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Poor Hygiene
Poor Hygiene
Poor Hygiene
The word hygiene derives from the name of the ancient Greek
goddess of healthful living, Hygeia. Initially worshipped in her own
right, by the fifth century BCE in Athens Hygeia was instead depicted as
a demi-god, the daughter or wife of the god of healing, Asclepius.
While worship of Asclepius aimed at curing disease through divine
intercession, worship of Hygeia emphasized obtaining health by living
wisely in accordance with her laws. In contemporary Western society
the concept of hygiene has become associated with standards of
personal grooming which often have little effect on individual health.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Hygiene in the earliest sense was not connected to cleanliness or
personal grooming. Indeed popular attitudes in Western Europe and
the US held that frequent bathing was dangerous to individual health.
It upset the physical system, robbed the body of precious natural oils,
and led to debilitating illness. Though individuals such as Benjamin
Franklin urged cleanliness as a necessary component of healthful
living, the plumbing technology required to make this easy was
underdeveloped and expensive. Travellers in Europe and the US during
the early nineteenth century frequently commented on the filthy
conditions both of persons and households. One historian has
suggested that, in a largely agricultural community, the dirt of honest
labour was associated with both economic and physical well-being, an
outlook that applied to both peasant cultures in Europe and yeoman
farm life in the US.
DIAGNOSIS:
Some problems are diagnosed according to individual,
community and policy that focus on behavioral basis, cognitive and
social aspect of living.
Community:
Improper waste disposal is one of the problems in this area
where in there are people who always disposed their garbage’s
anywhere. Not following the color coding of their Barrangay especially
in segregating of biodegradable to non-biodegradable. Some disposed
their garbage on their backyard because there is no garbage collector
and the waste stock so long that caused bad smell. Also, it blocks their
drainage so the water can’t flow well and there are many living sector
that may cause illnesses. Aside from that, some factories have no
proper way in disposing their waste. For example short drainage and
directly disposing it to the river that caused water pollution.
Policies:
RECENT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND
DOH POLICIES AFFECTING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SANITATION:
Motor vehicles cause 70% of outdoor air pollution and measures are
required to alleviate air pollution due to motor vehicles, such as: all
motor vehicles are required to pass the smoke emission standard prior
to registration; phasing out leaded gasoline in the end of year 2000;
automotive diesel fuels sulfur content should be lowered; and decrease
in the aromatics and benzene levels in unleaded gasoline.
R.A.: “Clean air waste Act of 2004”- this law aims to establish waste
water treatment facilities that will clean wastewater before releasing
into the bodies LGUs to form the water. Management areas that will
manage wastewater in their respective areas.
SUPPLEMENTAL IMLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATION OF CHAPTER II
– “WATER SUPPLY”, OF THE CODE ON SANITATION OF THE PHILLIPINES
(P.D.856) - this supplemental IRR provides the guidelines on the proper
regulation of the water refilling station.
Communication Process:
Barriers:
Improper dissemination of information is one of the barriers
because there are some people who may not be able to understand
what we are saying mainly because of their level of knowledge.
Distance and transportation also affects communication process, some
places like mountain provinces are seldom reached by the Health Care
Providers to conduct seminars. Lack of time and resources can be a
barriers,
Solution:
In order to overcome that, we have to talk to them according to
the language that they can understand.
Changes expected:
Barriers:
Solution:
Effectiveness:
This section describes ways to build positive relationships with
residents. The first step in trying to understand how a resident
behaves is to try to identify the reason behind the behavior. Ask
yourself, “What does the resident need?” Is it to be heard? For
example, an angry resident may refuse to eat his food and throws on
the floor because no one involves him in making his food choices and
he feels a loss of control over his daily life. Second, face the resident,
lean forward slightly, get to the resident’s level and make eye contact.
Now, send a message that you are interested in what the resident is
saying. Use the therapeutic touch when appropriate, may also get the
residents attention because the more you get to know the resident, the
better you’ll be. Third, listen carefully to the residents. Allow them to
express their opinion or feelings while others listen. You can show
interest by nodding and saying things like “I see” or “mm”; this will
help you learn how she seems to feel about the situation at the
moment. Fourth, ask open-ended questions rather the “yes” or “no”
questions. For example, say “papaano natin itatapon ang mga
basura?” Then, use “I” rather than “you”. For example, “Ako kasi
binubukod ko ang mga basura sa amin”. Lastly, ensures that they are
comfortable in the activity to increase their motivation to participate.
In addition, direct staff has an important role to play in terms of
sharing information about local recreational opportunities, helping
residents to get ready for community activities such as, getting bathed
and dressed, how to segregate garbage from biodegradable to non-
biodegradable, and if necessary, assisting with transportation.
Personal
hygiene is the first
step to good
grooming and good
health. Elementary
cleanliness is
common
knowledge. Neglect
causes problems
that you may not even be aware of. Many people with bad breath
are blissfully unaware of it. Some problems may not be your fault
at all, but improving standards of hygiene will control these
conditions. Dandruff is a case in point. More often than you
know, good looks are the result of careful and continuous
grooming.
Every external part of the body demands a basic amount of
attention on a regular basis. Here are some grooming routines
and some complaints associated with neglect.
1. HAIR
2. SKIN
• Soap and water are essential for keeping the skin clean. A good
bath once or twice a day is recommended, especially in tropical
countries like India. Those who are involved in active sports or
work out to a sweat would do well to take a bath after the
activity.
• A mild soap will do the job adequately. Germicidal or antiseptic
soaps are not essential for the daily bath. You can use a bath
sponge for scrubbing. Back brushes and heel scrubbers are
available. But do not use abrasive material.
