PERSONAL HYGIENE
Personal hygiene protects and improves an individual's health.
The skin is a barrier that impedes the entrance of germs into the organism, and at the same time, contributes to the regulation of the body's temperature by producing of sweat through the sweat glands. Other glands produce a grease-based substance that is impervious and serves to lubricate the skin.
These secretions, combined with vestiges of flaked skin, dust and dirt begin to decompose and produce an unpleasant smell. Furthermore, they are a favourable breeding ground for germs and the emergence of illnesses.
A daily shower with soap and water after work, especially in hot seasons, or after strenuous work in dirty environments, will eliminate these secretions entirely.
Attention should be paid to the armpits, the groin, the area around the anus and genital zone, hands and feet.
Hair should be frequently washed with soap or shampoo. Combs should always be for personal use and kept clean by using detergents. If you notice parasites (lice…) it will be essential to use specific lotions and shampoos, (see Chapter 8.36, SKIN PARASITES).
After showering, the body should be properly dried. Each member of the crew should have his or her own towel.
The hands are our principle working tool and are soiled by many diverse substances. At the same time, they are a source of contamination for everything we touch, as many kinds of germs accumulate on them, especially around the fingernails. It is therefore necessary to wash them regularly with soap and water, using a nailbrush for the nails, and always before eating and after visiting the toilet.
Figure 13-1: How to cut the nails of
the fingers and toes.
Nails should be cut on a regular basis to avoid the accumulation of dirt, in a curved form for the fingers and straight for the toes.
Those who handle food should take special care with these hygiene measures as they could transfer various illnesses in this way. Do not leave cuts or cracks on the fingers untreated.
Feet should be washed daily as they contain an abundant amount of sweat glands and the accumulation of secretions produces unpleasant smells as well as cracks and infections.
In the case of excessive sweating, apply specific lotions to reduce this problem and keep them dry, avoiding the appearance of fungi.
Other skin concerns
The skin should be protected from an excessive exposure to the sun, wearing clothes that are appropriate to the weather and type of work.
Humidity should also be avoided as it softens the skin, leaving it prone to infections. Carefully dry off, and change clothing frequently, especially underwear in order to stay clean and dry.
The continuous rubbing of the skin by clothing and shoes, etc., produces abrasions and infections and should, therefore, be avoided. These protective elements should always be kept clean.
The hands should be given special attention by using gloves, which depend on the type of work being undertaken.
The use of a toothbrush for cleaning after every meal is essential to prevent the appearance of gum infections and dental decay. Food and drink leave residues between the teeth that ferment and favour the appearance of infections.
The toothbrush should be used exclusively and not shared with anyone else, and should be changed regularly, about every three months.
If you have false teeth, they should be kept perfectly clean, because if not they could easily cause decay in the remaining natural teeth. Full sets of false dentures should be carefully cleaned after every meal to prevent infections and bad breath.
You should visit the dentist regularly, especially before long journeys. Always set out to sea with teeth in perfect condition.
There are three main aspects:
- Refraction defects (myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism) should be treated and properly corrected, especially for those on watch as the safety of the entire crew depends on them.
- Protect eyes against foreign bodies, chemicals and machines, by using protective glasses and visors. Use sun glasses in environments with intense light.
- Ocular infections, principally conjunctivitis, are very contagious and should therefore be treated immediately. All objects that come into contact with the eyes should be exclusively for personal use (towels, handkerchiefs…).
People who use prescription glasses should also have a spare pair in case of breakage.
Ears should be cleaned daily to prevent secretions, but avoiding the introduction of toothpicks, cotton buds, etc., as this could cause wax blockages and could damage the interior and even the eardrum.
Workers exposed to high noise levels (more than 85 dB) should use auditory protection to prevent professional deafness. Headsets or plugs can be used. (see figure 13-2).
Plugs ensure adequate protection, provided they are correctly fitted. They can either be moulded (foam; see figure 13-3 for how to fit them) or semi rigid (cork), and it is advisable to wash your hands before fitting them. They should be exclusively for personal use and be replaced or washed periodically depending on the type.
Headsets, easier to fit, have the inconvenience of being uncomfortable over long periods. They should be kept perfectly clean and dry.
Figure 13-2: Types of ear protection.
Figure 13-3: How to fit moulded plugs.
Clothing used should not be especially baggy so as to avoid being caught in machinery, nor should it be excessively tight, which could cause compression. They should not make normal body movements difficult.
Washing, especially underwear, is very important. Underwear should preferably be made of natural fibre, which allows the skin to breathe more and makes the appearance of allergies less likely.
Shoes should be comfortable and flexible, allowing for the volume variation of the foot throughout the day, as well as its perspiration. Furthermore, they should be suitable for the climate and type of work to be done, as in many cases some kind of protection is needed. They should be kept clean and dry, using powdered deodorants if necessary
The term "sexually transmitted diseases" (STD) includes a Group of naturally infectious diseases whose means of infection is through sexual intercourse.
Apart from the well known ones, (Syphilis, gonorrhoea, etc.), others that have increased notably in the last few years can be included, such as genital herpes, viral hepatitis and AIDS.
To prevent these illnesses it is essential to avoid sexual contact with individuals you suspect of having the disease. If you do have sexual contact, you should use a condom (see Chapter 11, PREVENTION OF CONTAGIOUS AND CHRONIC ILLNESSES).
You should see a doctor immediately at the appearance of the first symptom or suspicion of a STD. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on this in many cases. You should in no circumstances try to treat yourself, but ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO .
You should abstain from sexual activities until completely cured. It is important to localise, study and treat everyone you have had sexual contact with, in order to prevent further infections.
Figure 13-4 to 13-7.
Attention to posture
Using a bad body posture or lifting weights incorrectly often produces back pain, sciatica, lumbago and even slipped discs. To avoid this, the column should be kept straight, bending legs, and using them to make most of the effort. You should avoid twisting the column when lifting weights.
BASIC METHODS TO PREVENT LUMBAGO
- Sleep on a firm bed placing a wooden board between the mattress and the frame. Use either a thin pillow or none at all.
- Avoid lifting or carrying heavy weights.
- To pick something up from the floor, bend the knees and crouch.
- Do not remain standing for long periods. If you have to stand, separate the feet, make abdominal and gluteal muscle contractions without moving, lean against a wall and give a step forward from time to time.
- There are jobs, both domestic and industrial, that are usually done standing up, but could just as easily be done sitting down. Use a swivel chair with an adjustable backrest to find the correct posture.
- If possible, go swimming during the holidays and try sunbathing the back.
- If infrared rays are not possible, use dry heat (a warm towel or a hot water bottle) on the area that hurts once or twice a day for 15-20 minutes.
- Lukewarm or warm showers or baths for 15 minutes are also useful, followed by bed rest and a massage with hot water jets for 2 or 3 minutes.