Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Is Your Heart Older Than You Are? US Doctors Device How To Find Out Before It’s Too Late

Your heart might be keeping a secret from you—and it’s not a good one. According to new research led by Northwestern Medicine and published in JAMA Cardiology, many American adults have hearts that are biologically older than the number on their driver's license.

This isn't just a metaphor for feeling worn out or tired. It’s a real, measurable difference in cardiovascular health, and the implications are serious. Using a new “heart age” calculator based on American Heart Association data, researchers found that the average American’s heart is several years older than their actual age. For many, especially men, people of color, and those with lower income or education levels, the gap is even wider—sometimes by over a decade. So, how do you know how old your heart really is? More importantly, what can you do about it?

<h2>What Is “Heart Age” and Why It Is Important?</h2>

<span>Heart age</span> is a simplified way to express your cardiovascular risk. Traditional risk assessments—like the American Heart Association’s PREVENT equations—typically offer percentages: your doctor might say you have a 10% risk of a heart attack over the next 10 years. But these statistics can feel abstract and hard to act on.

Dr. Sadiya Khan, professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University and senior author of the study, believes translating that risk into an “age” makes it more relatable. Telling someone their heart is 60 when they’re only 45? That hits differently.

“The exciting thing about this tool is that there are a lot of things people can do,” Khan said in a statement. “The hope is that this empowers people to optimise their <span>heart health</span> for healthier aging and longer health spans.”

<h2>Alarming Trends Across Demographics</h2>

The researchers analyzed health data from over 14,000 U.S. adults aged 30 to 79 who had no prior history of cardiovascular disease. They used a publicly available, free online tool to assess heart age based on several inputs: blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, medications, and more. The results weren’t pretty:

<ul><li>Women had an average heart age of 55.4, despite having an average chronological age of just 51.3.</li><li>Men fared even worse, with an average heart age of 56.7 versus an actual age of 49.7.</li><li>The disparities grew starker across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic lines:</li><li>Black men had hearts that were, on average, 8.5 years older than their chronological age.</li><li>Hispanic men followed closely at 7.9 years.</li><li>Black women had heart ages 6.2 years older than their actual age.</li></ul>

People with only a high school education or less were especially at risk, with nearly a third having hearts that were 10 years older than their birth certificates would suggest.

“This helps to highlight the need for more urgent action,” Khan said. “Identifying individuals who have an ‘older’ heart age can help prompt action to prioritise prevention in at-risk individuals.”

<h2>Why Your Heart Might Be Aging Faster Than You Are?</h2>

It boils down to a few key lifestyle and health factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet, and unmanaged diabetes.

These factors quietly and persistently damage the cardiovascular system. Over time, this wear and tear increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure—sometimes without obvious symptoms until it’s too late.

Khan and her team hope the heart age calculator will help make this silent damage more visible—and more actionable.

<h2>Can You Prevent Your Heart From Ageing?</h2>

Even if your heart is older than it should be, that’s not the end of the story. Cardiovascular aging isn’t fixed. In many cases, it can be slowed—or even reversed—with the right interventions. According to the researchers, key lifestyle changes that can bring your heart age closer to your real age (or even make it younger) include:

<ul><li>Quitting smoking</li><li>Improving diet (less sodium, more fruits and vegetables)</li><li>Increasing physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week)</li><li>Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol with medications when needed</li><li>Monitoring and treating diabetes effectively</li></ul>

But Dr Khan emphasizes that these actions aren’t just for those already diagnosed with heart disease. Younger adults, too, can benefit from understanding and addressing their heart age early—well before symptoms appear.

<h2>A Simple Online Tool With Major Potential</h2>

The free, public-facing heart age calculator developed by Khan’s team is already online and available to anyone. It takes just a few minutes and requires basic information like your age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking status.

The idea is to encourage a shift from reactive to proactive care giving people a clearer sense of urgency before a heart event forces the issue.

“We hope this tool helps doctors and patients discuss risk for heart disease more effectively,” said Khan. “The important thing is that we have very good options available in our toolbox to help slow that aging down if we can identify it.”

Although this study focuses on the U.S., the implications are global. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. A tool like this, paired with access to routine health screenings and education, could help people across countries and cultures make better decisions about their long-term health.

