Personal Hygiene

Hardin Park Elementary

In the wake of this big change and living/schooling at home, we all have to take precautions to make sure that we are all staying safe, healthy, and clean. More than ever, we have to take extra measures to take care of ourselves and those around us. Below is a list of specific, recommended list of daily hygiene routines to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones.

1. Washing your hands

Yes, it seems like a simple thing. But chances are that washing your hands is such a routine thing these days that you don’t think about what you are doing when washing. Hands should be scrubbed (with soap and warm water...no cheating through it) for at least 20 seconds. The top of the hands, palms, and fingernails should all be worked to maximize germ elimination.

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/handwashing.html

**Wash your hands after every bathroom break, before and after handling food, after using public doors/handrails/etc., before and after interacting with others, and probably after any activity.

2. Showering

First hand washing, then showering? It seems simple (because it is), but when you do not have a routine or your routine gets disrupted, hygienic activities such as showering can sometimes get pushed to the wayside. When we don’t shower, we attract and accumulate bacteria, germs, body oils, sweat, and inevitably we start to smell bad. Our clothes then absorb these nasty things and smell too. Showering daily can cleanse skin, remove excess dead skin/oils, and can help you feel refreshed. Your nose and your friends’ noses will thank you!

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/showering-daily-is-it-necessary-2019062617193

3. Clean Clothes

Being indoors for the next few weeks may be tough. But things will be even more difficult if you are dealing with smelly clothes. After a full day, your body produces extra oils which are sometimes absorbed into your clothes. These oils and bacteria form/multiply and can create a sharp odor (think body odor, or the reason you wear deodorant). Your clothes as a result will smell after wearing them sometimes. It is important to wash your clothes regularly so that 1) you are not wearing smelly clothes, 2) you do not come into contact with bacteria that could get you sick. If your parents are not there to wash your clothes OR if you do not your own laundry, here are some steps to help you:

https://www.thespruce.com/teach-teen-to-do-laundry-2146219

4. Sleep

The days may start to feel like one big, extended spring break. When you are away from school, your routine gets disrupted and a timely schedule seems less important. But before you stay up until 4am playing video games or looking at a screen, know that missing sleep can have some major effects. Sleep helps your body recover its immune system which helps fight off diseases. It also allows you to regulate your emotions better, meaning that you will be in a better mood, can control your impulsive decisions better, and can even read the emotions of others more effectively. Sleep also improves your reaction time and can improve your athletic ability.

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/teens-and-sleep

5. Nutrition

Have you ever really wanted a snack, even though you weren’t hungry? How about eating a whole pizza AND wings AND soda by yourself? During an extended break, you might feel the urge to snack more than usual. This is normal. Snacking itself is not a bad thing but make sure you are loading up on foods that are nutritious and leave you feeling satisfied. Having an apple, protein or some veggies can give you the energy and nutrition that you need and help you to feel full and keep you healthy.

**It may also be helpful to spread your snacks out since there may be longer amounts of time between your family's trips to the grocery store.

https://cspinet.org/protecting-our-health/nutrition/healthy-school-snacks#:~:text=Serving%20healthy%20snacks%20to%20children,growing%20role%20in%20children's%20diets.