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How to Have Good Hygiene

Senior man practicing good hygiene by washing his hands.

Proper personal hygiene helps contribute to your overall health and wellness. Maintaining hygiene practices leads to benefits such as a lower risk of developing diseases and medical conditions caused by poor personal hygiene, higher confidence and a positive impact on personal relationships.

You may know the benefits of having good hygiene – but do you know what you need to do to achieve them? We’ll dig deeper into hygiene practices that can help lead to a healthier you.

7 Personal Hygiene Tips

From hand washing to making regular appointments with your physician, there’s a lot you can do to keep your hygiene up. As we progress through the summer months and transition into flu and cold season, good personal hygiene can help you stay healthier for longer:

  1. Wash your hands. Perhaps the best example of proper personal hygiene is washing your hands to stop the spread of disease. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, such as after using the restroom, before and after preparing food, after touching garbage and after coming in contact with someone who is sick. Not only do you have to wash your hands, but it’s important to do so in an effective manner. To properly wash your hands:
    • Wet your hands with clean water and apply soap
    • Lather your hands by rubbing them thoroughly with soap.
    • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
    • Rinse your hands well.
    • Dry your hands with a towel or air dry.
  2. Bathe regularly. How do you feel after taking a warm bath or shower? Bathing and showering help you get rid of all the dirt and germs on your skin and allows you to feel clean and refreshed. How often you bathe is up to you, but it is recommended that older adults wash themselves at least twice a week.
  3. Take care of your teeth. Good oral hygiene also contributes to your overall wellness. A good oral regimen keeps your teeth and gums healthy, protects against bad breath and can even protect you from some medical conditions. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each, floss at least once a day, use mouth wash and make sure you’re visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
  4. Wear clean clothes. Did you know that dirty clothes can harbor bacteria? This bacteria can result in body odor or even skin irritations. Bacteria and germs from your clothes can also put you at higher risk of getting sick. Make sure to wash your clothes with detergent after you wear them, then dry them immediately afterwards.
  5. Get good sleep every night. Restful sleep is vital to your overall wellbeing. Ever wonder why you wake up refreshed after a good night’s sleep? It’s because sleep plays an important role in healing and repairing your heart and blood vessels. It also boosts your concentration and mood and can aid in weight managements. Older adults are encouraged to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
  6. Establish a routine that works for you. Consistency is key when it comes to hygiene practices. Make a daily checklist or set alerts on your phone to remind you of the personal hygiene measures you should take to maintain a clean and healthy body.
  7. Visit the doctor. Even when you practice these personal hygiene measures, it’s still important to check in with your healthcare provider every six to 12 months. Your general physician can make sure you’re on the right path for a healthy lifestyle.

Discover Wellness Opportunities at Heritage Senior Living

Heritage Senior Living strives to provide a lifestyle of choice through wellness programs and activities. Whether it be culinary offerings or life enrichment programming, you have opportunities available to you to live the healthiest lifestyle you possibly can. Plus, our life enrichment directors spend time getting to know each resident and their interests, ensuring that there’s always an activity they will enjoy.

Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact our team today or find a community near you.