In resource-limited settings where percentage-based risk assessments may not be widely understood, expressing risk through the lens of “heart age” could be a game-changer in preventive medicine.

Your heart might be working harder and aging faster than you realize but the power to slow—or even reverse—that process is in your hands. This new heart age calculator doesn’t just offer a number.

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Your heart might be keeping a secret from you—and it’s not a good one. According to new research led by Northwestern Medicine and published in JAMA Cardiology, many American adults have hearts that are biologically older than the number on their driver's license.This isn't just a metaphor for feeling worn out or tired. It’s a real, measurable difference in cardiovascular health, and the implications are serious. Using a new “heart age” calculator based on American Heart Association data, researchers found that the average American’s heart is several years older than their actual age. For many, especially men, people of color, and those with lower income or education levels, the gap is even wider—sometimes by over a decade. So, how do you know how old your heart really is? More importantly, what can you do about it?What Is “Heart Age” and Why It Is Important?Heart age is a simplified way to express your cardiovascular risk. Traditional risk assessments—like the American Heart Association’s PREVENT equations—typically offer percentages: your doctor might say you have a 10% risk of a heart attack over the next 10 years. But these statistics can feel abstract and hard to act on.Dr. Sadiya Khan, professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University and senior author of the study, believes translating that risk into an “age” makes it more relatable. Telling someone their heart is 60 when they’re only 45? That hits differently.“The exciting thing about this tool is that there are a lot of things people can do,” Khan said in a statement. “The hope is that this empowers people to optimise their heart health for healthier aging and longer health spans.”Alarming Trends Across DemographicsThe researchers analyzed health data from over 14,000 U.S. adults aged 30 to 79 who had no prior history of cardiovascular disease. They used a publicly available, free online tool to assess heart age based on several inputs: blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, medications, and more. The results weren’t pretty:Women had an average heart age of 55.4, despite having an average chronological age of just 51.3.Men fared even worse, with an average heart age of 56.7 versus an actual age of 49.7.The disparities grew starker across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic lines:Black men had hearts that were, on average, 8.5 years older than their chronological age.Hispanic men followed closely at 7.9 years.Black women had heart ages 6.2 years older than their actual age.People with only a high school education or less were especially at risk, with nearly a third having hearts that were 10 years older than their birth certificates would suggest.“This helps to highlight the need for more urgent action,” Khan said. “Identifying individuals who have an ‘older’ heart age can help prompt action to prioritise prevention in at-risk individuals.”Why Your Heart Might Be Aging Faster Than You Are?It boils down to a few key lifestyle and health factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet, and unmanaged diabetes.These factors quietly and persistently damage the cardiovascular system. Over time, this wear and tear increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure—sometimes without obvious symptoms until it’s too late.Khan and her team hope the heart age calculator will help make this silent damage more visible—and more actionable.Can You Prevent Your Heart From Ageing?Even if your heart is older than it should be, that’s not the end of the story. Cardiovascular aging isn’t fixed. In many cases, it can be slowed—or even reversed—with the right interventions. According to the researchers, key lifestyle changes that can bring your heart age closer to your real age (or even make it younger) include:Quitting smokingImproving diet (less sodium, more fruits and vegetables)Increasing physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week)Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol with medications when neededMonitoring and treating diabetes effectivelyBut Dr Khan emphasizes that these actions aren’t just for those already diagnosed with heart disease. Younger adults, too, can benefit from understanding and addressing their heart age early—well before symptoms appear.A Simple Online Tool With Major PotentialThe free, public-facing heart age calculator developed by Khan’s team is already online and available to anyone. It takes just a few minutes and requires basic information like your age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking status.The idea is to encourage a shift from reactive to proactive care giving people a clearer sense of urgency before a heart event forces the issue.“We hope this tool helps doctors and patients discuss risk for heart disease more effectively,” said Khan. “The important thing is that we have very good options available in our toolbox to help slow that aging down if we can identify it.”Although this study focuses on the U.S., the implications are global. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. A tool like this, paired with access to routine health screenings and education, could help people across countries and cultures make better decisions about their long-term health.In resource-limited settings where percentage-based risk assessments may not be widely understood, expressing risk through the lens of “heart age” could be a game-changer in preventive medicine.Your heart might be working harder and aging faster than you realize but the power to slow—or even reverse—that process is in your hands. This new heart age calculator doesn’t just offer a number.

