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

2. 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?!

3. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.