There are so many illnesses out there to be worried about, and people are always getting vaccinated for one thing or another. While paying a little more attention to personal health and hygiene can't necessarily cure your body of the swine flu, doing so might have helped to prevent it from entering your system in the first place. Personal hygiene and health is simpler than most people think.
Hand Washing
According to the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA), "a recent survey found that 94 percent of Americans say that they always wash their hands after going to the bathroom, but observations in public restrooms show that only 68 percent of adults did so." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that washing your hands is one of the easiest ways of preventing the spread of infection from one person to another, yet so few people make it a priority.
Washing your hands every time you use the bathroom and before and after you eat or put your hands on highly public areas (like the railing on an escalator) can help your body fight off unnecessary colds and other illnesses. It's not difficult to wash your hands, either. Rub your wet hands with a good antibacterial soap long enough to sing "Happy Birthday." Then, rinse with warm water and dry.
Bathing
Nobody wants to be around a stinky person. A bath or shower once or twice a day is all that is needed to make sure that you are never that person. Cleanse the whole body with soap and water, including the genitals. This washes away dirt, sweat, bodily secretions and oils that can cause odor.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is another important part of any personal health and hygiene regimen. The American Dental Association recommends brushing the teeth at least twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing between the teeth on a daily basis. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months, to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure proper cleaning.
While taking care of your teeth at home is extremely important, it is also important to visit your dental care professional at least once per year for an oral exam and professional cleaning.
Hair Care
Everybody's hair is different. Some types of hair require daily washing, while other types of hair require weekly or bi-weekly washing. Either way, daily hair brushing and a quality shampoo and conditioner are part of any healthy hair regimen. Just as the skin can collect oils and bacteria that cause odor, so can the hair. Proper combing and brushing and a regular wash and conditioning can help to keep the hair clean, healthy and manageable.
Visiting Your Doctor
Just as your dentist is an important part of your oral health, your doctor is an equally important part of your overall health. Be sure to see a doctor at least twice a year to have a physical exam, just to be certain you are in good overall health.
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