Reasons for Personal Hygiene

Reasons for Personal Hygiene
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Personal hygiene is important for many reasons. Hygiene is defined as the maintenance of healthful practices. A person's hygiene can be a factor in relationships, both personal and professional, and health. Many daily activities that are considered necessary for personal hygiene also help prevent diseases, including heart disease.

Health

Health can be negatively affected by a lack of personal hygiene. A lack of dental hygiene—brushing teeth and flossing—has been tied to an increased risk in heart disease, according to the Working Well website. Hand washing, another personal hygiene routine, helps prevent infection and keeps you healthy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bathing regularly can help prevent skin infections especially when wounds are present.

Relationships

Being dirty, having bad breath or contagious rashes can prevent you from forming relationships. A good personal hygiene routine will eliminate these issues, giving you a chance to form relationships with those around you. The Hygiene Expert states that children who practice good hygiene eliminate one cause of bullying. Sexual relationships are also effected by personal hygiene choices. Your natural scent can attract people—or keep them away.

Mental Health

The act of practicing good hygiene can help keep mental health in check. When a person is mentally ill, personal hygiene can be lacking, according to the Hygiene Expert website. The Hygiene Expert also states that keeping your body clean can make you feel better about yourself. The way you are projected to others through your personal hygiene can be a deciding factor on many things, such as job interviews, that can effect your self esteem and stress levels.

References

Article reviewed by Jessica Lyons Last updated on: Jul 4, 2010

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