"Live Healthy Stay Healthy" ill-health, of body or of mind, is defeat. Health alone is victory.

Our body is like a machine which functions smoothly only  if we look after it. The simplest way to ward off common infections and diseases  such as colds, diarrhea and jaundice is to keep one’s hands clean( which are the super highways for transmitting germs) and avoid contaminated food and drink. We can keep  ourselves fit and healthy by following some simple rules and habits in our daily living.

Hygiene Wash your hands with soap and water before and after every meal. Avoid “street” food  and drink which is invariably prepared in unhygienic conditions. Drink filtered water or water which has been boiled for at least 15-20 minutes. Drink plenty  of water as it removes toxins  from the body.

Skin  Care Take a bath daily, preferably with a medicated soap. Wash your armpits and clean behind your ears properly, with soap. Wash your face regularly to prevent blackheads and pimples. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel after a bath. Keep your skin moisturized to prevent it from becoming dry.

Hair  Care Oil your hair once a week. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp while shampooing. Shampoo your hair at least twice a week. Do not comb or brush wet hair as it’s weakest then. Avoid using hairdryer and styling products as much as possible. A diet rich in vitamin E(green leafy vegetables, nuts, especially almonds, corn oil, liver, wheat germ helps prevent premature graying and hair fall).

Care of hands and feet Use a medicated soap to wash your hands. Clean your hands for at least 20 seconds at a time. Don’t just rub your palms together but clean the entire space between the fingers as well as the back of your hands. Also, clean the space between your toes thoroughly, whilst taking a bath. Cut your finger and toe nails at regular intervals. Wear cotton socks and comfortable shoes. Keep your feet dry  and clean by dusting them with talcum powder. This helps prevent bacterial and fungal  infection.

Eye  Care Gently splash your eyes  whilst keeping them closed with cold water every morning. Avoid reading in dim light. Do not strain your eyes by watching T.V. from too close or by sitting in front of a computer for too long. Every twenty minutes or so, look at a distant object, about 15-20 feet away. Take a break every half an hour or so. Whilst reading or writing, keep an erect posture. A diet rich in vitamin A (whole milk, cheese, butter, eggs, liver, red, green and yellow fruits  and vegetables, especially carrots) is good for the eyes.

Caring for your ear and nose Do not use pointed or metallic objects to remove excess wax from your ears. Use soft and moist cotton buds  to clean your ears. Do it very gently. In case of an earache or ear discharge consult a doctor immediately. Breathe through your nose as the hair in it prevents any foreign  matter from going inside. Blow your nose, one nostril at a time, to prevent rupturing delicate membranes  lining the inside of the nose.

Dental  Care Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably after breakfast and after dinner. Rinse your mouth after every meal and especially  after eating anything sticky or sweet, to prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Flossing is useful for keeping gums healthy and for preventing tartar build up. When you see your dentist next, ask him how to brush the teeth and massage the