154 Staying Healthy
caring for yourself
during monthly
bleeding, 55
infections of the urine
system, 365
Personal cleanliness
It is best to wash with soap and clean water every day, if
possible. Also:
• wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after
passing urine or stool, and before and after caring for a
baby or someone who is sick.
• wash the genitals every day with mild soap and water.
But do not douche. The vagina cleans and protects
itself by making a small amount of wetness or discharge.
Douching washes away this protection and makes a
woman more likely to get a vaginal infection.
• pass urine after having sex. This helps prevent infections
of the urine system (but will not prevent pregnancy).
• wipe carefully after passing stool. Always wipe from
front to back. Wiping forward can spread germs and
worms into the urinary opening and vagina.
You can make a
toothbrush to keep
your teeth clean.
Yes! No!
Protect your teeth
Taking good care of the teeth is important because:
• strong, healthy teeth are needed to chew and
digest food well.
• painful cavities (holes in the teeth caused by
decay) and sore gums can be prevented by good
tooth care.
• decayed or rotten teeth caused by lack of
cleanliness can lead to serious infections that may
affect other parts of the body.
• people who do not care for their teeth are more
likely to lose them when they get old.
Teeth should be cleaned carefully twice a day. This
removes the germs that cause decay and tooth loss.
Clean the surface of all front and back teeth, then
clean between the teeth and under the gums. Use a
soft brush, tooth stick, or finger wrapped with a piece
of rough cloth. Toothpaste is good but not necessary.
Salt, baking soda, or even plain, clean water will also work.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012