Washing hands remains the single-most important habit of personal hygiene. Yet, it is often a habit that we tend to ignore or pay little attention to. Washing hands involves water that rinses away the impurities. Soap, or its equivalent, helps in disinfecting the hands. The friction of rubbing both hands together aids the cleansing process. Washing hands remain the number one disease prevention policy of all times.
Working in an office environment exposes us to a multitude of germs, dirt and bacteria invisible to the naked eye as we use common elevators, computer keyboards, coffee machines, microwave and public washrooms. Washing hands as often as possible, then, occupies prime importance in order to avoid the spread of contagious diseases that can affect our immune system adversely and take a toll on our health.
Daily bath
On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to pollution in the form of carbon emissions and dust on the roads, sometimes even at home. Many of us travel to and from work using public transport services such as trains and buses. This brings with it jostling with a load of smelly, sweaty people. The nature of our work [physical or sedentary], our workout regimen [high/moderate/low intensity], and our body constitution determine the degree to which our body is exposed to bad bacteria and the amount we sweat. An increased likelihood of sweat makes a daily body wash essential. Living in a sub-tropical climate with high temperature and humidity levels only worsens the problem.
Our lifestyle often results in the build-up of toxins. While these toxins are released partially through exercise and drinking plenty of water, taking regular showers and bath is another vital way of getting rid of them. If the pores of our skin are clogged, the release of toxins through the sweat pores are blocked. Bathing is a great way to cleanse the body. Hot water opens up the pores and facilitates the cleaning. Thereafter the use of cold water cleans the pores and also, closes them up.
A clean home
An unkempt home is an invitation to various health complications. Cluttered rooms, unwashed clothes, smelly kitchens that can breed rodents, dirty toilets and bathrooms can negatively impact our health. Micro-organisms can multiply and cause diseases. Water is a remarkable solvent and in combination with appropriate detergents, we are able to successfully eliminate most types of bacteria. Water helps get the toughest of stains off – whether on dishes, clothes or floors. Swabbing the floor with water in combination with a disinfectant is a common practice to eliminate flies and unwanted pests.
Water plays a vital role in keeping us clean. Let us acknowledge that, and hope we never run out of this precious resource.
Tips to stay safe in the rains
Monsoon is perhaps the only season when staying away from water could actually help you stay clean.
Some tips:
- Open shoes are a good option this season. Not only do they allow toes to breathe but also, allow the shoes and the feet to dry faster. Avoid wearing socks. In the event of socks getting soaked, remove them as soon as possible, preventing moisture from locking in for long periods.
- After walking through flooded mucky waters, immediately wash feet in clean water and dry them. Don’t forget the area between the toes.
- Fungal infections love damp areas and your rainy shoes are not fungus-proof.
- Use of an antiseptic soap becomes essential. So, keep it handy and ensure you and your family uses it immediately after every outing in the rain.
- It is advisable to stay away from juices at this time of the year. Cold juices at stalls involve the use of ice and the hygiene of the water content is usually of suspect.
- Waterproofing your home ensures prevention of leakages and seepages, and thereby, preventing breeding of germs and diseases.
- Never leave wet clothes lying around the house and especially not on mattresses and sofas. They invite silverfish and bed bugs. Instead invest in a portable clothes stand that allows for quick drying in the house.
- During the rainy season, let every rare sunshine beam enter your home by opening up the drapes and windows. Not only does it allow for quicker evaporation of any residue dampness in the home environs but also, removes the musty smell emanating through lack of ventilation and presence of moisture.