Conscientious hygiene could better your health



(NC) — Conscientious hygiene will likely lead to better health, according to a new international study.

The Hygiene Council's2011 Lysol HABIT Study (Hygiene: Attitudes, Behaviour, Insight and Traits) is the largest global study of hygiene behaviour to date. In an effort to better understand health outcomes, such as transmission of colds and flu, the study explores how certain demographics and personality traits influence hygiene practices.

The study surveyed 12,000 people across 12 countries and found those who have good manners have better personal hygiene, and are almost two-and-a-half times more likely to have fewer colds and instances of diarrhea.

Canadian women clean up versus men

Among Canadians, the study found that women are more concerned about good personal and household hygiene than men. Canadian women are two times more likely than Canadian men to wash their hands regularly and one-and-a-half times more likely to clean surfaces within the home. Additionally, the study showed that Canadians with neurotic behaviours are healthier and report fewer incidences of contagious diseases.

“Understanding what drives hygiene behaviour is very valuable to your overall health,” says Professor John Oxford, chairman of the Hygiene Council and professor of virology at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. “We want people to recognize that a change in behaviour may lead to overall better hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and surface disinfection. These hygiene habits are the first defence against spreading germs and infectious diseases.”

You can visit hygienecouncil.com or lysol.ca for more information and recommendations on improving hygiene levels in the home and community.


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