How is hygiene best defined?

Hygiene is best defined as the self-employment of practices that will keep one healthy because it encompasses the habits and behaviors individuals engage in to maintain health and prevent illness. This includes personal cleanliness, sanitary living conditions, and safe food handling, all of which contribute to overall well-being. By actively participating in these practices, individuals can reduce their risk of infections and promote better health outcomes.

Other options, while related to health, do not capture the essence of hygiene. The study of diseases pertains to understanding pathogens and their effects rather than the proactive steps taken by individuals to maintain health. The practice of exercise and diet focuses on specific aspects of health rather than the broader category of cleanliness and preventive measures. A set of medical guidelines involves protocols established for managing health but does not reflect the personal efforts individuals take in their daily lives to practice hygiene.