Nov 20, 2020 | Hygiene

A set of practises associated with preservation of health and healthy living

Covid-19 caught the whole world by surprise and we had to adjust our habits at a rapid rate. The unemployment rate sky-rocketed and people were forced to change their lifestyles. No warning, no preparation; just adaption and good safety practises to be set in place very quickly.

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted food safety, sanitation and good hygiene habits.

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Faced with the external forces of the coronavirus pandemic, our attitude towards food hygiene had to change dramatically for the better in this year. People are becoming more aware of their health and good hygiene is highlighted more so today than ever before.

For example, consumers visit informal markets for better prices and freshness of fruit and vegetables, which means that the produce gets touched by many hands before eventually being purchased. Hand sanitisers and washing of hands with soap and water became second nature in our everyday lives.

Remember, the onset of coronavirus originated at an informal market!

We can break down hygiene into the following categories:

  • Food hygiene
  • Personal hygiene
  • Environmental hygiene

Food hygiene

As mentioned, informal markets have become popular for purchasing fresh produce. Low prices and freshness of produce is the main reason people flock to markets.

Sanitation has become more important since Covid-19. Hand sanitisers are compulsory in all stores, but it does not hurt to have your own, especially when visiting informal markets.

Salmonella is one of the common bacteria in food related illnesses. It is rarely fatal, but when it enters your bloodstream can become critical.

Personal hygiene is how you care for your body.

Personal hygiene does not stop with washing hands, but also brushing of teeth, washing your body, washing your hair and washing before preparing food. Good personal hygiene is important for both health and social reasons. We can also prevent the spread of diseases and illnesses by practising good personal hygiene.

Environmental Hygiene

Environmental sanitation is the control of environmental factors that form links in disease transmission.

A few factors on environmental hygiene below:

  • Adequate and safety of drinking water for drinking and recreational use.
  • Proper excreta disposal and liquid waste management
    Proper application of storage, collection and disposal of waste.
  • Control of rodents and insects e.g. mites that transmit disease.

We should teach our children good hygiene habits. It is after all a set of practises that need to be instilled while the kids are young so it becomes second nature.

By keeping clean, we do not just look after ourselves; but also others and our environment!