is your heart older than you are? us doctors device how to find out before it’s too late

PCOS Isn’t Just Hormonal, It Might Be Fueling This Dangerous Heart Condition, Study Warns

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often dismissed as a reproductive or cosmetic issue—a condition marked by irregular periods, acne, and weight fluctuations. But the hormonal and metabolic underpinnings of PCOS go much deeper. New findings presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, now highlight a troubling link: PCOS may significantly increase the risk of vascular events in women with thrombotic disease, and these events are occurring at increasingly younger ages.

The research, presented by a team from Riverside University Health System Medical Center and supported by national health data, suggests that the combination of PCOS and thrombotic disease creates a more dangerous cardiovascular profile, one that might be going under-recognized in clinical settings.

The analysis drew on records from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), evaluating over 205,000 women hospitalized between 2016 and 2022 for thrombotic, atherosclerotic, or cerebrovascular diseases. The goal was to see how outcomes differed based on the presence or absence of comorbid PCOS. The findings were both significant and sobering:

Women with both PCOS and thrombotic disease had higher stroke rates (14.81%) compared to those without PCOS (11.91%).

A greater percentage of women with PCOS were under the age of 50 at the time of their vascular event compared to those without PCOS across all categories—thrombotic, atherosclerotic, and cerebrovascular.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/your-home-may-look-clean-but-these-8-spots-are-dirtier-than-you-think-article-152386902" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Your Home May Look Clean, But These 8 Spots Are Dirtier Than You Think</a>

Despite the younger age of presentation, in-hospital mortality rates were similar between women with and without PCOS, suggesting the seriousness of these events in younger populations is not being offset by age-related resilience.

Dr. Alexander Lim, DO, who presented the findings, noted, “We found that cardiovascular events in women with PCOS were more likely to occur at an earlier age. The risk tends to decrease with age, possibly due to underdiagnosis of PCOS in older women or survivorship bias.”

<h2>Why Metabolic Difficulties Due To PCOS Lead Vascular Complications?</h2>

To understand why PCOS might elevate vascular risk, it's crucial to look at its underlying pathology. PCOS is not just a hormonal disorder—it’s also deeply metabolic.

Women with PCOS frequently exhibit insulin resistance, even if they are not overweight. This insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and dyslipidemia—all conditions that significantly increase the risk of both arterial and venous thrombotic events.

Despite this, clinical management of PCOS often remains centered on cosmetic symptoms (like acne and hirsutism) or fertility concerns, rather than addressing the long-term metabolic and cardiovascular consequences. This treatment gap may explain why vascular events in women with PCOS catch both patients and providers off guard.

<h2>Why Current Testing May Be Failing Women?</h2>

Another striking aspect of the new research is that women with PCOS who experienced recurrent thrombotic events (strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms) often showed normal results in standard coagulation tests. This was identified in a diagnostic review by a coagulation management team and later verified through a national data set analysis using TriNetX, a large health research network.

Between 2013 and 2018, researchers used the TriNetX platform to analyze PCOS patients aged 15–75, excluding those with known thrombotic disorders, smoking history, or HIV. They found that thrombotic events occurred at significantly higher rates in women with PCOS compared to matched controls, even though clinical tests failed to detect abnormalities in coagulation.

What this suggests is that standard coagulation assays may not be sensitive enough to detect the unique thrombotic risk profile in PCOS, raising concerns about diagnostic error or delayed interventions.

This is the first large-scale study to systematically evaluate the rate and clinical presentation of thrombotic events in women with PCOS using national data and validated diagnostic algorithms like SPADE (Symptom-Disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic Error).

By comparing outcomes 90 days prior to major thrombotic events, the researchers identified consistent symptom patterns—including subtle indicators—that could serve as early warning signs for intervention. However, the precise biological mechanisms behind thrombosis in PCOS remain poorly understood.

The message is clear: PCOS isn’t just a reproductive disorder—it’s a systemic, vascular-risk condition that can dramatically impact a woman’s health long before menopause. Clinicians need to think beyond fertility and skin health and recognize that young women with PCOS may be walking around with unrecognized cardiovascular vulnerabilities.

