Hygiene, Skin Care and Nutrition Tips for Healthy Living
1. Hygiene and Skin Hygiene Measures
Hygiene and skin care: We carry out daily hygiene routines and apply protective agents against infectious skin changes due to temperature, sun exposure, and the appearance of scratches, rashes, irritations, etc. To instill good hygiene habits, wash hands before and after eating and after going to the bathroom, keep nails clean, and always keep them trimmed.
Eyes and hygiene measures: We clean the eyes several times a day, and each time it is necessary we use warm water and a gauze to remove any discharge. Avoid excessive light on the eyes, and avoid non-natural light in classrooms by using preferably natural sunlight, or prevent polluted environments and lack of atmospheric hygiene, with adequate control and monitoring measures.
2. Cot and Room Characteristics
Cot: It should be large, comfortable, and easy to clean, with a clear, deep interior, good external protection, good supports, good suspension, a removable and washable cover, and a comfortable mattress. Foldable cots should be supplied with side guards, and should open or close easily, with a strong and secure structure.
Children's room: The living space should be sufficient and related to the number of people who live in it, having a room for the child. It should have good ventilation, adequate natural and artificial lighting, an average temperature of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, a humidity of 50% and outdoor noise should be kept to a minimum. There should be no isolation of all the materials. Take care of the toilet, and keep cupboards or cabinets with guards, keeping toys and clothes stored safely.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies and Common Products
Diaper Dermatitis
It is a skin affection caused by the heat and humidity conditions created by occlusion of the skin in prolonged contact with diapers, urine and feces. These conditions favor infections such as fungal infections. To change diapers with great frequency, use disposable diapers with good absorption capacity, wash the area thoroughly with water and soap if possible, let the air dry the skin, and avoid self-medication. Follow the recommendations of the dermatologist or pediatrician.
Rickets
Vitamin D deficiency characterized by the softening and weakening of bones, causing deformities during growth.
Atherosclerosis
An excess of saturated fat in the blood, which deposits on the walls of the arteries, causing them to harden. Saturated fats are solid at almost all ambient temperatures and are of animal origin.
Scurvy
A disease characterized by bleeding of the skin and gums, and inflammation of the joints, caused by a deficit of vitamin C.
Dehydration
It occurs when the organism loses excessive water, with evident weakness. Skin and mucous membranes dry out, and urine emitted is scarce and of a darker color and concentrated odor.
Goiter
A disproportionate enlargement of the thyroid gland, caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. Good sources include salt, algae and shellfish.
4. Nutrients and Their Sources
A. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes, and for the proper function of vision, especially at night. It is found in carrots, tomatoes, liver, and yellow and green vegetables. Its deficiency causes alterations in the production of skin and mucous membranes and ocular disorders.
Potassium
Potassium is important for the proper functioning of the neuromuscular system and the heart. Dehydration, excessive sweating, and deficit cause alterations in heart rhythm and heart rate. It is found in bananas, potatoes, orange juice and citrus fruits.
B. Iodine
Iodine is important for the formation of thyroid hormones, which govern metabolism. Its deficit produces goiter.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 work together to maintain the normal function of the nervous system, the production and function of red blood cells, and genetic health. They are found in beer, cereals, fruits, seeds, milk, and more.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are formed by carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and provide energy and heat to the organism. Excess produces intestinal fermentation, diarrhea, and gas. Deficiency produces an increase in weight loss.
Dietary Carbohydrate Tips
Simple and starches: Found in cereals, pasta, potatoes and flours.
Complex: Fruit, milk, honey and table sugar.
Fiber: Large molecules formed in the intestine that cannot be absorbed. They help increase the fecal bolus transit and improve the intestine. They do not contribute calories and are recommended to help prevent constipation.
5. Epidemiology and Environmental Hygiene
Epidemiology: It is dedicated to the study of transmissible or non-transmissible diseases in groups of people, with the aim of establishing their causes, mechanisms and the procedures to follow to conserve, increase and restore health.
Environmental hygiene: It comprises the preventive procedures related to all factors present in the environment that influence health, such as air, climate, water, soil and the living conditions of the human habitat. In general, hygiene is part of a set of global aspects related to the health of the human population.
E. Calcium
Calcium is an important part of forming bone tissue, teeth and blood coagulation. Excess in the diet and production of renal calculi, or deficit causing loss of dental pieces and bone problems. It is found in milk and dairy products, vegetables, fruits and dried fruits.