General hygiene
How to read the stories

General hygiene

If people do not understand the importance of brushing teeth to avoid unnecessary dental treatment, or of proper washing to avoid possible skin infection or food poisoning, they may neglect their personal care. Poor personal hygiene may have serious consequences, not only for general health, but also for the individual’s acceptance in local community activities and possibly for access to employment.

It should never be assumed that neglect of personal care, wearing dirty or inappropriate clothes or poor diet are automatically informed ‘choices’. We all have a responsibility to encourage healthy lifestyles and greater awareness about the importance of personal care.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.