• Sunday 01st February 2026
• 15

Health and Hygiene Skills Course

Health and Hygiene

Health in Persian and Dari is the science and art of preventing diseases, prolonging life, and improving health through social efforts. Accordingly, there are definitions for personal, general, mental, and nutritional hygiene. Until about 3900 BC, diseases were considered merely a heavenly calamity, and no one treated or cared for the sick. However, prehistoric people, based on their experiences and religious or superstitious beliefs, used some form of prevention to prevent illness.

In ancient Rome, hygiene was recognized as a symbol of health. For this purpose, numerous public baths were built in various cities. In addition to bathing, which had a somewhat purifying meaning, massages and aromatic creams were also used. The origin of the word hygiene also dates back to the same period, to the goddess of health and cleanliness, Hygieia (Ancient Greek: Ὑγιεία), daughter of Asclepius.

History of Hygiene

In the early Middle Ages, bathing as a means of cleansing the soul became common among many people. However, over time, with the spread of superstitious beliefs that water causes the pores of the skin to open and diseases to enter the body, bathing fell out of favor; and public baths were recognized as a source of disease. In contrast, body pus was considered a protective layer against disease. In addition, toilets were located in public places and in public (even in the castles of kings), and excrement in the alleys was considered a natural sight. Hands and face were the only parts of the body that were washed regularly during this period. Thus, only various types of perfume were used to cover up bad body odor. This situation was worsened during the Renaissance by the spread of dangerous diseases such as syphilis and the plague. To prevent these diseases, people minimized their use of water, using only dry cloths for washing. During the reign of Louis XVI, the use of water gradually became common again. Toilets and washbasins were moved to separate rooms and bathing was done out of sight. Having a bathroom in the home became popular; although their purpose was primarily for relaxation, not washing.

In the 19th century, bathing became a necessity for personal hygiene, and washing hands and face with soap became common among most people. By the end of the 19th century, most buildings in Europe had bathrooms and toilets. The creation of underground sewage networks and treatment plants in the 20th century also improved public health in cities. In addition, the World Health Organization was established in 1946 to coordinate and improve public health worldwide.

Hygiene in Islam

Since its emergence in the 7th century AD, Islam has placed great emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness. In addition to the necessity of cleanliness during the five daily prayers with ablution and ghusl, there are other obligations and recommendations (including food hygiene, brushing teeth, bathing, purification of impurities, etc.) related to hygiene in Islam.

Public Health

Public health is the science and art of preventing diseases and promoting health and increasing human longevity using organized public actions and government and private organizations, which has received a lot of attention and emphasis based on religious teachings. Many health points that play a significant role in human health are stated in the teachings of the revealing religion of Islam as obligatory or recommended. For example, we can mention the conditions for correct prayer, including the purity of the body and clothing, all of which have a significant impact on the health of the individual and, more broadly, on the health of society.

“Public health” is synonymous with the phrase “public health,” and health means ensuring complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being, which is not limited to the absence of disease and organ defects, but also includes the axes of the body, mind, and society. Therefore, any defect or damage to any of these axes disrupts the balance of the individual and leads to a lack of health in the individual and society. All branches of health are originally branched out from the group, including: environmental health, occupational health, school health, nutritional health, food health, personal health, oral and dental health, maternal and child health, disease prevention, family health, elderly health, etc. A dimensional view of public health on individual and community health Public health looks at the individual in society and pays attention to individual health in a dimensional way. The impact of physical health on mental health, the impact of mental health on physical health, the role of individual health on community health, and the role of community health on individual health.

Personal hygiene consists of methods and principles to prevent the occurrence of various diseases and keep body parts clean. The simplest tasks such as washing hands or the entire body, keeping hair and nails clean, and observing the principles of cleanliness of personal clothing and clothing can ensure a person's health to a great extent.

What is personal hygiene?

Personal hygiene forms the main basis of the health of an individual and ultimately of a society. By observing several simple and everyday points in an individual's life, a high level of security is achieved for him, as a result of which prevention will be better than cure.

What is food hygiene?

Food hygiene is a branch of public health science with the aim of food hygiene to prevent food contamination, the spread of diseases, and food poisoning. Food hygiene laws specify safe ways to prepare and store food properly, and to eat food properly.

What is occupational hygiene?

Occupational health is a branch of health science that prevents the occurrence of diseases and complications that may be caused by physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic harmful factors in the workplace by identifying, evaluating, and controlling them.

What is mental health?

Mental health is a term used to describe any level of cognitive or emotional well-being or the absence of mental disorders in an individual.

From a positive or holistic psychological perspective, mental health may include enjoying life and providing a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve a balanced mental state.

Important tips for your body's health

Don't forget to walk or exercise daily.

Instead of carbonated drinks, which disrupt the absorption of calcium due to their phosphorus content, use healthy drinks such as yogurt, of course, non-carbonated yogurt and low...

Do not overdo it with tea and coffee. Because the caffeine in tea and coffee increases the body's calcium intake.

Avoid eating foods high in salt and protein.