Back to basics in personal hygiene Published July 26, 2009 By Senior Airman Michael Matkin 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Personal hygiene is taught since childhood. Mothers reminded their children to "wash your hands before supper," and boys often heard, to their chagrin, "it's time for your weekly bath." As we grew older some of us adopted even more stringent habits; however, some may have strayed from even the simplest of hygiene standards, needlessly passing on viruses and germs. "The biggest cause of illness on base is lack of hygiene," said Lt. Col. Billye Hutchison, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group deputy commander and chief nurse. Although thorough hygiene will secure the best results, hand washing is the most basic and effective way to practice good hygiene in order to prevent sickness and disease, said Staff Sgt. Jessica Rowe, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group aerospace medical service technician, who is deployed from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. According to the Center for Disease Control, many diseases and conditions are spread through inadequate hand hygiene as a result of not washing hands after using the toilet, before food preparation or eating, when hands are visibly soiled. Throughout the day, it is easy for germs to build up on hands through numerous sources, such as dirty surfaces. It is then possible to spread those germs by touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Cross-contamination is also possible by touching others or surfaces others touch, Sergeant Rowe, who hails from Port St. Lucie, Fla., said. Sergeant Rowe said that poor hygiene can also lead to the spread of infectious diseases such as the flu, the common cold, hepatitis and staph infections as well as salmonella, E. coli and other gastrointestinal disorders. "If it is communicable, it can be spread by unclean hands," she said. Warm water and soap should be used for at least 30 seconds while scrubbing hands. Sanitizers can be used in lieu of or in addition to warm water and soap, but don't wash hands immediately after applying or it will remove the alcohol, thereby removing its germ-killing benefits, said Colonel Hutchison, deployed here from Maxwell AFB, Ala., where she is attending Air War College. As important as hand washing is, there are additional steps that can be taken to ensure good hygiene and overall health is maintained in a deployed environment. "The biggest way to prevent germs from spreading is to cover your mouth when coughing," Colonel Hutchison said. "If a tissue is used, throw it away." If any kind of upper respiratory problems are felt, such as a fever or cough, the colonel advises it is best to maintain a reasonable distance from others. Since people cough into their hands, is important to remember that "it is OK to shake others' hands, but just be sure to wash before eating," Sergeant Rowe said. Coughing into one's sleeve is common practice which is why having a clean uniform is so important, the colonel said. Dirty uniforms can have an ill effect on health because chemicals and germs may be present. Colonel Hutchison, originally from Midwest City, Okla., said. "due to the extreme conditions here, uniforms should only be worn one day to prevent germs from spreading." Personal hygiene is more than just keeping yourself and your uniforms clean; it is also about staying mentally and physically fit. "Mental health is part of it. People need time away from their jobs to give them a chance to recharge. If you don't have time to reenergize, the mind will become a little puddle," Colonel Hutchison said. Physical exercise is not only good for the body, but also for the mind. It is easier to think when you are physically fit and well rested; it makes you feel mentally better, the colonel said. Maintaining a strong body also helps the immune system fight off germs. Colonel Hutchison suggests that Airmen be aware of their body and to follow some simple suggestions: -- Cuts or open sores should be kept clean at all times. Avoid touching the site. If a sore is oozing or red go to the clinic. -- Keep your feet healthy by wearing clean, dry socks every day, as well as sho-wer shoes when showering. Shoes should fit well. -- Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses, which will reduce the sun's glare and shield the eyes from sand and dust. -- Maintain good oral health by brushing your teeth. Neglecting your teeth can result in serious health problems, such as infections. Practicing good hygiene at every opportunity can keep Airmen free from disease and at their best; thus ensuring everyone remains in the fight.