Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation is essential because it prevents the transmission of diseases and infections that cause sickness and even death in serious cases. Hygiene and sanitation ensure the good health and well-being of people which can be affected by a lack of sanitation or cleanliness in their daily lives. According to UNICEF, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water around the world and more than half of the worldwide population has no access to safe sanitation. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fast facts state that 2.3 billion people lack basic hygiene services, including soap and water at home. This includes 670 million people with really no access to handwashing facilities.
As you usher in 2024, it is important to start the year right with good health. The previous pandemic has taught people valuable lessons about hygiene and sanitation. While they are both health-related and vital in preventing harmful diseases, it is also helpful to understand their difference so you can observe the best hygiene and sanitation practices daily.
The Difference between Hygiene and Sanitation
What is Hygiene?
Hygiene focuses on personal practices to maintain good health. Personal hygiene practices include the following:
- washing hands
- cutting hair and nails
- bathing
- brushing teeth
- wearing clean clothes
What is Sanitation?
Sanitation is having access to facilities for the safe disposal of human wastes like urine and feces. It also includes access to clean drinking water, toilets and latrines as well as services that maintain hygienic conditions like garbage collection, sewage treatment, and wastewater disposal among others.
Illnesses and deaths caused by diseases can be prevented when there is easy access to safe and clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene which are essential for human health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.4 million deaths could have been avoided with sufficient water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in 2019. Outbreaks of waterborne diseases are common in poverty-stricken communities and many poor families cannot afford the expensive cost of basic health care.
3 Common Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related Diseases
1. Diarrhea
It is the fifth-leading cause of death among children under 5 years old. Frequent diarrhea can adversely affect the growth of children and they become more prone to other infectious diseases.
2. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial disease transmitted through drinking or eating contaminated water or food.
3. Cholera
Infections can cause severe diarrhea with quick loss of body fluids. Cholera can be deadly if not treated within hours.
You can stay away from diseases by following best hygiene and sanitation practices. Observing these good habits is a good way to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe throughout 2024. Here are 4 reasons why hygiene and sanitation are so important.
4 Benefits of Proper Hygiene and Sanitation
1. Keeps the Family Safe from Diseases and Infections
Good hygiene and sanitation in the family promotes good health and well-being. It helps protect your loved ones from harmful diseases and other health concerns by keeping the home clean. Families who live in decrepit houses are more susceptible to illnesses and infections caused by germs thriving inside the bathrooms and kitchens. Lack of cleanliness causes skin infections which can spread to other family members.
2. Enhance Mental Health
Disorderly surroundings can lead to tension and lack of focus. A study conducted by researchers from Princeton University showed that clutter can make it tough for a person to concentrate on a task. Keeping yourself and your surroundings clean can do wonders for the mind. A clean and organized environment leads to a relaxed and focused mind that is free from anxiety.
3. Boost Self-Esteem
One of the importance of hygiene and sanitation is to boost self-esteem. People who have disheveled hair, dirty clothes, body odor, and bad breath are often seen as unhealthy. They can be discriminated which may affect their self-confidence. If you properly observe personal hygiene care, it shows in the way you look. You feel good about yourself and this gives you a better self-image.
4. Improved Quality of Life
The absence of ailments and diseases is one of the good indicators of improved quality of life. If you maintain proper hygiene and sanitation for yourself and others, you help contribute to making the living conditions of everyone much better.
Personal hygiene and sanitation habits promote good health and must be included in your daily routine. You must follow healthy practices if you want to keep illnesses and diseases at bay. Here are 5 good personal habits on how to improve hygiene and sanitation that you can observe at all times to stay safe and healthy this new year.
5 Important Health Habits
1. Wash your hands frequently.
Personal hygiene and sanitation include washing your hands. It is the best way to stop germs from spreading since the hands are frequently used to do most activities. Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If they are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer which you can keep inside your bag when outside the house.
Always wash your hands on several occasions such as the following:
- before preparing or eating food
- after using the bathroom
- after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing
- after touching the garbage
- after playing with your pet
For added protection, you can use BestLab Jeju Aloe Fresh Hand and Face Wipes after handwashing. They are formulated with aloe vera and cucumber extracts to help relieve your skin from redness and itchiness. Make Jeju Aloe Fresh Hand and Face wipes a regular part of your personal hygiene. Stay clean while keeping your skin moisturized, protected, and nourished.
2. Take a bath regularly.
Wash your hair and body regularly as part of your hygiene and sanitation practices. You can take a shower before going to work or going to sleep at night. Rinse very well all body parts, especially the underarms and genitals because they are more susceptible to fungal activities.
BestLab Cherry Blossom Hand and Body Wash gently cleanses, sanitizes, and moisturizes the skin. It protects the skin from irritations caused by fungus and bacteria. It leaves your skin refreshed and healthy after every use.
3. Trim your nails.
Dirt can get stuck inside your nails. Good hygiene and sanitation include trimming the nails once they are long. The best time to trim them is after taking a shower.
4. Brush and floss your teeth.
Oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing after every meal are important. Brushing reduces the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. It also prevents bad breath. Floss removes plaque and food particles that are stuck between the teeth. Schedule a visit to your dentist regularly for oral checkups and cleanings.
5. Flush the toilet after every use.
Always close the cover before flushing the toilet. Research shows that commercial toilets spew airborne particles into the air that can potentially transmit contagious diseases.
ALSO READ: Hygiene and Sanitation Related Diseases You Need to be Aware Of
Begin the year 2024 right when it comes to your health. Observing proper hygiene and sanitation practices will keep you and your family healthy and safe from sickness. Illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever can be dangerous if not treated immediately. This happens due to a lack of access to potable water and good sanitation facilities like toilets or latrines which are common in poor communities.
Best Lab has personal and home care products such as BestLab 10-in-1 Protection 75% Ethyl Alcohol (1 Gallon) which can help fight against viruses with its long-lasting antimicrobial activity. This ethyl alcohol can be used as skin antiseptics and surface disinfectant. It has a light, cool, and fresh-smelling scent onto the skin. Are you looking for effective alcohol products for your home and office to keep you safe from diseases? Best Lab’s shop has various selections to offer.