Operation Hygiene

A Mineral County school counselor contacted Monte Turner at the Mineral Community Hospital in December and asked if they had any hygiene products they could donate to the school. The counselor explained that, though they teach hygiene to their students, it continues to be a big problem.

She remarked that perhaps the students were having difficulty getting product they need for proper hygiene care due to financial constraints at home. Upon further investigation, Turner learned that all three Mineral County schools were in need of personal hygiene supplies.

Alberton school principle, Kyle Fisher, said that two seniors, Kierstan McConnell and Donovan Drury, have chosen this as their Senior Project. They are raising funds to purchase products, as well as taking donations. Donations include clothing as well as hygiene products.

Superior school indicated that if they could stockpile enough products for the summer, they could distribute them throughout the year.

Seeing the extent of the need, Turner took this as a challenge and sprang into action. He quickly maneuvered the troops to help get supplies the schools need.  He approached the MCH Customer Service Committee who started the campaign “Operation Hygiene”. They joined forces with the Mineral County Medical Foundation and approached hospital staff for donations. Turner has also asked some Missoula businesses for donations. 

Personal hygiene in schools can be a real problem. Not only for the student, but it affects everyone around them. It can even turn into a stigma that the student may have to bear until hygiene issues are resolved.

By having the products available, students can discretely talk to counselors or teachers who they feel comfortable discussing issues with and the teacher will direct the student to the supplies they need. The matter will remain discrete and confidential. Supplies needed are toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, soap, and tampons.

The public is also welcome to make donations. Supplies can be purchased and dropped off at the MCH or they can make cash contributions. People can designate their donations go to a specific school, or they will go into the ‘general’ fund and be distributed evenly among the area schools.

Parents need to be aware of hygiene issues and their children.

According to the About Health website, teens are especially susceptible hygiene problems because their bodies are changing and they may not know how to deal with the changes. When a child reaches puberty, sweat glands develop in their armpits and genital area. They need to be taught to shower regularly, especially after physical activity. They also need to change their clothes often and start to use antiperspirant deodorant.

Teens can also develop some pretty smelly feet. Having more than one pair of shoes can help by letting one pair dry out while wearing the other pair. It’s also important to change socks when they get wet, and to wash feet regularly. Foot sprays and powders are also helpful and can help control athlete’s foot.

Children should also brush their teeth regularly and learn how to floss. Brushing in the morning before school, and before bedtime, is a good routine to get into.

Pubescent girl’s menstrual cycle begins during these years and they need to learn how to use sanitary products properly as well as learn hygiene basis. Boys start to shave during this period, and also have to learn how to deal with their changing body fluids.

Parents play a big role in helping their teens with hygiene issues. They need to be proactive and openly talk to their teens about how their bodies are changing and teach them good hygiene practices. Parents also should anticipate what hygiene products their teens may need and purchase them, even if their teen doesn’t ask.

Teen Hygiene basics:

1. Shower or bathe every day or every other day.

2. Wash hair daily or very other day

3. Use deodorant or antiperspirant as needed.

4. Brush teeth twice a day and, preferably, floss daily.

5. Change clothing, including underwear and socks, daily.

6. Brush or comb hair daily, preferably in the morning.