One big step towards good health is good personal hygiene. It is one of the many ways to protect yourself from disease-causing germs and bacteria. Not only will such practices keep you healthy by eliminating potential causes of illness, but they also go a long way to making you feel good about yourself, helping built self-esteem and confidence. Are these practices part of your routine?

Bathe Everyday

The body sheds skin constantly, and bathing is a good way to slough off dead cells. Bathing every day can keep skin healthy and illness at bay, not to mention make you feel fresh and clean. Cleaning the body also helps prevents skin blemishes and acne. When you’re outdoors and water isn’t available, use a clean, wet cloth or sponge for cleaning your body. For hair, many people recommend washing with shampoo every other day and conditioner every day to keep the scalp healthy. Fragrance-free deodorants can eliminate body odor.

Brush and Floss your Teeth

Always brush your teeth after meals and before going to bed. Brush for at least three minutes, remembering to include the tongue, and floss daily. Brushing keeps away the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum problems. Flossing removes debris stuck in the teeth and is also beneficial for the gums. It is advisable to also have regular visits to your dentist — at least every six months — for general cleaning and check-up. Brushing and flossing don’t only keep your teeth healthy and strong, they can also prevent heart valve problems.

Trim Your Nails

Regularly clean your nails and keep them in good shape and prevent infected nail beds and hangnails. Brush your nails with soap and clean water daily to keep dirt away. The best time to trim your nails is after a shower when they are soft and easier to cut. Also, giving your nails time to breathe unpolished in intermittent intervals can help prevent dry nails.

Wash Hands

Avoid spreading viruses and bacteria by always washing your hands. Wash them before and after eating meals, after throwing out the trash, after sneezing or coughing, after going to the bathroom and during normal activities. When washing, cleanse the hands with soap and water for at least two minutes.  If water isn’t readily available, a hand sanitizer can help kill germs in the interim. If possible, buy a fragrance-free the sanitizer with moisturizer.

Wear Clean Clothes

As much as possible, wear fresh clothes, as dirty clothes can lead to skin infections and diseases. Clothes must be thoroughly washed with soap and rinsed with water before use. Best to hang them clothes in direct sunlight to kill parasites and germs that cause illnesses. Additionally, wash linens on a regular basis to facilitate a good night’s sleep. Change beddings once every five days during the summer and once a week in the winter.

Use Only Clean Dishes

One effective way to eliminate bacteria found on food and hands is by ensuring dishes are clean before meals. Dishes should be completely dry before being placed in the cupboard to ensure germs don’t grow in between uses. Also, avoid eating with your hands or ensure they are very clean beforehand. After washing the dishes, clean the sink, as well.

Clean your Space

When you work in an office, be aware of the cleanliness of things around the office that a wide number of people are touching on a regular basis, such as doorknobs, door handles, and countertops. The company should ensure these objects are regularly cleaned with antibacterial cleansers to limit the spread of viruses. At home, keep everything neat by sweeping the floors and sanitizing the air. It may be easiest to clean as you, so you don’t have to clean extensively, all at once.

Make Sure your Ears are Clean

While showering, clean your outer ears with soap and water and take care to keep soaps and hair products from getting inside and causing irritation. Regularly clean devices such as earbuds, to remove germs and sanitize earrings daily. Do not insert cotton buds into the ears, as this can damage the eardrum and affect hearing. Stay alert for adverse symptoms that indicate the need to visit an ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor.

Take Care of your Feet

Properly wash your feet while bathing, especially between the toes, as that is where fungal infections can develop. Moisturize your feet regularly and always wear fresh socks. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. Make it a habit to clean the insides of shoes and slippers regularly. Ideally, minimize the amount of time you wear high-heeled or uncomfortable footwear.