With COVID-19 (Coronavirus) disrupting so many aspects of life all around the world, personal hygiene has never gotten so much attention. However, keeping up with your hygiene is crucial for prevention at all times and even when contagious viruses aren’t so prevalent.
To keep yourself feeling naturally healthy, here are some effective personal hygiene tips to remember and share with the people you love.
Wash Your Hands Properly
By now, everyone has heard the 20-second rule about washing your hands or singing “Happy Birthday” while you scrub. But it never hurts to hear a reminder.
Properly washing your hands involves wetting them with clean water, lathering soap over all parts of them, scrubbing for 20 seconds, rinsing under running water, and finally air drying or using a clean towel. Have some hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol available when you don’t have access to soap and water.
Keep Your Nails Trimmed Short
To make handwashing more effective, keep your nails trimmed short so that dirt and bacteria doesn’t collect under there. Short nails are easier to clean and put you at less risk when you eat with your hands.
Don’t Touch Your Face
Many of us subconsciously touch our noses, eyes, and mouths throughout the day and don’t even realize we’re doing it. Try to be more conscious about face touching to prevent germs from your hands from moving into your body.
Brush Teeth After Meals
Dental hygiene has an affect on all aspects of health, which is why brushing the teeth after meals is so important. Aim to brush after every meal you have, but at least brush twice per day in the morning and before bed.
Bathe or Shower Regularly
Depending on how you spend your time, daily bathing might not be necessary, but it is important to bathe regularly to get rid of shedding skin and clean off bacteria build-up. You may be able to go longer intervals between washing your hair, but keep hair clean for the same reasons too.
Cover Your Sneezes and Coughs
One of the easiest ways for viruses and bacteria to spread is through airborne moisture. Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your elbow if there isn’t one available. Avoid coughing and sneezing into your hands, which are more likely to come in contact with other people and surfaces. Never cough or sneeze out into the air because that is just irresponsible.
Wear a Mask When Sick
Masks that cover your mouth and nose are most effective when you are feeling sick and coughing or sneezing. According to the World Health Organization, the only time that it makes sense to wear a mask if you’re healthy is if you are taking care of a person who is sick. Avoid touching your face or the mask with unclean hands when taking it on or off because that will defeat its purpose.
Change Towels Regularly
Since bathroom and kitchen towels can harbor germs, make a point to change them regularly. In most households, this means either every two to three days or after every three to four uses. Also, make sure towels are fully dry before using them again. When doing laundry, consider letting towels and other clothes dry outside in the sun.
Use Natural and Homeopathic Products
To support your natural health, Seagate offers many homeopathic remedies and wellness solutions to prevent the spread of germs, treat symptoms, and help you keep up with your hygiene. Check out our homeopathics section and our cold and flu section to learn more.