For women living with PCOS, this means that a heart-healthy lifestyle—including regular cardiovascular screening, metabolic management, and awareness of symptoms like chest pain, migraines, and swelling—needs to be part of long-term care, not just pregnancy planning.

women health

pcos and vascular risk

thrombotic disease in women

pcos stroke risk

hormonal disorders and heart disease

pcos and blood clots

cardiovascular risk pcos

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often dismissed as a reproductive or cosmetic issue—a condition marked by irregular periods, acne, and weight fluctuations. But the hormonal and metabolic underpinnings of PCOS go much deeper. New findings presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, now highlight a troubling link: PCOS may significantly increase the risk of vascular events in women with thrombotic disease, and these events are occurring at increasingly younger ages.The research, presented by a team from Riverside University Health System Medical Center and supported by national health data, suggests that the combination of PCOS and thrombotic disease creates a more dangerous cardiovascular profile, one that might be going under-recognized in clinical settings.The analysis drew on records from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), evaluating over 205,000 women hospitalized between 2016 and 2022 for thrombotic, atherosclerotic, or cerebrovascular diseases. The goal was to see how outcomes differed based on the presence or absence of comorbid PCOS. The findings were both significant and sobering:Women with both PCOS and thrombotic disease had higher stroke rates (14.81%) compared to those without PCOS (11.91%).A greater percentage of women with PCOS were under the age of 50 at the time of their vascular event compared to those without PCOS across all categories—thrombotic, atherosclerotic, and cerebrovascular.Also Read: Your Home May Look Clean, But These 8 Spots Are Dirtier Than You ThinkDespite the younger age of presentation, in-hospital mortality rates were similar between women with and without PCOS, suggesting the seriousness of these events in younger populations is not being offset by age-related resilience.Dr. Alexander Lim, DO, who presented the findings, noted, “We found that cardiovascular events in women with PCOS were more likely to occur at an earlier age. The risk tends to decrease with age, possibly due to underdiagnosis of PCOS in older women or survivorship bias.”Why Metabolic Difficulties Due To PCOS Lead Vascular Complications?To understand why PCOS might elevate vascular risk, it's crucial to look at its underlying pathology. PCOS is not just a hormonal disorder—it’s also deeply metabolic.Women with PCOS frequently exhibit insulin resistance, even if they are not overweight. This insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and dyslipidemia—all conditions that significantly increase the risk of both arterial and venous thrombotic events.Despite this, clinical management of PCOS often remains centered on cosmetic symptoms (like acne and hirsutism) or fertility concerns, rather than addressing the long-term metabolic and cardiovascular consequences. This treatment gap may explain why vascular events in women with PCOS catch both patients and providers off guard.Why Current Testing May Be Failing Women?Another striking aspect of the new research is that women with PCOS who experienced recurrent thrombotic events (strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms) often showed normal results in standard coagulation tests. This was identified in a diagnostic review by a coagulation management team and later verified through a national data set analysis using TriNetX, a large health research network.Between 2013 and 2018, researchers used the TriNetX platform to analyze PCOS patients aged 15–75, excluding those with known thrombotic disorders, smoking history, or HIV. They found that thrombotic events occurred at significantly higher rates in women with PCOS compared to matched controls, even though clinical tests failed to detect abnormalities in coagulation.What this suggests is that standard coagulation assays may not be sensitive enough to detect the unique thrombotic risk profile in PCOS, raising concerns about diagnostic error or delayed interventions.This is the first large-scale study to systematically evaluate the rate and clinical presentation of thrombotic events in women with PCOS using national data and validated diagnostic algorithms like SPADE (Symptom-Disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic Error).By comparing outcomes 90 days prior to major thrombotic events, the researchers identified consistent symptom patterns—including subtle indicators—that could serve as early warning signs for intervention. However, the precise biological mechanisms behind thrombosis in PCOS remain poorly understood.The message is clear: PCOS isn’t just a reproductive disorder—it’s a systemic, vascular-risk condition that can dramatically impact a woman’s health long before menopause. Clinicians need to think beyond fertility and skin health and recognize that young women with PCOS may be walking around with unrecognized cardiovascular vulnerabilities.For women living with PCOS, this means that a heart-healthy lifestyle—including regular cardiovascular screening, metabolic management, and awareness of symptoms like chest pain, migraines, and swelling—needs to be part of long-term care, not just pregnancy planning.

