But in truth, a toilet seat isn’t the grim health hazard you were taught to believe.
But physical therapist Stephanie Bobinger ofThe Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State Universityputs it bluntly: Don’t hover.
While it may seem like the most sanitary option, it’s actually horrible for your body.
This makes it all but impossible to empty your bladder normally.
As a result, you may strain harder to get every drop out.
Over time, straining the pelvic floor may lead to dysfunction of the muscles, per theCleveland Clinic.
When that happens, you may suffer constipation, frequent bathroom visits, incontinence, and pain.
If the seat is wet, simply wipe it off, or use a flushable seat cover if available.
(There’s also Mom’s old trick of covering the seat with toilet paper.)
Be sure to scrub for 20 seconds before rinsing.
Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet afterward so you don’t re-contaminate your hands.
Then you might go on to follow some of Mom’s more accurate advice like eating your vegetables.
