Why is hygiene so important? Hygiene not only benefits your physical health, but also your mental health. There are three components of hygiene: bathing, handwashing, and oral hygiene. If you have poor hygiene, it will leave your body at risk, creating an ideal environment for germ growth and causing infections.
Dental hygiene keeps your mouth clean, gets rid of bad breath, and even prevents gum disease. Regular maintenance for your teeth will extend their lifetime. The healthier they are, the longer they’ll last. What can regular maintenance look like? Brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. Flossing is essential, but typically only done once a day. Flossing just gets in between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Sophomore Emily Browning recalled her routine: “I brush them [her teeth] every time I leave the house, I floss once a day, and I use mouthwash.” Maintenance can decrease the chances of getting cavities, but regular dentist visits are highly recommended to check on how your teeth are doing. Sophomore Oliva Payne remarked, “I believe brushing teeth before bed and in the morning is beneficial to your health; if you don’t, your teeth will eventually fall out. It will lead to bad breath, and people might not enjoy talking to you.”
Bathing doesn’t always mean taking a bath; it is a general term for washing your body. Showering is effective for quick and punctilious cleaning, while baths are typically used to relax. Showering once a day is heavily recommended, especially if you happen to be in a sport or are an active person. Find a routine, buy shampoos and soaps to create a signature scent, just do something to ensure you get clean! You should wash your hair every other day to get a refreshed scalp without drying your hair out, but you should wash your body daily. Invest in yourself. Find a lotion and deodorant to apply after you shower! Sophomore Kennedy Grieser mentioned, “I like to use vanilla scents for lotion, perfume, and deodorant.”
Our school also offers a “hygiene pantry,” which is located in the back room of the library. If you need access to the hygiene pantry, showers, or laundry machines, you can inquire at the office or with Mrs. Quam! Sophomore Aaliyah Durcholz states, “It [taking showers] makes me feel clean, and it boosts my mood. It makes me feel happy.”
Handwashing is a straightforward and effective way to stay clean. When washing your hands, sing a small song to guarantee your hands are efficiently cleaned. Sophomore Klayton Russell declared, “It [handwashing] keeps your hands clean and keeps the germs away.” According to an article on bathroomcity.com, “Not washing your hands can leave over 200 million bacteria.” Washing your hands after using the restroom will remove the bacteria, keeping you and others safe from germs. Cold weather naturally causes illness to become frequent among individuals. As stated by the CDC, “Proper handwashing can prevent 16-21% of respiratory infections like the common cold.” You can prevent it by practicing thorough handwashing this winter as the cold begins to creep up on us. Stay fresh, stay clean, and stay safe!