Kids and hygiene

Personal hygiene is at the root of our overall heath. By taking care of your body in small ways every day, you can prevent many health conditions that are related to poor hygiene including dry, itchy skin or rashes; tooth decay; bacterial or fungal infections; and contracting common viruses including the flu and COVID-19.

Dental Health

THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT your child’s teeth is to teach him good dental habits. With the proper coaching he’ll quickly adopt good oral hygiene as a part of his daily routine. However, while he may be an enthusiastic participant, he won’t yet have the control or concentration to brush his teeth all by himself. You’ll need to supervise and help him so that the brush removes all the plaque—the soft, sticky, bacteria-containing deposits that accumulate on the teeth, causing tooth decay. Also, keep an eye out for areas of brown or white spots which might be signs of early decay.

As soon as your child has a tooth you should be helping her brush her teeth two times a day with a smear (size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste on a child-sized toothbrush that has soft bristles. There are brushes designed to address the different needs of children of all ages, ensuring that you can select a toothbrush that is appropriate for your child.

Handwashing

WASHING HANDS REGULARLY has become a part of most of our hourly routines as a result of COVID-19. But, we often still need to remind our kids of the practice. Handwashing can prevent one in three diarrhea-related sicknesses and one in five respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu. Handwashing is an easy, cheap, and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep kids and adults healthy. Teaching children hand washing at an early

Stinky Adolescents

WHEN YOUR CHILD ENTERS puberty, everything changes. In addition to mood swings and menstruation, changes in hormones result in an increase in perspiration, which sometimes means an increase or change in your child’s body odor. That distinct smell you notice emanating from your tween is associated with adrenarche, which is the medical term for the body changes your tween is experiencing, including the adrenal glands becoming more active. In fact, sweating increases in tweens, especially in the underarm and groin areas, because their glands are maturing and being stimulated by hormones. The simplest remedies are the most effective—and least embarrassing. Showering regularly (some teens shower twice per day), staying on top of clothes washing, wearing deodorant, and paying special and socks clean are the best ways to keep bad body age is a good way to encourage a lifelong habit. Make your child feel good about hand washing by tying it to fun activities such as snack time and cleaning up from arts and crafts. Have your child practice counting or sing a song while they wash their hands, to make sure they do not rush. Soap or sanitizer that foams, changes color or smells good can be exciting for kids as well. One of the best ways to encourage your child to clean their hands is by washing your own.