pcos isn’t just hormonal, it might be fueling this dangerous heart condition, study warns

Ishita Roy

How A Bat-Scare Cost A 33-year-old Massachusetts Resident A Medical Bill Of $20,000

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Last August, Erica Kahn was enjoying a peaceful evening stargazing in Arizona’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The 33-year-old Massachusetts resident was on vacation, photographing the night sky. Bats flitted through the air, but she didn’t give them much thought, until one of them flew straight at her face.

In the chaos, the bat became lodged between her camera and her face. She screamed instinctively, and part of the bat ended up in her mouth. She still doesn't know exactly what part of the bat it was, but she estimates the contact lasted a few seconds. “It seemed longer,” she said.

The bat eventually flew away. Though she wasn’t sure if she’d been bitten, her father, a physician who was traveling with her, advised her to get treated for potential rabies exposure.

<h4>Scrambling for <span rel="noindex">Health Insurance</span></h4>

The problem? Just weeks earlier, Kahn had been laid off from her job as a biomedical engineer and had decided to forgo COBRA coverage, which would’ve let her stay on her former employer’s health insurance plan. The cost, around $650 a month, felt too steep for someone young and healthy.

She figured she could risk going uninsured for a while and quickly sign up for a plan if something happened. That decision turned out to be costly.

After the bat incident, Kahn purchased a private health policy for $311 a month from a Florida-based company called Innovative Partners LP. She even called them to confirm that emergency services or accident-related care would be covered. Feeling reassured, she went to a hospital in Flagstaff the next day and began her rabies vaccination series.

Kahn received four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days. Her first visit also included three injections of rabies immunoglobulin, a vital treatment that boosts the body’s ability to fight off the deadly virus. She continued her treatment at different clinics in Arizona, Colorado, and Massachusetts.

Across all four facilities, Kahn was charged a total of $20,749. The bulk of that, $17,079, came from Flagstaff Medical Center, which billed $15,242 for the vaccines and immunoglobulin alone.

To her shock, her insurance company denied all claims. Their explanation? The treatment occurred during the policy’s 30-day waiting period, and the company ruled that the services did not qualify as accident-related or life-threatening under their terms.

<h4>Appeals, Confusion, and Mounting Debt</h4>

Kahn tried to appeal the decision. She got a doctor at Flagstaff Medical Center to sign a letter supporting her claim, but she struggled to reach doctors at the other facilities. The insurance company gave her conflicting information about where to send appeal paperwork. In July, she learned that the insurer had not received any formal appeal.

Health policy expert Sabrina Corlette, from Georgetown University, reviewed Kahn’s situation and suggested the policy she purchased was likely a “fixed indemnity” plan, as reported by the Washington Post. 

These limited plans pay only a set amount per day for care, regardless of actual costs, and are not required to meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Corlette added that even if Kahn had purchased a more comprehensive plan, treatment that began the day after enrollment might not have been covered.

“This is why it’s so important to be insured before something happens,” Corlette said. “It’s not just about coverage, it’s about timing.”

Back when Kahn lost her job, she was still within the 60-day window to opt into COBRA. Had she done so and paid the premium, her coverage would have applied retroactively to the day she was laid off. She didn’t realize this until much later.

Now re-employed and covered under her new job’s insurance, Kahn is still chipping away at the debt from her run-in with the bat. She negotiated one $706 bill down to $420 and set up a $10-a-month payment plan for a separate $530 charge. But over $19,000 remains unpaid.

