The key to a healthy life is a fit body, accompanied by proper nutrition, exercise, rest and hygiene. Our mothers

were right! Eating food is not enough to be healthy. It also depends on good personal hygiene which is essential to promoting good health.

Simple personal habits like washing our hands and brushing and flossing our teeth will keep bacteria and virus causing illnesses away.  Germs are not only tiny but are everywhere and it is amazing how they travel from host to host. 

For a quick visual example of how fast germs can and do spread, gather about ten of your friends together then pour some glitter into your hand. Shake hands with someone close to you.  Then have them to shake hands with someone else and so on until everyone in the room has shaken hands with someone else.  Now look at your hands and you will see how the cycle works.  This is the same mode of transferring germs from one another as we travel throughout a day. 

Washing your hands and keeping them clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. There are a number of diseases that are spread by not properly washing your hands with soap and water.  According to the Centers for Disease Control the proper way to wash your hands is to wet your hands with clean running water and to apply soap.  Rub your hands together briskly to make a lather.  Continue to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds making sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.

To ensure you scrub long enough hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. Rinse your hands well under running water then dry them with a clean towel or allow them to air dry. Practicing good hygiene is not limited to just hand washing it also includes daily bathing, skin care, dental hygiene, and hair care. 

Practicing good daily hygiene helps you feel good about yourself which is important to good mental health.  People with poor hygiene habits are seen as unhealthy and often face discrimination.

Staying healthy and keeping good hygiene consists of about four steps.  Sleep is the first. A healthy night’s sleep always helps you to start your day off right.  A minimum of eight hours rest is recommended. Diet is second.  Make sure everything that you put in your mouth counts. Eat four servings’ fresh fruit, and five servings of vegetables. 

Most Americans consume more protein than needed, which leads to excessive calories and obesity.  The recommended daily amount of lean meat and proteins depends on your age, gender and your level of activity.  You can find the recommended amounts of food needed on the US Department of Agriculture’s website. www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Exercise is third.  The Mayo Clinic recommends we make it a goal to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to remain healthy.

Positive influence is fourth.   Avoid negative people and seek out people who are encouraging and living the way you want to live.  These are the steps to a Healthy Life!

Berniece Brown, Coordinator of Social Services for Carevide & Hunt County Interagency Network.