Blog

Here’s a list of sanitary practices and maintaining hygiene presented in the form of a table:

	Key Area	Improvement Strategies
	Access to Clean Water	Ensuring that all communities have ready access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
	Waste Management	Promotion of proper waste disposal systems and recycling
	Personal Hygiene	Education aspects regarding handwashing, use of toilets, menstrual hygiene management.
	Infrastructure Development	A built intervention in developing and maintaining toilets, sewer lines, and waste treatment plants.
	Community Mobilization	The involvement of the community in the issue of sanitation by developing a change in behavior pertaining to awareness.

Analyzing, how can we Improve Sanitation and Hygiene. Improved sanitation and hygiene go hand in hand with increased access to clean water, proper systems for waste disposal, and public awareness about hygiene practices through various campaigns. This requires the involvement of governments, the community, and organizations to result in appropriate healthy living environments that are sustainable.

Sanitary Practice	Description
Handwashing	Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet and before meals. It cleans our hands with which we perform daily activities. The are number or soaps and hand washes available which we can use. Taking bath daily and cleaning all parts of the body with sufficient soap is always recommended. This has to be done early in the morning after exercising. It makes feel fresh and happy to encounter the day with happiness and wealthiness. Taking a bath twice a day is also recommended, which keeps us active and happy throughout the day.
Proper Waste Disposal	Disposing of waste in designated bins, separating recyclables, and avoiding littering to prevent environmental contamination. Waste disposal in the form of compost can be done in every surrounding or society. Compost converts waste products of vegetable, fruits, plants and other household waste material into biologically rich soil as nutrients are enacted in it. recycling of waste material is the best option far any society.
Clean Water Sources	Ensuring access to clean and safe water for drinking and daily activities, and addressing water quality concerns promptly. The tap water which arrives in our houses for household purposes has to be chlorinated. Drinking water needs to be boiled or purified using water purifiers. It is important to drink pure water wherever we go to avoid water borne diseases, specially during the rainy season.
Food Safety	Practicing safe food handling, including proper cooking, storage, and avoiding cross-contamination to prevent foodborne illnesses. In cooking while washing vegetables with clean water and washing grains with warm heated water has to be done. It should be ensured that the vegetables, fruits, grains are rotten or contaminated. Vegetables, fruits, grains should not be stored for too long. Also refrigerated storage facility can improve their living. Clean boiled water has to be used for washing them. Hotels and restaurants should ensure hygienic cooking habits. Rules and regulations about hygienic cooking and packing practices should be made stringent.
Personal Hygiene	Maintaining personal cleanliness through regular bathing, dental care, and grooming to prevent the spread of infections. Regular bathing, tooth brushing, and wearing clean, tidy clothes contribute to healthy living during different seasons. Kids should ensure that chocolates or sweets do not affect their teeth. Brushing teeth during the night before sleeping on a regular basis is important. Eating healthy nutritious food is what makes our body healthy.
Sanitizing Surfaces	Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, especially in high-touch areas, to eliminate germs and prevent the spread of diseases. The floor in our houses should be cleaned regularly with cleansing liquids, disinfectants. Furniture has to cleaned with the same. Brooms and dust cleaners should be regularly used for maintaining cleanliness, avoiding foul smells or dust. The awareness about clean hygienic society should spread everywhere. Disease causing insects, mosquitos should be driven away by spraying out regular disinfectants in bathrooms, toilets, basins and other toxic areas in a house.
Proper Toilet Hygiene	Using toilets properly, flushing after use, and maintaining cleanliness in bathroom facilities to prevent the spread of infections. Toilets Cleaners need to be used so that any foul smell or unhealthy and dirty insects do not enter. Using proper napkins, flushes, clean and repaired pipes that pass water, value a lot.
Respiratory Hygiene	Covering mouth and nose with tissues or elbows when coughing or sneezing, and properly disposing of tissues to prevent respiratory infections. One should have garden and plants in his house. Early morning watering of plants and maintaining your garden, being close to greenery makes your house makes your house environment friendly. In urban areas plants with flowers different leaves, adequate watering early in the morning habituate us with great living. if any person falls ill his food, water, clothes, room should be kept different. He should distant himself from other family members so that contagious diseases don’t spread.
Vector Control	Implementing measures to control disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes, through proper waste management and environmental hygiene. Windows and doors should be kept clean and should be kept closed during certain times of the day. When its raining, windows and doors should be kept closed so that rain water does not enter our homes. There should be proper waste management system to dispose wet products separately because they cause insects and mosquitos to enter our homes.
Personal Protective Equipment	Using appropriate protective gear, such as masks and gloves, when necessary, to prevent the transmission of infections in specific settings. When cleaning homes during festivals, occasions, while cleaning bathrooms, toilets one can make use of glows and masks to cover hands and face. This makes us stay away from skin, eyes, ears, mouth infections. The used masks and glove should be disposed.
Proper Laundry Practices	Washing clothes and linens regularly with detergent and at appropriate temperatures to eliminate germs and maintain cleanliness. Clean washed clothes should be used regularly, Clothes of regular working professionals should be washed and dried ironed regularly. Proper laundry practices at homes are a must.
Vaccination	Ensuring individuals are up-to-date with vaccinations to protect against preventable diseases and contribute to community immunity. To prevent the epidemics of harmful and dangerous diseases like polio, tuberculosis, typhoid, diarrhea, small pox, chicken pox vaccination should be done. Vaccination booths which the government conducts should be regulated well for all kind of people. Awareness about such government booths should be spread and they should be known to all.
Safe Handling of Pets	Practicing safe interactions with pets, including regular grooming and proper waste disposal, to prevent zoonotic diseases. Pets like dogs should be well groomed and regularly be taken for a walk outside homes. Their food and places where they are habituated should be separately maintained in homes. Giving them baths and maintaining their vaccinations on a regular basis is the key to their disease free life. Remember pets bring a joyful life in our homes.
Regular Health Checkups	Undergoing regular medical checkups to detect and address health issues promptly, contributing to overall personal and community health. Age old people, adults should go for yearly health checkup. It keeps us updated with the body issues and hence we can take necessary preventive measures to avoid dangerous illnesses. Our organs are the most important, on which we survive and are dependent in our lives. Health checkups make us and our family members aware about our important, even damaged areas of our organs which help us take preventive measures.
Community Education	Providing education and awareness programs on sanitary practices and hygiene to empower communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Cleanliness drives which should be carried out by societies and which make us aware of the importance of hygiene and sanitary practices. Kids should be taught lessons about the community hygiene and cleanliness in schools so that they secure their lives and encaptivate and nurture good habits.
Emergency Preparedness	Having plans in place for emergencies, including access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical resources for public health resilience. A first aid box should be maintained in our homes small illnesses and injuries can be managed easily. Everyone should have a family doctor or a physician who conducts regular health checkups for us to make our lives comfortable, happy and healthy. Doctor’s advices should be followed strictly by everyone so that our bodies become more immune.

