It would seem that public hygiene protocol is not something easily forgotten since it is a standard taught since kindergarten, underscored in middle school, and essential to get your college diploma. Yet there are times, more often than we’d like to admit, that we may know the “do’s” and “don’ts” of social proprieties, but choose not to embrace them.
Stay classy and clean with these simple tips on how to display good hygiene when out in public.
Cover your mouth
This one is a no-brainer, but deserves to be first on the list. Hearing you sneeze or cough is one thing; feeling either of these is entirely another. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and keep your hands clean by using your upper arm as a shield.
One tissue does not conquer all
Feeling under the weather? Looking and feeling your best can be difficult when your sinuses and lungs are working against you. You can do your best to show you care about public hygiene by following the rules of thumb such as washing your hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, and pulling out clean tissues every time you need to use them in public.
Watch for bad habits
Bad habits like biting your nails, playing with your hair or touching your face can work against the image you’re trying to project. These habits are also a way that unwanted grime, oils, and bacteria can spread from different areas on your body and eventually onto objects you touch. Do yourself (and others) a favor by keeping your hands away from the top half of your body whenever possible.
Launder
Laundry is an arduous (and thankless) task, but there are few public hygiene no-no’s worse than dirty clothes. Designate one day of the week as laundry day and stick to it. Invest in a dependable iron and ironing board, and carry a stain remover in your purse or briefcase.
Preventing body odor
After washing, apply deodorant on the armpits. Wear clean, dry clothes. Wash sweaty or dirty garments thoroughly and, if possible, hang them outside for drying. If you suffer from excessive sweating, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
SUMMARY
Good personal hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting gastro or infectious diseases such as COVID-19, colds and flu. Washing your hands with soap removes germs that can make you ill. Maintaining good personal hygiene will also help prevent you from spreading diseases to other people.
