Personal Cleanliness

Personal cleanliness involves keeping our bodies and home clean, in order to live a healthy and illness-free life. The following are some of the ways of achieving personal cleanliness.

1. Cleaning of the skin.
2. Cleaning of the teeth.
3. Cleaning of the hair.
4. Cleaning of the hands/nails.
5. Cleaning of the clothing.

1. Cleaning of the Skin:

The following are ways we can keep our skin clean;

a. Wash your body using soap daily.
b. Avoid sharing a sponge with people.
c. Make use of deodorants and perfumes.
d. Cream your body after bathing.
e. Carefully select the products used on your skin, to avoid skin irritation, rashes, etc.

Note: Poor hygiene of the skin can result in body odour, skin rashes, ringworm, and athlete’s foot.

2. Cleaning of the Teeth:

The following are ways we can keep our teeth clean;

a. Clean your teeth every morning before breakfast and at night before going to bed.
b. Do not share your toothbrush with anybody.
c. Visit your dentist regularly.
d. Avoid picking teeth with sharp pointed objects.
e. Take food rich in phosphorus and calcium.
f. Avoid eating very hot or very cold foods.
g. Avoid eating too many sweet foods to prevent bacteria attacks.
8. Always brush your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Note: Poor hygiene of teeth can result in tooth decay, toothache, and abscess in the gum.

3. Cleaning of the Hair:

The following are ways we can keep our hair clean;

a. Comb or brush your hair.
b. Watch out for hair infections.
c. Washing the hair regularly.
d. Dry long hair completely.
e. Do not share hair equipment with others.

Note: Poor hygiene of hair can result in dandruff, lice in the hair, and bushy hair.

4. Cleaning of the Hands/Nails:

The following are ways we can keep our hands and nails clean;

a. Avoid biting your nails.
b. Always keep your nails short.
c. Always clean the dirt in and on your nails.
d. Wash your hands before meals and after going to the toilet. 

Note: Poor hygiene of hands/nails can result in dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever, and belly ache.

5. Cleaning of the Clothing:

The following are ways we can keep our clothes clean;

a. Avoid sharing clothes with others even those close to you.
b. Always wash your clothes regularly.
c. Hang or fold your clothes after ironing.
d. Use effective soaps and detergents to wash your clothes.
e. Always iron your clothes after washing them.

Note: Poor hygiene of clothing, can result in dirty and smelling clothes and the clothes tend not to last too long.