Personal Hygiene

We have seen how widely prevalent the agents of infection are. It is almost a miracle that we escape from them to the extent that we do. We have also seen how nature endows us with the capability of fighting off such infections, and how man's knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of disease agents and of the human body has made it possible for man to either enhance his inherent capability of resistance or to acquire this resistance to infection and disease. 

Personal hygiene involves the very basic steps that we can take to make certain that we remains as far away as possible from infection and diseases. It is in fact much more than mere warding off illness. It involves care and actions which enable us to lead a healthy, active and fulfilling life at the maximum of our efficiency and potential. 

Personal hygiene involves care and cleanliness of our physical as well as mental being. The word 'hygiene' is derived from the Greek word 'Hygiene'  the goddess of health who was supposed to look after the health of the people. 

Objectives

After going through this unit, you should be able to : 

• describe standards for cleanliness of the body and of the apparel that are used on the body, which are essential for optimum health and efficiency. 
• discuss the role of rest, sleep, exercise and recreation in replenishing one's capabilities for optimum performance. 
• summaries the role of habits in achieving the highest standards on health and activity and to guard against habits that undermine these. 
• list measures for lowering the risk to one's  health and efficiency.