Hygiene

HYGIENE : THE PATHWAY TO A HEALTHY LIVING


Brethren, an English grammarian would be so enthusiastic in informing people that English is the best language in existence. On the other hand, an Igbo grammarian would stop at nothing or would be so conscientious while trying to convince the public that Igbo is not just the best but remains the only language on earth. Whichever of the aforementioned crusades is invoked, the fact remains that both crusaders are trying to defend their ethnic heritage or individual ideology as the case may be.

Let’s have it this way; a Literature guru would leave no stone unturned while educating his fans on the outstanding impact of Arts in human existence. While a Physics don would continue to expatiate his view that Sciences is the only reason why man still lives. Any of the above fanaticism or dogmatism showcases how mankind can go an extra mile while defending his/her individual faith or conviction which can lead to extremism. But whichever case is in question, I wish to use this medium to unequivocally inform you that some crusades are intensely worthwhile therefore ought to be generally accepted.

We are discussing or about to discuss hygiene which is tagged as the pathway to any healthy living. Hygiene is the act of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean, in order to avoid illness or any possible spread of disease(s). There are different kinds of hygiene such as personal hygiene, food hygiene and environmental hygiene. Personal hygiene is that type of cleanliness that has to do with your body. On the other hand, food hygiene is about the hygiene relating to those things we consume on a daily basis. While environmental hygiene deals with our immediate environment or surroundings.

In one of my previous editions on this column, we succeeded in discussing extensively the high level of ignorance in disease transmission. In that edition, I categorically stated that if properly checked, dirt remains the rudiments of disease contraction or transmission. Most of us are yet to acknowledge that all diseases/infections has fundamental cause, rather they are only conscious of the fact that a certain disease can be transmitted from one person/animal to another without knowing that such disease has a genesis.

Millions of health/medical experts have lamented in the past on the likely danger of unhygienic attitude of most people. Many are still lamenting while many are yet to lament. But as a social analyst, mine is expected to be exceptional or more friendly, therefore I’m not lamenting or about to lament; rather I’m here to plead with my fellow gentle men and women.

We must endeavour to keep ourselves clean. And this is personal hygiene. This aspect of hygiene is the basic part of general hygiene in any given society. We should at least ensure that, we take our bath and as well brush our teeth/mouth twice in a day. Apart from taking our bath, washing of our hands after indulging in any work/activity or exercise is of utmost importance. We should also ensure that our armpits, private parts and other hair-growing areas on our bodies are being shaved always.

The food, water and other items we’re about/meant to eat or drink ought to be kept clean. Properly wash whatever you’re meant to eat. Boil your water adequately if it’s not from a reliable source. Above all, warm your cooked food every morning before taking it so that all germs or bacteria would be duly eliminated. Also, before cooking or boiling your meal, don’t hesitate to properly wash all the items involved with reasonable amout of salt and water.

Your environment or the environs of where you live are not left out. Endeavour to keep your surroundings clean. Keep your toilet and toiletries clean at all times. Ensure that the drainage system within you is always kept clean. Wash your wears and other clothing materials whenever they are dirty or stained. Don’t ever relent in convincing the members of your family and your closest neighbours on the efficacy of all forms of hygiene because their ignorance towards this would also affect you directly or indirectly. So be warned! Apart from our immediate environment, we should also ensure that wherever we find ourselves is being kept clean and tidy. Don’t be lousy over anything that has to do with both human and animal hygiene irrespective of who or the people it affects because someone’s spoilt or bad child could harm/damage your golden child. Who knows?

Beloved, we must wake up from our various slumbers. Enough of all these lackadaisical attitudes that tremendously affect our daily health conditions. Never you take your hygiene for granted because it’s truly a pathway to any healthy living. This shouldn’t be seen as a personal crusade therefore ought to be generally accepted. Be wise so you won’t fall victim!



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COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist