Chrome Bathroom Shelves Over Toilet
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It's a daily scenario — you're at work, shopping, dining out, wherever, and you have to relieve yourself. But when you head into the bathroom stall, you have to make a very personal decision: sit or squat?
Well, if you're like most people, you probably strategically hover. In fact, almost 60% of Americans refuse to sit on public toilets, according to CleanSeats.com. But are the squatters out there freaking out over nothing? Kind of.
Sure, bathrooms — especially oft-used public ones — are full of germs, but the only way bacteria can actually enter your body is through an opening (think noses, eyes, ears, and mouth), and since your skin works like a natural barrier, it's hard for germs to get through when you just plop your butt down on a toilet seat.
"Unless the seat is visibly soiled, it's usually cleaner than most other things in the bathroom," says Travis Stork, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician, and host of The Doctors. And if it is a messy seat, you also know who you can blame: the hoverers.
Actually, door handles and faucets are the biggest germ-carrying culprits in public bathrooms. They're both full of bacteria that can cause respiratory and diarrheal illnesses. So if you want to avoid getting ill, "the most effective thing you can do in the bathroom is wash your hands and avoid touching handles on the way out," says Stock.
Another reason not to hover: It's not so great for your bladder. As you squat over the toilet your pelvic muscles tense up, which could make urination harder, says Brianne Grogan, DPT. And if you're constantly straining to pee, you could increase your chances of incontinence over time.
So, yes, you can sit on that toilet seat with little fear, just make sure you wash your hands when you're done. And, of course, if you're not feeling that adventurous, there's always the paper cover thingies. (Though good luck getting them to stay positioned perfectly!)
Oh, and if you're really freaked out by using public restrooms, stick to the first stall closest to the door. Studies have shown that it's the least-used toilet with the lowest bacteria levels — and typically has the most toilet paper!
Watch one University of Southern California professor explain why you should stop hovering now:
TELL US: Do you sit or squat?
NEXT: The Right Way to Hang Your Toilet Paper »
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Chrome Bathroom Shelves Over Toilet
Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a22542/germs-on-public-toilet-seats/
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