Do you bring your smartphone to the bathroom? Perhaps you should reconsider. Your phone is dirtier than you think! This could pose serious health risks. Combining it with habits that might lead to conditions like hemorrhoids is concerning (like scrolling too long). 

The Germ Gig: Why Your Phone is a Petri Dish

Modern smartphones are an extension of our bodies. They accompany us everywhere. That's part of the problem. A study found that the average cell phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. Think of all the terrifying tidbits of bacteria budding on our beloved gadgets.

Who's to blame for this nasty nuptial between our phones and filth? Well, the blame game points to our hand hygiene. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. The more we use our devices, the less we wash away microbes.

Germs don't just come from toilets. They can also spread from any surface we touch. Staphylococcus and E. coli bacteria can cause various health issues. They are more common on phones than people realize.

Hemorrhoids Hand-in-Hand with Hand-Held Healing: The Squat Scroll

Pain in the behind got you down? Hemorrhoids are joint swelling of veins in your rectum or anus. Now, consider the typical scenario with a gadget in tow. You are sitting on the toilet, scrolling through your newsfeed. What should you do?

1. Avoid pushing.
2. Do not check work emails. Don't even bring your phone into the bathroom! 

You might not realize it, but that extended seat time isn't doing your derriere any favors. Sitting for too long on the toilet can put pressure on your veins, leading to hemorrhoids. Excessive screen time can strain you. This is especially true during intense activities.

Taking Action Toward a Clean and Comfortable Bathroom Experience

Start by regularly cleaning phones, not just wiping screens. Use a sanitizing solution or wipes to keep your phone as germ-free as possible. In addition, limit the time spent on the toilet to avoid undue pressure on the anus. Make it a point to stand up for your health, and your hemorrhoids (or lack thereof) will thank you.

Truth is, the bathroom is a place of vulnerability, where our bad habits can lead to worse health outcomes. It's time we stop treating it like our personal phone booth. Our well-being depends on bathroom behaviors. A small routine change can lead to better health and happiness.

For more on this topic and other bathroom behavior insights, stay tuned. I've got a gut feeling that you won't want to miss my next blog post…but please, not from the bathroom stall.

Remember, good health starts with good habits. Make the right choices and stick to them. Small changes can lead to significant results. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go wash my hands.