Lifestyle
Reusable water bottles contain more bacteria than toilet seats do – study
Research reveals exponential amount of germs present in reusable bottles.
Making the sustainable decision to carry around and drink from reusable water bottles might not be the cleanest choice ever.
Reusable water bottles hold 40,000 times more bacteria than do toilet seats, a recent study from WaterFilterGuru of Denver, Colorado, revealed.
After swabbing several different reusable water bottles (and different parts of the bottles), researchers found two types of bacteria present — gram-negative rods and bacillus.
Gram-negative rods are commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections and are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics, the study noted.
A new study has found that most reusable water bottles hold 20.8 million CFUs, or colony-forming units — which estimates the number of living microbes on a sample. (iStock )
Bacillus can potentially be helpful as a probiotic, but it can also be food-spoiling and disease-causing, and can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Reusable water bottles held an average of 20.8 million CFUs, or colony-forming units, which estimates the number of living microbes on a sample.
Of all the water bottle types, those with spout-top and screw-top lids contained the most bacteria, with 30 million CFUs each, the study found.
Researchers discovered the same number of CFUs after testing a tap water faucet as well.
Two women are shown holding reusable water bottles — on the left, a screw-top version, and on the right, a spout-top bottle. (iStock)
The research team at WaterFilterGuru, the organization says, “focuses on the latest in water quality, pollution and residential water treatment. The quality and safety of water varies widely by region, city and even neighborhood.”
It adds on its website that it partners with “research institutions and other organizations” to increase Americans’ “awareness and understanding” of water quality.
While comparing water bottles to sink taps, the group compared reusable bottles to other household items as well.
Bacteria is one of four pollutants that may be present in water coming out of taps, the study reported, even though U.S. tap water is considered among the safest compared to tap water in the rest of the world.
While comparing water bottles to sink taps, the group compared reusable bottles to other household items as well.
This included toilet seats, which hold an average of 515 CFUs — that’s 40,000 times less bacteria than most water bottles were found to have.
Specifically, squeeze-top water bottles had 6,000 times the bacteria of a toilet seat.
On average, reusable water bottles had 14 times the bacteria of a pet water bowl and five times that found on a computer mouse.
A spout-top water bottle had three times the bacteria of a kitchen sink — and kitchen sinks have been known to be the most germ-filled surface in most houses, the study said.
After surveying 1,000 Americans, the researchers found that about 13% clean their water bottles only a few times per month, yet 88% “care deeply” about the quality of their drinking water.
Members of Gen Z reportedly clean their water bottles the least, with 16% only cleaning their bottles a few times a month.
More than 60% of study respondents said they washed their bottles once or more per day.
Cleaning expert Brandon Pleshek, based in Wisconsin, told Fox News Digital that one of the best ways to ensure that a water bottle is getting a good cleaning is by simply using Dawn dish soap and warm water.
To thoroughly disinfect germ-ridden bottles, Pleshek suggested filling up the bottle with warm water and dropping in a denture tablet.
After about 10 minutes, the bottle can be rinsed out and is ready for use.
It’s best to use this disinfecting method about once a week, he recommended.
Experts also suggest washing a reusable water bottle once a day and sanitizing it at least once a week, according to the study.
Sanitation should be increased if there is something other than water in the bottle, if it’s used while eating or if the bottle user has been sick, the researchers noted.
Reusable water bottle users should check their bottles if they’ve been feeling under the weather, noted the study; the culprit may be bacteria and mold build-up inside the bottle.
Immunologist Dr. Purvi Parikh of New York City told Fox News Digital that the risk of bacteria exposure varies from “person to person,” but it can be especially dangerous for those who are immunocompromised or prone to infections.
“This also includes people who have cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and [the] elderly,” she wrote in an email.
Reusable water bottles should be washed daily with each use, just like any other used plate or cup — and people should pay close attention to hard-to-reach crevices such as caps and straws, Parikh also said.
“Many [people] underestimate how dirty water bottles get,” she added. “Since the bottles just [hold] water… people assume it’s always clean.”
Says WaterFilterGuru.com, “Moist environments are breeding grounds for germs. That’s why washing a reusable water bottle you drink from every day should be part of your daily routine.”