bat caused dollar 20000 bill

health and wellness

health insurance

bat scare

bat rabies

us health news

Last August, Erica Kahn was enjoying a peaceful evening stargazing in Arizona’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The 33-year-old Massachusetts resident was on vacation, photographing the night sky. Bats flitted through the air, but she didn’t give them much thought, until one of them flew straight at her face.In the chaos, the bat became lodged between her camera and her face. She screamed instinctively, and part of the bat ended up in her mouth. She still doesn't know exactly what part of the bat it was, but she estimates the contact lasted a few seconds. “It seemed longer,” she said.The bat eventually flew away. Though she wasn’t sure if she’d been bitten, her father, a physician who was traveling with her, advised her to get treated for potential rabies exposure.Scrambling for Health InsuranceThe problem? Just weeks earlier, Kahn had been laid off from her job as a biomedical engineer and had decided to forgo COBRA coverage, which would’ve let her stay on her former employer’s health insurance plan. The cost, around $650 a month, felt too steep for someone young and healthy.She figured she could risk going uninsured for a while and quickly sign up for a plan if something happened. That decision turned out to be costly.After the bat incident, Kahn purchased a private health policy for $311 a month from a Florida-based company called Innovative Partners LP. She even called them to confirm that emergency services or accident-related care would be covered. Feeling reassured, she went to a hospital in Flagstaff the next day and began her rabies vaccination series.The Treatment and the ShockKahn received four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days. Her first visit also included three injections of rabies immunoglobulin, a vital treatment that boosts the body’s ability to fight off the deadly virus. She continued her treatment at different clinics in Arizona, Colorado, and Massachusetts.Then the bills arrived.Across all four facilities, Kahn was charged a total of $20,749. The bulk of that, $17,079, came from Flagstaff Medical Center, which billed $15,242 for the vaccines and immunoglobulin alone.To her shock, her insurance company denied all claims. Their explanation? The treatment occurred during the policy’s 30-day waiting period, and the company ruled that the services did not qualify as accident-related or life-threatening under their terms.Appeals, Confusion, and Mounting DebtKahn tried to appeal the decision. She got a doctor at Flagstaff Medical Center to sign a letter supporting her claim, but she struggled to reach doctors at the other facilities. The insurance company gave her conflicting information about where to send appeal paperwork. In July, she learned that the insurer had not received any formal appeal.Health policy expert Sabrina Corlette, from Georgetown University, reviewed Kahn’s situation and suggested the policy she purchased was likely a “fixed indemnity” plan, as reported by the Washington Post. These limited plans pay only a set amount per day for care, regardless of actual costs, and are not required to meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Corlette added that even if Kahn had purchased a more comprehensive plan, treatment that began the day after enrollment might not have been covered.“This is why it’s so important to be insured before something happens,” Corlette said. “It’s not just about coverage, it’s about timing.”A Harsh Lesson in HindsightBack when Kahn lost her job, she was still within the 60-day window to opt into COBRA. Had she done so and paid the premium, her coverage would have applied retroactively to the day she was laid off. She didn’t realize this until much later.Now re-employed and covered under her new job’s insurance, Kahn is still chipping away at the debt from her run-in with the bat. She negotiated one $706 bill down to $420 and set up a $10-a-month payment plan for a separate $530 charge. But over $19,000 remains unpaid.

how a bat-scare cost a 33-year-old massachusetts resident a medical bill of $20,000

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You may be cleaning your house well, however, there may still be spots, corners, and places that you could be missing. But, what makes germs stick in these corners longer than other spots? Well, there could be certain reasons, that determine the duration of a germ, including:

<strong>Surface Types: </strong>solid surfaces like counters or textured surfaces

<strong>Living Habits:</strong> How often do you clean or disinfect surfaces

<strong>Lifestyle Practices:</strong> Washing hands and bathing regularly

<strong>Cleaning Procedures: </strong>What you use to clean, whether it is using bleach or alcohol based cleaning supplies

<h4>What Are The Top 8 Dirtiest Spots In Your House?</h4>

As per the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), areas where food is kept, stored or prepared have the most bacteria as well as fecal contamination than any other place in your home.

In fact, more than 75% of dish sponges and rags have Salmonella, E. coli, and fecal matter compared with 9% of bathroom faucet handles.

The elements in kitchen that needs to be cleaned frequently include:

<ul><li>Cutting boards</li><li>Coffee maker</li><li>Refrigerator, especially where uncooked food is kept</li><li>Kitchen sinks and counter tops</li></ul>

What can you do? Use disinfectant wipes on faucets, refrigerator surfaces and counter tops. You can also damp sponges in microwave for a minute to kill bacteria.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after you touch raw meat or unprepared food.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/dirtiest-things-that-you-touch-in-a-restaurant-that-could-cause-food-poisoning-article-151470629" data-type="tilCustomLink">Dirtiest Things That You Touch In A Restaurant That Could Cause Food Poisoning</a></strong> 

These surfaces are touched continuously. While, it may miss out from daily cleaning, however, if you come to think about it, these places may be touched more than you would ever keep a count of.