10 Diseases caused by lack of sanitation:-

	Disease	Cause
	Diarrhea	Contaminated water and food due to poor sanitation practices.
	Cholera	Consumption of water or food contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, often related to inadequate sanitation.
	Typhoid Fever	Contamination of water or food by the Salmonella typhi bacterium, often stemming from poor sanitation conditions.
	Hepatitis A	Fecal-oral transmission due to contaminated water or food, commonly associated with inadequate sanitation.
	Dysentery	Infection of the intestines, often caused by poor sanitation and hygiene, leading to the contamination of food and water.
	Gastroenteritis	Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly resulting from consuming contaminated food or water in unhygienic conditions.
	Trachoma	A bacterial infection affecting the eyes, often spread through contact with contaminated hands or objects due to poor hygiene.
	Worm Infections	Lack of proper hygiene, including inadequate handwashing, can lead to the transmission of parasitic worms through contaminated soil or food.
	Scabies	Infestation of the skin mites, facilitated by close contact with an infected person or contaminated personal items in unsanitary conditions.
	Respiratory Infections	Poor ventilation and unclean living spaces can contribute to the spread of respiratory infections like the flu and common cold.
	Skin Infections	Lack of personal hygiene, including infrequent bathing and washing, can lead to various skin infections such as impetigo and fungal infections.
	Vector-Borne Diseases (e.g., Malaria, Dengue)S	Stagnant water and unclean environments provide breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, leading to the spread of diseases.
	Food Poisoning	Consumption of contaminated or spoiled food due to improper storage, handling, or lack of cleanliness in food preparation areas.
	Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)	Poor personal hygiene, especially inadequate wiping after using the toilet, can contribute to the development of urinary tract infections.
	Ringworm	Fungal infection often transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, including unwashed clothing and personal items.

Maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, clean water sources, and hygienic living conditions, is crucial in preventing the transmission of these diseases.

Sanitary and Hygiene Practices Around the World

Here’s how practices are followed, by Analyzing, how can we Improve Sanitation and Hygiene:-

USA:

Sanitary Practices:

Emphasis on Hand Hygiene:
In the United States, there is a significant emphasis on hand hygiene, with the widespread availability of hand sanitizers in public places, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. This practice aims to reduce the transmission of infectious agents and promote overall public health.

Strict Waste Segregation and Disposal Regulations:

The country has established strict waste segregation and disposal regulations to ensure proper management of both household and industrial waste. This includes recycling initiatives and guidelines for the safe disposal of hazardous materials, contributing to environmental sustainability and public safety.

Stringent Food Safety Standards and Regular Inspections:

The U.S. maintains stringent food safety standards enforced by regulatory bodies. Regular inspections of food establishments, processing plants, and distribution centers help uphold these standards, ensuring that the food supply chain meets high-quality and safety requirements for consumers across the nation.

UK:

Sanitary Practices:

Public Awareness Campaigns on Proper Waste Disposal and Recycling:

In the United Kingdom, public awareness plays a crucial role in promoting proper waste disposal and recycling. Various initiatives and campaigns educate the public on the importance of segregating waste, reducing single-use plastics, and participating in recycling programs. These efforts contribute to a cleaner environment and sustainable waste management practices.

Strict Regulations on Food Safety and Hygiene in Restaurants and Food Establishments:

The UK maintains strict regulations governing food safety and hygiene in restaurants and food establishments. Stringent standards ensure that these establishments adhere to guidelines that prioritize the health and safety of consumers. Regular inspections help enforce compliance, assuring the public of the quality and safety of the food they consume.

Promoting Community-Led Clean-Up Initiatives:

The UK actively encourages community-led clean-up initiatives to enhance local cleanliness and civic pride. These initiatives involve local residents, businesses, and organizations working together to maintain public spaces, parks, and streets. By fostering a sense of responsibility within communities, the UK promotes a collective effort in keeping the environment clean and aesthetically pleasing.

China:

Sanitary Practices:

Promoting Widespread Handwashing and Sanitation Awareness:

China places a strong emphasis on promoting widespread handwashing and sanitation awareness. Public health campaigns, especially in densely populated urban areas, encourage regular handwashing as a fundamental practice to prevent the spread of diseases. Education programs and awareness initiatives contribute to improved hygiene practices among the population.

Focused Efforts on Waste Management and Recycling:

With the aim of addressing environmental challenges, China has implemented focused efforts on waste management and recycling. The country has introduced comprehensive recycling programs, waste separation initiatives, and modern waste disposal facilities to manage the increasing volume of waste generated. These efforts align with China’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

Public Cleanliness Campaigns in Urban Areas:

China conducts public cleanliness campaigns in urban areas to maintain and enhance the cleanliness of public spaces. These initiatives involve the active participation of local communities, businesses, and municipal authorities. Through regular clean-up drives, the country strives to create aesthetically pleasing and sanitary urban environments, fostering a sense of civic responsibility among its citizens.

Russia:

Sanitary Practices:

Strict Adherence to Hygiene Standards in Public Places:
Russia places a strong emphasis on maintaining hygiene standards in public places. This includes strict adherence to cleanliness and sanitation protocols in public facilities such as transportation hubs, shopping centers, and government buildings. Regular cleaning schedules and sanitation measures contribute to creating a hygienic environment for the general public.

