Stay fresh and clean

Hygiene is essentially how we keep our bodies clean and “sanitary.” The cleanliness aspect serves two functions. First, being clean is necessary to function socially. Other people, adults in particular, expect that the people they are interacting with will be clean. No person is an island, so being able to deal with other people is an essential skill for teens. Secondly, being clean allows you to be sanitary, maybe not completely free of germs, but mostly free of the germs that are harmful. Good hygiene then allows us to interact with other people and reduces our risk of catching a disease. It is very common in the preteen years that sometimes teens refuse to shower or bathe. When your parents or guardians tell you to take a bath daily, brush your teeth at least twice a day, wear clean socks and underwear, they are doing it for your own good. Hygiene is not frequently an issue, but when it is, it can be a big issue. Like when your fellow students shun interacting with you or you board a taxi and people cover their noses. This won’t affect you only physically but psychologically too. Puberty causes all kinds of changes in your body. Your skin may suddenly get oily. Every day it seems you have new hair growing in different places. At times, you seem to sweat for no reason, and you may notice there are odors where you never had them before. Although these bodily changes are a normal part of becoming an adult, still, some of them can be a real source of unease. Instead of complaing or getting uncomfortable learn how to deal with it; what you have to know is that everyone passes through this stage. Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat glands that you have always had in your body. But thanks to puberty, these glands not only become more active than before, they also begin to secrete different chemicals into the sweat that has a stronger smelling odor. You might notice this odor under your arms in your armpits et cetera. The best way to keep clean is to take a bath or shower daily using a mild soap and warm water. This will help wash away any bacteria that contribute to the body odor. Wearing clean clothes, socks, and underwear each day makes you feel clean. If you sweat a lot, you might find that shirts, T-shirts, socks, and underwear made from cotton or other natural materials will help absorb sweat more effectively. If you are concerned about the way your underarms smell, you can try using a deodorant. These get rid of the odor and dry up perspiration. you can buy these stuff at a cool price. Personal hygiene is very important because no-one likes to be close to a person who stinks and is dirty. So, whoever you are and wherever you go, remember to keep clean and fresh! martin.bishop18@yahoo.com