Importance of Good Hygiene
We use our hand all the time: to touch, lift, manipulate and hold. In the process, our hands accumulate germs. In fact, hands are the most common transmission route for infections
Proper hand washing and regular bathing are important ways to help stop the spread of disease as it removes visible dirt, besides loosening and reducing the amount of harmful micro-organisms.
Bacteria and viruses can be carried by people and animals, and be present on equipment and in food. These micro-organisms cause diarrhoea, influenza [including influenza A (H1N1)], severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and even body odour.
Diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea is a common cause of death in developing countries, and the secong most common cause of infant mortality worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhoea can cause severe dehydration and lead to death.
You can help prevent the spread of viral diarrhoea by washing your hands often (especially before handling food and after using the toilets) and encouraging the habit in your children.
Influenza A (H1N1)
The World Organization (WHO) has warned that there may be a another wave of influenza A (H1N1) soon, so it is vital that we maintain our vigilance. The most commonly recommended preventive measure against the spread of influenza viruses is proper hygiene, especially hand washing
Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and is usually harmless. The most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus, which can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. It also spreads hand-by-hand contact with an infected person or by using shared objects.
HFMD
Every hour, an average of two children in Malaysia are infected by hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). In 2008 alone, there were 15,564 reproted cases.
HFMD is a contagious viral infection characterised by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Children in day-care centres are especially susceptible to HFMD because the infection spreads by person-to-person contact.
There is no specific treatment to HFMD, but we can reduce our risk of onfection by practising good hygiene
SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a contagious and sometimes fatal respiratory illness. SRAS first appeared in China in November 2002. Within six weeks, it had spread worldwide, carried by unsuspecting travellers. According to the WHO, 8,000 people were infected and about 800 died during the outbreak.
Since May 2006, the spread of SARS has been contained. However, SARS may not have been completely eradicated. There is evidence that the virus may still be present in animal populations and could reappear in humans.
Thus, this is yet another good reason to practice good hygiene via proper hand washing.
Body Odour
If you are experiencing body odour, it is a good time to talk about personal hygiene. The scent is caused by bacteria, and removing the bacteria with soap and water is a simple fix. Showering needs to be a process of truly getting clean, not just allowing for the water to run over your body. Do pay special attention to the umderarms, groin and genital regions to help control body odour.
Prevention is better than cure
The easiest way to prevent diseases is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, as well as take daily baths to protect from germs. Also, do teach your children the importance of good hygiene.
to simplify things, five key occasions we can practice good hygiene are:
We use our hand all the time: to touch, lift, manipulate and hold. In the process, our hands accumulate germs. In fact, hands are the most common transmission route for infections
Proper hand washing and regular bathing are important ways to help stop the spread of disease as it removes visible dirt, besides loosening and reducing the amount of harmful micro-organisms.
Bacteria and viruses can be carried by people and animals, and be present on equipment and in food. These micro-organisms cause diarrhoea, influenza [including influenza A (H1N1)], severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and even body odour.
Diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea is a common cause of death in developing countries, and the secong most common cause of infant mortality worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhoea can cause severe dehydration and lead to death.
You can help prevent the spread of viral diarrhoea by washing your hands often (especially before handling food and after using the toilets) and encouraging the habit in your children.
Influenza A (H1N1)
The World Organization (WHO) has warned that there may be a another wave of influenza A (H1N1) soon, so it is vital that we maintain our vigilance. The most commonly recommended preventive measure against the spread of influenza viruses is proper hygiene, especially hand washing
Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and is usually harmless. The most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus, which can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. It also spreads hand-by-hand contact with an infected person or by using shared objects.
HFMD
Every hour, an average of two children in Malaysia are infected by hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). In 2008 alone, there were 15,564 reproted cases.
HFMD is a contagious viral infection characterised by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Children in day-care centres are especially susceptible to HFMD because the infection spreads by person-to-person contact.
There is no specific treatment to HFMD, but we can reduce our risk of onfection by practising good hygiene
SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a contagious and sometimes fatal respiratory illness. SRAS first appeared in China in November 2002. Within six weeks, it had spread worldwide, carried by unsuspecting travellers. According to the WHO, 8,000 people were infected and about 800 died during the outbreak.
Since May 2006, the spread of SARS has been contained. However, SARS may not have been completely eradicated. There is evidence that the virus may still be present in animal populations and could reappear in humans.
Thus, this is yet another good reason to practice good hygiene via proper hand washing.
Body Odour
If you are experiencing body odour, it is a good time to talk about personal hygiene. The scent is caused by bacteria, and removing the bacteria with soap and water is a simple fix. Showering needs to be a process of truly getting clean, not just allowing for the water to run over your body. Do pay special attention to the umderarms, groin and genital regions to help control body odour.
Prevention is better than cure
The easiest way to prevent diseases is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, as well as take daily baths to protect from germs. Also, do teach your children the importance of good hygiene.
to simplify things, five key occasions we can practice good hygiene are:
- Before breakfast
- Before lunch
- Before dinner
- During the daily bath
- Immediately after visiting the toilet
Good hygiene does not take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illnesses. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting the health f you and your family.
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