Self-Awareness: Hygiene! Science + Middle School Person = Hygiene!

What is hygiene?! Hygiene = the practices performed for good health Good hygiene is important because: It keeps us healthy It keeps us clean It keeps us smelling nice It makes us become more socially appropriate What is hygiene?!

Wash your hands! When should you wash your hands? After going to the bathroom Before eating After touching pets, trash, or anything icky After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing How should you wash your hands? Use soap and water Wash all the parts of your hands and wrists– including your fingernails! Wash for at least 20 seconds. Try singing the ABC song in your head! Rinse your hands Dry your hands with a clean towel or use the air to dry them

Take a shower or bath Every day Bacteria cause odor (bad smells) We sweat all day long (some days more than others) The bacteria eat the sweat and cause the stink You can’t really smell yourself You might be able to smell your own body odor, but what you smell is a fraction of what others will/can notice Our noses get used to local smells so that we can notice new ones Where should you scrub? Short story: EVERYWHERE Long story: Anywhere on your body that skin-touches-skin, bacteria and sweat can increase. Pay attention to these areas. Don’t neglect your back/neck or feet Armpits are a very good place for extra scrubbing attention Wash your face to avoid oily skin and break-outs

Deodorant In middle school, you should wear some form of deodorant EVERY DAY Options: Antiperspirant: stops sweat Deodorant: stops odor Antiperspirant and Deodorant: stops sweat and odor Spray: Instead of rolling on the product, you can spray it on Application Whatever you choose, put it on after every shower and before getting dressed Apply to your armpits

Other Stuff Sneezing and coughing Passing gas Cover your mouth with your elbow/arm when you sneeze or cough This helps keep germs from spreading and makes people feel comfortable Use a tissue to clean your nose. Do this in private if at all possible. Passing gas It is NEVER OK to pass gas in class or other public places, even if you think it does not smell bad or you think it won’t make noise You should pass gas in the bathroom If you burp or pass gas, you should say “excuse me,” even if you don’t think anyone noticed

More other stuff Brushing your teeth Fresh clothes EVERY MORNING before you leave your house EVERY NIGHT before you go to bed (plus any additional times your dentist tells you to) Fresh clothes Wear new clothes every day This includes socks, jackets, and shirts You can sometimes wear pants more than once before washing them. Check to find out your family’s policy.