Emphasis on Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness in Homes:
There is a cultural emphasis on personal hygiene and cleanliness within Russian homes. Families prioritize practices such as regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and maintaining clean living spaces. This cultural norm extends to education initiatives that encourage individuals to adopt good personal hygiene habits, promoting overall health and well-being.

Regular Sanitation Drives in Communities:
Russia engages in regular sanitation drives at the community level. These initiatives involve coordinated efforts by local authorities, residents, and community organizations to clean and maintain public spaces. Whether through neighborhood clean-up events or larger-scale community projects, these drives contribute to fostering a sense of communal responsibility and ensuring that shared spaces remain sanitary for everyone.

Germany:

Sanitary Practices:

• Robust waste management and recycling systems.
• Strict regulations on cleanliness in public spaces.
• Promoting sustainable practices for environmental cleanliness.

Japan:

Sanitary Practices:

• High importance given to personal hygiene, including meticulous handwashing.
• Advanced waste management systems.
• Community-based clean-up activities.

India (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan):

Let me elaborate on that initiative you mentioned:

• Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2014.
• Objective: To make India open defecation-free and ensure proper waste management.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Building Toilets: in all parts of the country (mainly rural) for the sanitation and hygiene of people in the country.
• Promotion of Cleanliness: It motivates the people to maintain cleanliness in the public places, houses, and personal surroundings.
  • Behavioral Change: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is all about change of mindsets and practices of the people with respect to cleanliness and hygiene.
• Vision: ‘Clean India’ by 2nd October 2019 .

Yes, indeed, it has been a massive step taken for improving public health, environmental hygiene, and overall well-being in India.

Denmark:

• Hygiene Practices: Nationally recognized for cleanliness and waste management.
• High awareness on personal hygiene and cleanliness in public spaces.
• Efficient waste recycling programs.

India (Maharashtra – Cleanest State):

• Hygiene Practices:Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan promotes cleanliness.
• Emphasis on waste segregation and proper disposal.
• Community involvement in cleanliness drives.

Challenges in Dharavi, Mumbai:

Overcrowding:

Limited space and high population density in Dharavi pose significant challenges for waste disposal. With a constrained area and a large number of residents, efficient waste management becomes complex, leading to issues related to cleanliness and environmental impact.

Infrastructure Constraints:

Dharavi faces infrastructure constraints, including a lack of proper sanitation facilities and drainage systems. The absence of essential infrastructure hampers efforts to maintain a hygienic environment and provides a basis for health-related concerns.

Awareness:

Ongoing efforts are crucial to raise awareness on hygiene practices within Dharavi. Community-based initiatives and educational programs are essential to inform residents about the importance of cleanliness and proper waste disposal.

Informal Settlements:

Difficulty in implementing organized waste management is prevalent in informal settlements like Dharavi. The absence of structured systems makes it challenging to regulate and streamline waste disposal practices, contributing to environmental and health challenges.

Citizen Contributions:

Individual Responsibility:

Residents take individual responsibility by practicing proper waste disposal and recycling. This includes separating waste at the source and participating in community-driven recycling efforts.

Regular Cleaning of Personal Spaces:

Residents contribute by ensuring the cleanliness of their personal spaces, understanding the significance of maintaining a healthy living environment.

Volunteering in Community Clean-Up Drives:

Active participation in community clean-up drives is a common practice, with residents volunteering their time to collectively address cleanliness challenges.

Education and Advocacy:

Educating Others about Cleanliness:

Efforts are made to educate others within the community about the importance of cleanliness, emphasizing the role each resident plays in maintaining a hygienic environment.

Advocating for Sustainable Practices:

Residents advocate for sustainable practices, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for waste management and overall community cleanliness.

Community Engagement:

Active Participation in Local Initiatives:

Dharavi residents engage actively in local cleanliness initiatives, demonstrating a collective commitment to addressing challenges and improving the overall hygiene of the community.

Reporting Instances of Littering and Unhygienic Practices:

An important aspect of community engagement involves reporting instances of littering and unhygienic practices, fostering a sense of accountability and encouraging a cleaner and healthier living environment.

How does a person change when he grows old?

By implementing these practices and fostering a sense of responsibility, citizens can contribute significantly to maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, cities, states, and countries.