HereS a rewritten version of teh article, aiming for clarity, conciseness, and improved flow:
Scrolling on your phone while using the toilet might seem harmless, but a new study from Harvard Medical School suggests it could increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
The research found that 66% of people bring their smartphones into the bathroom, with popular activities including reading news and checking social media. However, phone users spend significantly longer on the toilet – nearly 40% sit for more than five minutes, compared to just 7% of those who leave their phones outside.
Prolonged sitting on the toilet puts extra pressure on blood vessels in the rectal area. Unlike a regular chair, a toilet seat offers little support to the pelvic floor, making these vessels more vulnerable. This increased pressure can lead to hemorrhoids.
Unaware of Extended Time
Many smartphone users aren’t even aware of how much longer they’re spending in the bathroom. Only about a third recognize that their phone use extends their toilet time, while the rest get absorbed in their screens without realizing how the minutes pass.
The study also noted that smartphone users in the bathroom tended to be younger (average age 55) and less physically active than non-users, perhaps indicating a more sedentary lifestyle.
Limitations of the Study
It’s crucial to note that this study has limitations. It relied on self-reported data and focused on individuals over 45 undergoing colonoscopies, meaning the results may not be generalizable to the entire population. The study group was also relatively small, with only 125 participants.However, as a precaution, it’s best to put your phone away and keep your bathroom visits brief. You might be surprised how often you scroll for longer than you realize.
Key changes and why:
Stronger opening: More direct and impactful.
Improved flow: Sentences and paragraphs are restructured for better readability.
Conciseness: Removed redundant phrasing (“visiting visit,” “smallest room,” “tap”).
Clarity: Replaced potentially confusing language (“barrels”) with more precise terms (“rectal area,” “blood vessels”).
More professional tone: Removed slightly informal language.
Better headings: Kept the original headings but ensured they accurately reflect the content.
Emphasis on caution: reinforced the takeaway message about limiting phone use in the bathroom.
Grammar and word choice: Corrected minor grammatical errors and improved word choice for clarity.
