HEALTH
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that's disgusting // SHARING EARBUDS dude. gross.
You can't find your earbuds but refuse to head off to campus without your iPod. Oh look, how convenient — your roommate's are right there on the table. Surely she won't mind — after all, what's a little earwax between friends? Well, as a matter of fact, a little earwax can go a long way.
Everyone has bacteria and fungus in his or her ear canals that are normally in balance, and one generally keeps the other from taking over, says Robert Dinsdale, otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) at Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates.
A study published in the Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences found that regularly using earbuds significantly increased bacterial growth in the ear, potentially leading to ear infections. The study also found that 92 percent of commonly shared earbuds tested contained harmful bacteria. The same bacteria was found on only 8 percent of earbuds that were shared less frequently.
Dinsdale says if you're sharing with someone who has a healthy ear canal you should be safe because most bacteria that is carried on earbuds will die in a dry environment within a couple of days. But infections can still be passed on. If you
Photo illustration by Amy Johnson No buds between buddies: Sharing earbuds can pass bacteria and even ear infection from earwax.
really want to avoid getting an ear infection, Disdale recommends just not sharing. Either that or be prepared to start examining your friend's ear canals before use.
// AMY JOHNSON
good for you/bad for you // GOING sometimes it's hard to tell. COMMANDO
Some people do it to let loose and air out, others because they think it's sexy and some just plain think it's more comfortable. But is it safe to un-invite your underwear to your pants parity?
Patty Quinlan, supervisor of nursing for student health services, says because a lot of blue jeans are made from linens or cottons there's no harm in wearing them without your regular underwear. Quinlai says that the best kind of fabric for underwear is made from natural fibers such as cotton, because it doesn't harbor organisms that cause infection.
No undies at this pants party. Not wearing underwear can lead to infection but if your pants are pristinly clean, won't do any harm
Photo illustration by Amy Johnson
The other, bigger issue is commando cleanliness. Not wearing underwear in
When deciding whether to go commando, first consider the comfort issue. There are a lot more seams in jeans and pants that could make wearing them without underwear uncomfortable. The tightness of the pants you're going commando in could also be a comfort issue.
pants or jeans that are dirty could lead to an uncomfortable infection, Quinlan says.
In the end it comes down to personal preference just make sure your pants are clean.
VERDICT: GOOD FOR YOU IF YOU STAY CLEAN
// AMY JOHNSON
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