1.1. HYGIENE AS A MAIN PROPHYLACTIC DISCIPLINE
Hygiene is the science (and practice) of preservation and improvement of human health by means of prevention (prophylaxis) of diseases and premature deterioration of the organism.
The term «hygiene» (Greek higienos) means «bringing health». Its origin is associated with the ancient Greek legend about the god of healing Asclepius (Aesculapius), the son of the god Apollo (Phoebe), the healer and soothsayer, the patron of arts in the Greek mythology. Since Asclepius had never been strong and healthy from birth, Apollo decided to settle him in a sunny valley surrounded by doctors. They healed him, after that Asclepius began to heal the inhabitants of the valley by himself. Two daughters Hygieia and Panacea helped him. According to the legend, Hygieia was the goddess of health and sought to prevent diseases, her name is the source of the science «hygiene».
Hygiene, which is directly related to human health, was formed and evolved in the bosom of medicine in general.
Medicine (Latin: medicus - medical, curative) is the field of science and practice aimed at preserving and improving the human health, preventing and treating diseases. Two areas of medicine are clearly visible from this definition: curative and preventive. The dual goal of medicine involves its achievement in two ways: the first is the treatment of sick people and the second is the prevention of diseases and premature deterioration of organism, i.e. prophylaxis.
Since medicine includes not only separate sciences, but also areas of practical activities, it is useful to consider both hygiene and medicine as a whole from the point of view of their compliance with the requirements for independent sciences.