Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 5 hygiene habits you might be getting wrong
You’d be surprised by how many of your hygiene habits are actually ineffective, outdated or making your health worse. But as hygiene advice continues to evolve it can be hard to keep up. So, here are a few simple ways to up your hygiene regimen.
Flossing is the most important part of our oral care routine, but unfortunately most of us don’t floss regularly. Flossing is essential for removing plaque from areas that mouthwash and toothpaste cannot reach. Your gums may bleed at first, but that’s no need to worry. Flossing is a hack to stop gum bleeding by removing plaque!
Washing between your toes should be a priority. I know some think soapy water running over your feet in the shower is sufficient, but it’s not. Your feet are confined to socks and shoes all day and between your toes can harbor bacteria that will cause odor. Take a few extra minutes to clean between the piggies!
Don’t wash your hair too much! Remember old shampoo bottles that said lather, rinse, repeat? That was only added to sell more shampoo. It doesn’t clean your scalp but causes an imbalance of oils that can lead to irritation. If you have an oily scalp, no more than 3-4 washings per week. If your hair is dry or curly, twice weekly max!
Don’t rip through your wet hair with a brush right after showering. This causes split ends. Pat your hair gently with a towel then smooth out any tangles with a wide-toothed comb. If you have dry or curly hair, a leave-in conditioner will help with those tangles too without too much breakage. Also, avoid going to bed with wet hair. It can cause scalp infection. The moisture also creates an ideal environment for dust mites to breed, impacting your health.
If you are preparing food, always wash up near your elbows. In general, when washing your hands, the entire hand surface must be cleaned, including the top, bottom, between fingers, around nails and even your wrists. Regular soap is fine—antibacterial kinds are not necessary. Hand sanitizers can be used in addition to proper hand washing, but some viruses are resistant to them so don’t use these as your only method!
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
