The word ‘hygiene’ has been derived from greek

word ‘hygiene’ which means healthful. However,

hygiene is also termed as ‘Hygia’ in greek, which
means of goddess of health.
In the modern times, it means the
“The art of living” . It is true that a healthy mind
lives in healthy body. It means that for proper and
systematic working of the body it is essential to
have proper hygiene. This type of hygiene is called
personal hygiene. Hence personal hygiene means
the study and application of preventive medicine
and physiology for the preservation of the health
individual.
Good habits serve as an instrument for the promotion
of health and long life. Similarly for proper and
systematic functioning of the different organs of
the body, it is essential to have proper hygiene. So
health and education have relative role for the
longevity of life. It has been rightly said that
“healthy body is a source achieving the highest goal
of life”. Therefore, we cannot ignore the
importance of personal cleanliness & personal
hygiene at home, in the class & institution.
Personal cleanliness is one of the most
ingredients of good health. It is preventive
measure against diseases. So one must know
how to keep himself clean & healthy. The habit
of personal cleanliness must be cultivated in
children so that they can be themselves
healthy. Personal cleanliness include:
cleanliness of teeth, ears, skin, nails, bowels,
habit of cleanliness , proper clothes etc.
We must follow such rules regarding healthy teeth
• Brush teeth daily after every meal especially after
meal.
• Brush teeth up to downward direction and vice –versa.
• Don’t eat sweet & sticky food in between meals.
Children should avoid toffees, candies, chocolates etc.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, pan
chewing to avoid mouth cancer.
• Consult dental surgeon regularly.
With proper personal & professional care one can keep
natural denture throughout life.
Eyes are the most important & valuable organs of the
body. Every care is essential to retain their sight &
keep them healthy. One must practice and learn the
following points to protect eyes :-
1. Wash eyes with fresh water.
2. Protect the eyes from dust, smoke & bright sunlight
& irritating vapours.
3. Avoid rubbing eyes with dirty fingers.
4. Use clean & separate towel or handkerchief.
5. If eyes appear red, swollen or watery consult doctor
immediately.
One puts on different types of clothes according
to various seasons. Clothes should be fit, clean
& tidy, as clean dress adds to ones personality.
Preferably clothes should be washed regularly
depending on the weather condition &
occupation, and then dried in sun. under
clothes which are in direct contact with the
body must be cleaned daily because they
constantly come in contact with different body
secretions & perspiration of skin
The nails are formed by the special horny cells of
the epidermis & protect the finger tips of hands
& feet. Since hands are used frequently for any
work, the nails get dirty very easily & this dirt in
the nails becomes a source of infection for food
when we touch it with hands. All this dirt may get
into our mouth with food & make us sick. Nails
should not be bitten by teeth otherwise dirt of
the nails may cause severe ailment of mouth
throat. On e must develop the habit of cleaning
the hands before cooking, handling & eating
food.