• The genitals and the anus need to be cleaned well because of
the natural secretions of these areas, in unhygienic conditions,
can cause irritation and infection.
• Wash off well after soaping. Drying with a clean towel is
important. Avoid sharing soaps and towels.
• Change into clean underwear after bath.
• Around middle age the skin tends to go dry a bit. A moisturizing
oil or cream can be used. It is better to use this at night, because
if you go out in the sun or commute on dusty roads when the
skin is wet, dust sticks to it and oils may also give you a tan.
3. TEETH
• Brush teeth twice a day and rinse well after every meal. Brushing
before going to bed is important. (Especially recommended for
people with a sweet tooth). For normal teeth this is adequate.
• While brushing, pay attention to the fact that you are getting rid
of the food particles stuck in between the teeth and in the
crevices of the flatter teeth at the back, the molars and pre
molars. Brush down on the upper teeth and brush up on the
lower teeth. Use a circular motion. Pay attention to the tongue
and the inner surface of teeth as well.
• The brush should have resilient bristles. It should be rinsed well
and left to dry after use. There are no perfect toothpastes or
powders. Use one without harsh abrasives or strong antiseptics.
4. HANDS
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after
every meal and after visiting the toilet. Soaping and rinsing
should cover the areas between fingers, nails and back of the
hand. Hands should be dried with a clean towel after wash. The
towel at the wash stand has to be washed and changed
everyday.
• While cooking, especially when packing lunches, you can prevent
food from spoilage and minimize contamination by keeping your
hands clean. While handling food avoid scratching, or touching
the ears, nose, mouth or other body orifices. If you need to use a
handkerchief or tissue, wash your hands after that. Keep your
nails short.
• Nail Polish users should see that it does not chip off into the food.
5. NAILS
• Clip nails short, along their shape. Don't cut them so close that it
pinches the skin.
• A healthy body ensures healthy nails. Brittle or discolored nails
show up deficiencies or disease conditions.
• Do not keep your nails painted continuously. It causes the
keratin, of which nails are made, to split. Pamper your hands and
nails once every three weeks with a manicure. This requires
soaking your hands in warm water for ten minutes, massaging of
hands, thorough cleaning and shaping of nails. Choose your
manicure kit with care. In some kits, the instruments are crudely
made and they will do more harm than good.
6. FEET
• Give your feet a good scrub with a sponge, pumice stone or foot
scrubber that is not made of very abrasive material when having
a bath. Dry after bath between toes. Keep toenails clipped.
• In many Indian households it is mandatory to wash feet as you
enter the house. This is fine, but make sure that your skin does
not become dry due to washing too often.
• Those who use shoes constantly need to slip them off now and
then. This airs the socks a bit and makes them less smelly. Wear
cotton socks. Wear a clean pair everyday. Powder your feet
before wearing socks. Many people have sweaty feet, and socks
and shoes can get quite smelly. If possible do not wear the same
pair of shoes every day. Keep at least one more pair and use it
alternatively. Go for a pedicure once in three weeks.
• Give importance to wearing comfort in the choice of footwear.
For those who go barefoot indoors, door mats must be cleaned or
changed frequently. Extra foot care is required for diabetics.
7. MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
ENVIRONMENTAL:
• Speak with your local council, EHW and EHO if rubbish, water or
sewage are collecting on the ground in the community and
causing a health risk. Explain how the situation can affect health.
• If the community has a waste disposal problem contact your
EHW and EHO, assist the Council to write a submission, and
supply local health statistics to support council submission to
remedy the problem
• Encourage people to use protective gloves, boots and clothing
when maintaining septic tanks. Septic tanks contain liquids and
sludge that can cause infections
Removing rubbish and solid waste, "sharps" etc
Set a good example. Find ways to ensure that the Health Centre
building and yard is always clean and welcoming
Put lidded rubbish bins outside the Health Centre and arrange a
system for rubbish removal. Remember that any changes you
make have to continue when you’re no longer there
Speak with the EHW/EHO. Find out what the issues are and what
improvements can be made to the rubbish collection and
disposal systems and find out how you can help
Encourage recycling of waste whenever possible
Support a campaign to reduce the use of disposable nappies. Explore
ways to ensure that they are disposed of properly
Encourage screening and fencing the tip site so that dumped rubbish,
especially plastic bags, do not scatter in the wind
Help to arrange for the collection of abandoned car bodies and other
hard rubbish
Keep outside and inside cooking areas clean; keep down the dust by
sweeping and mopping inside; dispose of rubbish regularly,
compost food scraps or give them to dogs
Refrigerate all foods that are likely to go off
Clean food preparation surfaces before you start preparing food. After
finishing one task clean the bench or preparation surface before
starting the next task.
Note: if food is prepared outside the house or away from
the kitchen, the inside of a box from the store can be
used to provide a clean, disposable cutting surface for
foods such as meat
Ensure cooking and eating equipment is cleaned after use and safely
stored; for example, store cups and pans upside down and out of
reach of dogs
Control pests and rodents (contact the Environmental Health Program
for advice)
Wash hands with soap and dry them, before preparing food and after
going to the toilet
Cook meat within half a day of killing the animal and make sure that
the meat is properly cooked
Prepare food for one meal at a time
Keep flies out of the kitchen and keep food covered
Use hot water where possible and detergent for washing dishes
Do not cough or sneeze over food
Do not smoke while preparing or cooking food
Keep children away from the food preparation area
5. REDUCING CROWDING
Insecticides
Group Member:
Santos, Wilhelmina L.
October 2009