Men, if you think you’ve got women all figured out, prepare for some surprises. Women are complex beings, and they can be quite unpredictable.
The person you think you know today may not be the same person you see tomorrow; and that’s just the way it is.
Women crave attention, love, and lots of it. They want to feel noticed and appreciated all the time. If you slip up on this even once, then you’re calling for trouble.
While some women may unintentionally do things that hurt their partners, others plan to do so deliberately. They set out to hurt your feelings and disrupt your life.
Here are 10 intentional things women do to hurt their men:
1. Complaining despite an honest effort
One way some women intentionally hurt their men is by complaining when their partners are genuinely making an effort.
This is often done to annoy or provoke a reaction. It may stem from a desire for more attention or a way to assert control within the relationship.
2. Not being present in the present moments
Frequently using a phone or being distracted when on a date is a behaviour that can hurt a man’s feelings.
It communicates a lack of interest or attentiveness, potentially causing emotional pain or frustration.
Some women would rather do this than tell the man she’s not interested.
3. Withholding compliments
Some women refrain from offering compliments even when their partners genuinely deserve them.
This can be a way to undermine a man’s self-esteem or keep him seeking validation, thus asserting a sense of power.
4. Not initiating intimacy
Intentionally avoiding initiating intimacy, especially when aware of their partner’s desires, can be a way to control the emotional dynamics in the relationship.
This may create a sense of longing and frustration in the man.
5. Hiding things, like food
Hiding things, such as food, can be a manipulative tactic used to gain financial advantage.
By creating a situation where the man believes there is scarcity, some women may attempt to extract more money from him.
6. Setting him up for trouble
In some extreme cases, women may resort to involving others, such as authorities or gangs, to harm their partners as a form of punishment or to ‘teach them a lesson.
This action can have severe consequences for all parties involved.
7. Taking everything when separating
A common occurrence, especially in urban settings, is when a woman packs up everything in the house and leaves the home without notice.
This act is often intended to leave the man feeling helpless, confused, and emotionally devastated.
8. Leaving a young child behind
In moments of intense disagreement, some women may leave a very young child, perhaps a month or two old, with their partner.
This act aims to assert control or inflict emotional pain, suggesting that the man needs her more than he thinks.
9. Taking all the children away
Without proper communication, some women may abruptly take all the children and leave, making it difficult for the man to maintain a relationship with his kids.
This action is intended to exert power and control over the situation.
10. Disrespect in front of friends
In the company of friends, some individuals may intentionally disrespect their partners.
This could be a way of seeking validation from friends, gaining support for their perspective, or demonstrating control over the relationship.
Popular doctor, Dr. Aproko, has issued precautions to women who are fond of smoking shisha.
Dr. Aproko has stressed that contrary to popular belief that shisha soothes one’s mood, it can have major health implications on individuals, particularly, women.
According to him, the use of Shisha may cause cell distortions in the body, raising the chance of cancer-causing mutations.
He argues that these flavors frequently contain chemicals that are harmful to one’s body.
Tackling other health concerns including obesity, Aproko Doctor also advised that walking is a successful and healthy method of losing weight.
He has asked individuals to walk instead of taking buses or cars because regular, long walks can aid in weight loss.
October 13th is celebrated annually as National ‘No Bra Day’ in a bid to promote body positivity and breast cancer awareness.
What began as a social media campaign to promote self-love has transformed into a meaningful movement urging women to go braless for the day, emphasising the importance of breast cancer education, self-examination, and preventive measures.
Originally observed on July 9, 2011, National No Bra Day has found its permanent home on October 13 to align with Breast Cancer Month. This observance serves as a reminder for women to prioritize their breast health and engage in conversations about early detection and prevention.
The core mission of No Bra Day is to create awareness surrounding breast cancer, fostering a culture of understanding and support.
Women are encouraged to embrace the day by forgoing bras, sparking conversations about breast health, and advocating for regular self-examinations and screenings.
Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, and initiatives like National No Bra Day play a crucial role in educating and empowering individuals.
By leveraging the power of social media and community participation, this movement continues to gain traction each year, amplifying its impact on breast cancer awareness.
National No Bra Day collectively contributes to the ongoing dialogue about breast health through shared experiences and open conversations with the aim to break down stigmas, encourage early detection, and support those affected by breast cancer.
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