The application of PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Behavior) should become a daily habit. Although it seems simple, in reality, there are still many people who do not pay attention to the importance of PHBS for the health of themselves, their families, and the surrounding environment.
PHBS (Clean and Healthy Life Behavior) is a movement that aims to improve the quality of life and public health. PHBS can be applied in the household, school, workplace, and the general public.
Get to Know Some PHBS Indicators
In general, the PHBS movement includes various steps to get used to living a healthy lifestyle. PHBS includes the following indicators:
- Wash hands with soap and running water
- Use the toilet to defecate and urinate and keep it clean
- Using clean water
- Eat healthy and clean foods, including vegetables and fruits
- Maintain personal hygiene by bathing, cutting long nails, and brushing teeth 2 times a day
- Eradicating mosquito larvae
- Exercise regularly
- Throw garbage in its place
- Stop smoking habit
- Avoiding and not consuming drugs, psychotropics, and other addictive substances (Drugs)
In the household setting, PHBS also includes exclusive breastfeeding, giving birth with the help of health workers (midwives or doctors), undergoing immunizations according to schedule, and checking the growth and development of infants and children at clinics, health centers, or posyandu regularly until the child is 6 years old. Keeping the kitchen clean is also one of the important points of PHBS.
In addition, health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as wearing masks, maintaining a minimum physical distance of 1 meter, and carrying out regular disinfection, are also included in PHBS.
Benefits of Implementing PHBS (Clean and Healthy Life Behavior)
PHBS is important to be carried out regularly because it can provide the following benefits:
1. Prevent infectious diseases
One of the main objectives of implementing PHBS is to maintain the cleanliness of the body and the environment. By getting used to living clean and healthy, you will be protected from various viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause infectious diseases.
2. Supports productivity
A healthy body and a clean environment will support the smooth process of teaching and learning, work, and other activities. In addition, you will become more comfortable and enthusiastic in your activities.
3. Support children's development
PHBS applied in the household also plays a role in optimizing the growth and development of children and preventing stunting.
With good hygiene, children will be protected from germs that cause disease. This can be an important factor to support the health and development of children from an early age.
4. Preserving the cleanliness and beauty of the environment
A clean, beautiful, and green environment will certainly be more comfortable to live in. Therefore, every member of the community needs to apply PHBS habits to keep their environment clean.
This can be done by not littering, not urinating and defecating in rivers, and doing reforestation by planting trees around the house.
In some areas in Indonesia, especially in remote areas, the implementation of PHBS may still have many obstacles. These constraints are generally related to the lack of clean water, as well as inadequate sanitation facilities and health services.
However, these obstacles do not only exist in remote areas. Although health services and access to information in urban areas are easier to reach, there are still many urban communities who are not aware of the importance of PHBS.
The implementation of PHBS brings many benefits to your health, your family, and the surrounding environment. Therefore, apply clean and healthy behavior starting from yourself. If you still have questions about the importance of PHBS, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.