NSF also found that bathroom light switches, refrigerator handles, stove knobs, and microwave handles were the dirtiest places in the house. You can use disinfecting wipes once a week to ensure they are clean and safe to use. 

The place where you keep your makeup, and even your make up bag is one of the dirtiest places and this can infect your eyes, or cause skin infections. 

A 2020 Lancet study shows that viruses can also get on makeup applicator from your hands and could make way to your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

The best way to deal with it? Change the way you store your makeup. Make sure all the products are stored clean and dry. Clean your makeup brushes, wash them once a week with regular soap and water, or use an alcohol spray. Some doctors also recommend replacing cosmetics every 6 months. 

Of course it is one of the dirtiest places in your home. This is where you scrub off dirt from your body and thus, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. 

There is also a lot of moisture in the bathroom, an environment that helps germ grow. 

Where should you pay special attention? Shower tub, drains, faucets, floor around the toilet seat, bath towels, and toothbrushes.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/your-towels-are-making-you-sick-how-often-should-you-wash-them-article-151120851" data-type="tilCustomLink">Your Towels Are Making You Sick— How Often Should You Wash Them?</a></strong> 

Make sure you flush the toilet with its lid on.

Leaving damp laundry in the washing machine, even if for just 30 minutes, can create the perfect environment for germs to grow. Always move clothes to the dryer right after the wash cycle ends.

If you’ve forgotten a load for a while, it’s best to rewash it. When using a laundromat or shared laundry room, wipe the washer drum with a disinfectant wipe before use.

Also, avoid folding clean clothes on public surfaces without wiping them down first. Washing clothes in warm or hot water, notes UNICEF, especially items worn in public, is more effective at killing viruses and bacteria than cold water.

NSF found that remote controls, keyboards, phones, and tablets are often shared among family and guests, and they’re germ hotspots. It also found mold, yeast, and even Staphylococcus on remotes and game controllers in multiple households.

A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that carpets can trap up to eight times their weight in dirt, sometimes making them dirtier than a city sidewalk. Viruses can survive for up to 3 days on plastic surfaces like remotes and keyboards.

Wipe down these items regularly with disinfectant wipes or a soapy cloth, and always wash your hands after returning home before touching any surfaces or electronics.

Your furry friends can bring germs indoors, especially if they spend time outside. Pet bowls, as per NSF, rank as the 4th germiest item in the home, with toys close behind. Studies have found staph, yeast, and mold on pet items.

<ul><li>Wash bowls daily with warm, soapy water</li><li>Soak toys and bowls in diluted bleach weekly</li><li>Clean hard toys with hot water regularly</li><li>Wash soft toys once a month</li><li>Wipe your pet’s paws before they come inside.</li></ul>

While your pet may not get sick, the germs they carry can easily transfer to your hands or face.

Every time you return home, you might be unknowingly bringing in bacteria and viruses, on your shoes, phone, wallet, or even headphones.

In a study by NSF of 22 homes, fecal bacteria, yeast, and mold were found on:

<ul><li>Phones</li><li>Keys</li><li>Wallets and cash</li><li>Lunchboxes</li><li>The bottoms of purses</li></ul><strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/this-everyday-personal-item-can-become-as-breeding-ground-for-bacteria-article-151572592" data-type="tilCustomLink">This Everyday Personal Item Can Become As Breeding Ground For Bacteria</a></strong>

Since many of these items are made of plastic or metal, some viruses can live on them for up to 72 hours.

