is essential to maintain the case healthy. Keeping the scalp clean by brushing and shampooing will help to relieve from dandruff. Good personal hygiene is essential during sickness.