BEYOND GERMS: SOAPS TO SANITY

It has been nearly half a decade since the COVID-19 pandemic brought hand hygiene into global focus.

- Rajiv Ambat

We still remember the government campaigns, NGO advisories, and posters that showed exactly how to wash our hands - palms, backs, between fingers, and under nails, for at least 20 seconds. For many people, it was the first time such a basic act was explained in detail, on national television and social media. The message was simple but critical - proper handwashing can prevent disease and save lives. Hand hygiene is more than just preventing COVID; many illnesses like the flu, diarrhoea, and other infections spread through contaminated hands and poor personal hygiene.

The 5th of May is observed as World Hand Hygiene Day - an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote hand hygiene. It is a reminder that basic hygiene practices are still one of the most effective tools in preventing diseases. Personal hygiene such as bathing, oral care, and clean clothing is important not just for health, but also for our dignity in the society.

But in today's world, hygiene goes beyond just protecting us from germs. While handwashing and personal cleanliness are still important, they are only part of the larger picture. Our daily lives and well-being is shaped by many factors - the information we consume, the stress we deal with, or the constant digital overload. Just as germs can infect the body, negative thoughts, emotional baggage, and toxic online environments can affect our mental and emotional health. Hygiene has to be more comprehensive, covering not just our physical health, but also our emotional, mental, and digital well-being.

Classic Hygiene: The basics still matter