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Atlanta, GA | Posted: May 2, 2019
Christine Lemaster
Communications Officer II | Health and Wellbeing
Summary Sentence:
Rethink your personal hygiene routine with these four tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Full Summary:
Rethink your personal hygiene routine with these four tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
HandwashWorld Hand Hygiene Day is May 5th. This day serves as a great reminder to check in on not just our hand hygiene but our entire daily hygiene routine. Many diseases and conditions can be prevented or controlled through appropriate personal hygiene and by frequently washing parts of the body and hair with soap and clean, running water. Practicing good body washing habits can prevent the spread of hygiene-related diseases. Check out this guide to good personal hygiene according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hand Washing:
Do you know when to use soap and water and when to use hand sanitizer? Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on your hands. However, if soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on your hands but they do not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals. If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy stick to soap and water.
Contact Lenses:
How many times have you fallen asleep with your contact lenses on? Failure to wear, clean, and store your lenses as directed by your eye doctor increases the risk of developing serious eye infections. Always make sure to rub and rinse your contact lenses with contact lens disinfecting solution never water or saliva when you clean them. Also, make sure you are not topping off the contact solution. Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution and never mix fresh solution with the old or used solution. And lastly, don’t sleep in your contact lenses unless prescribed by your eye doctor.
Dental Hygiene:
How many times a day do you brush your teeth? Cavities (also called tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. According to the CDC, by the age 34, more than 80% of people have had at least one cavity which is why maintaining good oral health is so important. Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste. Also consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than manual brushing does. To properly care for your toothbrush make sure you always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing and store in an upright position. Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.
Nail Care:
When is the last time you cleaned your nail grooming tools? Protect your hands with proper nail hygiene including diligently cleaning and trimming your fingernails. Fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned frequently with soap and water to get rid of the buildup of dirt and bacteria. Make sure to clean all nail grooming tools before use and avoid cutting your cuticles as they provide a barrier to prevent infections. When visiting nail salons make sure all tools are sterilized before used on you.
World Hand Hygiene day is about more than just your hands. Rethink your personal routine and how you can incorporate these practices into your every day. Your whole body will thank you! You can find more tips on ways to stay healthy at health.gatech.edu.
