Create habits in children / Part 5: Importance of personal hygiene

Personal hygiene habits are essential for adults and children, as it is a topic that involves health. There is evidence that the small actions that make up personal hygiene prevent diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. In this way, the risks of contracting diseases diminish.

1

What is personal hygiene?

Personal hygiene is understood as the actions with which a person takes care of their hygiene and appearance.

What are the most important personal hygiene habits?

---

1 - Take the bath daily

When the child takes bath, it removes toxins from the skin and dirt debris accumulated during the day. The best time to take a bath is at night, before going to bed. In addition to sanitizing, the bathroom helps the child relax and sleep better. However, you can not abuse the bathrooms, especially in places with very low temperatures.

2

2 - Combing and washing hair

Hair gets dirty very easily due to dust in the air. Keeping hair clean and free of nits and lice is a necessary measure. Lice cause itching and can cause headaches, discomfort and irritability. In addition, they prevent children from releasing properly, since the feeling of discomfort is not for the children to be sleeping.

3

3 - Wash your hands often with soap and water

That is one of the most important personal hygiene habits! With this action, we can prevent diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, cholera, influenza and respiratory infections.

4

4 - When washing hands, nails should receive special treatment

Many times we neglect our nails. Keeping them cut and well cleaned will prevent them from becoming bacteria and virus deposits. It is convenient to teach children how to clean their nails with a soft bristle brush, special for that personal hygiene care.

5

5 - Brush your teeth after every meal

It is recommended to brush your teeth after each of the important meals of the day or at least twice a day. It is an essential measure to avoid cavities, bad breath and other dental problems. During the first years of your child's life, it is important that you help him brush his teeth correctly. The ideal is that from 3 years of age the child already knows how to do that alone. In addition, it is necessary to explain to the children how the brush should be moved so that all the teeth are clean.

A habit is acquired over time. For an action to become a habit, it must be repeated many times. Only then will you enter your routine.

---

Reference:

• https://laopinion.com/2017/08/12/5-habitos-de-higiene-para-ensenar-a-los-ninos/
• https://www.etapainfantil.com/habitos-higiene-ninos