You may be cleaning your house well, however, there may still be spots, corners, and places that you could be missing. But, what makes germs stick in these corners longer than other spots? Well, there could be certain reasons, that determine the duration of a germ, including:Surface Types: solid surfaces like counters or textured surfacesLiving Habits: How often do you clean or disinfect surfacesLifestyle Practices: Washing hands and bathing regularlyCleaning Procedures: What you use to clean, whether it is using bleach or alcohol based cleaning suppliesWhat Are The Top 8 Dirtiest Spots In Your House?Kitchen As per the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), areas where food is kept, stored or prepared have the most bacteria as well as fecal contamination than any other place in your home.In fact, more than 75% of dish sponges and rags have Salmonella, E. coli, and fecal matter compared with 9% of bathroom faucet handles.The elements in kitchen that needs to be cleaned frequently include:Cutting boardsCoffee makerRefrigerator, especially where uncooked food is keptKitchen sinks and counter topsWhat can you do? Use disinfectant wipes on faucets, refrigerator surfaces and counter tops. You can also damp sponges in microwave for a minute to kill bacteria.The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after you touch raw meat or unprepared food.ALSO READ: Dirtiest Things That You Touch In A Restaurant That Could Cause Food Poisoning Knobs, Door Handles, SwitchesThese surfaces are touched continuously. While, it may miss out from daily cleaning, however, if you come to think about it, these places may be touched more than you would ever keep a count of.NSF also found that bathroom light switches, refrigerator handles, stove knobs, and microwave handles were the dirtiest places in the house. You can use disinfecting wipes once a week to ensure they are clean and safe to use. Your Makeup CornerThe place where you keep your makeup, and even your make up bag is one of the dirtiest places and this can infect your eyes, or cause skin infections. A 2020 Lancet study shows that viruses can also get on makeup applicator from your hands and could make way to your eyes, nose, and mouth. The best way to deal with it? Change the way you store your makeup. Make sure all the products are stored clean and dry. Clean your makeup brushes, wash them once a week with regular soap and water, or use an alcohol spray. Some doctors also recommend replacing cosmetics every 6 months. BathroomOf course it is one of the dirtiest places in your home. This is where you scrub off dirt from your body and thus, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. There is also a lot of moisture in the bathroom, an environment that helps germ grow. Where should you pay special attention? Shower tub, drains, faucets, floor around the toilet seat, bath towels, and toothbrushes.ALSO READ: Your Towels Are Making You Sick— How Often Should You Wash Them? Make sure you flush the toilet with its lid on.LaundryLeaving damp laundry in the washing machine, even if for just 30 minutes, can create the perfect environment for germs to grow. Always move clothes to the dryer right after the wash cycle ends.If you’ve forgotten a load for a while, it’s best to rewash it. When using a laundromat or shared laundry room, wipe the washer drum with a disinfectant wipe before use.Also, avoid folding clean clothes on public surfaces without wiping them down first. Washing clothes in warm or hot water, notes UNICEF, especially items worn in public, is more effective at killing viruses and bacteria than cold water.Home Office & Living RoomNSF found that remote controls, keyboards, phones, and tablets are often shared among family and guests, and they’re germ hotspots. It also found mold, yeast, and even Staphylococcus on remotes and game controllers in multiple households.A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that carpets can trap up to eight times their weight in dirt, sometimes making them dirtier than a city sidewalk. Viruses can survive for up to 3 days on plastic surfaces like remotes and keyboards.Wipe down these items regularly with disinfectant wipes or a soapy cloth, and always wash your hands after returning home before touching any surfaces or electronics.PetsYour furry friends can bring germs indoors, especially if they spend time outside. Pet bowls, as per NSF, rank as the 4th germiest item in the home, with toys close behind. Studies have found staph, yeast, and mold on pet items.Some helpful hygiene tips:Wash bowls daily with warm, soapy waterSoak toys and bowls in diluted bleach weeklyClean hard toys with hot water regularlyWash soft toys once a monthWipe your pet’s paws before they come inside.While your pet may not get sick, the germs they carry can easily transfer to your hands or face.Personal ItemsEvery time you return home, you might be unknowingly bringing in bacteria and viruses, on your shoes, phone, wallet, or even headphones.In a study by NSF of 22 homes, fecal bacteria, yeast, and mold were found on:PhonesKeysWallets and cashLunchboxesThe bottoms of pursesREAD: This Everyday Personal Item Can Become As Breeding Ground For BacteriaSince many of these items are made of plastic or metal, some viruses can live on them for up to 72 hours.Disinfecting wipes work well on most of these surfaces. For electronics, consider using wipes specifically made for tech gear to avoid damage.

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