Just out of a hot shower, you feel fresh and clean. Then you grab that travel to pat dry yourself, smelling fresh, further cleaning off all and any droplets on your body. But wait, your towel may be transferring bacteria to your body. You may have come off clean from that shower, but with that towel, the cleanliness is no longer there.

Many of us put that towel into a washing machine once a week, in a study among 100 people, a third of them did so once a month. In fact, a UK survey found that few only did it once a year. While we do not see any signs of dirt in our towel, they are actually a breeding ground for millions of microbes.

As per a 2023 study titled Analysis of biofilm and bacterial communities in the towel environment with daily use, the towel is not only contaminated with bacteria commonly found on human skin, but also with those found in our guts. These can transfer back to our skin. Often, bacteria and airborne fungi too can settle on the towel as they are hanging up.

In Japan, some households use leftover bathwater for laundering the next day, while it may be a great way to save water, as per the researchers at the University of Tokushima, many of the bacteria found in used bath water can be transferred to towels and clothing. If you are someone who hangs the towel in the bathroom, there is more bad news for you. Every time you flush, the bacteria from your toilet and specks of your and your family's bodily waste settles on that towel. This is the same towel you use to wipe your face and rest of the body.

As time passes, these microbes start to form biofilms, and it changes how the towel looks. If you have ever noticed the color of your towel change, turning to a dark dirt color, it is because of these biofilms. After two months, even with regular washing, you cannot get the color back, as the bacteria living in the cotton fiber starts to dull the appearance of the cloth.

So, how often should you wash your towel?

There are 1,000 different species of bacteria that live on our skin alongside the viruses and fungi. Most of it can be good for us, and help us keep safe from infections from other infections. However, many of what we find on our towels are common in the environment we live in, including Staphylococcus bacteria and Escherichia coli, found in the human gut. The towel could also contain Salmonella and Shigella bacteria, which causes foodborne illness and diarrhoea.

Some of these bacteria could also be opportunistic pathogens, where they can cause more harm to humans, whether through a cut, and they enter the body, causing to produce more toxic, and weakening the immune systems. While skin is a natural barrier against infection, washing and scrubbing and rubbing with a dry towel can disrupt this skin barrier function, and bacteria could enter your body.

As per a 2021 study titled The Stability of Model Human Coronaviruses on Textiles in the Environment and during Health Care Laundering, COVID-19 virus can survive on cotton for up to 24 hours, even though transmission through touching contaminated surfaces is not the main way how the virus spreads.

Research also shows that the human papillomaviruses, common cause of warts and verrucae can also spread through contact of towels shared with other people. This risk of spreading viruses through a shared towel is the reason why hospitals and other public places now use disposable paper towels.

Weighing all such risks, the correct answer to how often should you wash your towels would be: the sooner you can do it! Though experts recommend that there is no set rule to wash it once a week, but it is of course better than doing it once a month or even a year!

In 2022, about 1 in 5, which is around 702,880, people died due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the United States. There are many factors around you that affect your heart health. Things like what food you eat, whether the area you live in is polluted or not and also what kind of lifestyle you lead. There are many risk factors for heart diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or smoking, which are key risk factors according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC explains about 47% of US citizens have at least one of these three risk factors.

Another risk factor could be the place you live in. A new study published in the European Society of Cardiology April 2025 revealed that the walkability of a neighborhood can play a big role for your cardiovascular health. The study revealed that individuals living in areas with low walkability had a 5% higher risk of developing CVD compared to those in very walkable neighborhoods. Interestingly, even in neighborhoods that improved in walkability over time, the risk of CVD remained about 5% higher for those who started in low-walkability areas, possibly due to the lasting effects of earlier sedentary habits.

What Makes A Neighborhood Walk-Friendly?

To figure out how walkable a neighborhood is, the researchers in the study looked at several things. They checked how many people lived in the area (population density), how many shops were nearby, if there were parks and green spaces, and if there were sidewalks to walk on. They also considered if different types of buildings were mixed together (like shops and homes), if there was good public transportation, and how well the streets connected to each other. All these things together helped them decide how easy it was to walk around in a certain neighborhood.

Researchers studied over three million adults who were at least 40 years old and didn't have any heart problems when the study started. The researchers kept track of how walkable each person's neighborhood was for 13 years. They also checked if the walkability of these neighborhoods stayed the same, got better, or got worse during that time.

The findings of this study support what doctors have known for a long time: moving your body is good for your health, especially your heart. What's interesting is that you don't need to do intense workouts to see the benefits. Even small amounts of activity, like walking your dog in a park or carrying your groceries home from the store, can make a difference. These little bursts of energy throughout the day can add up and help lower your risk of getting heart disease.

Should People Opt For More Walkable Places?

A report from 2023 from Smart Growth America found that less than 7% of people in America actually live in very walkable urban neighborhoods. Interestingly, studies have shown that minority groups often live in more walkable neighborhoods. However, these same groups are also more likely to suffer from heart and blood sugar problems. This might be because even in walkable areas, factors like safety, clean environments, and good sidewalks and parks might not be available in all neighborhoods.

Even if you don't live in a very walkable area, there are still things you can do to move more. You might need to get a little creative! You can try lifting weights or doing yoga while you watch TV. If you drive to the store, park a little further away so you have to walk more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stand up and move around when you're on the phone, have walking meetings if possible, and make sure to get up and stretch every hour.

During a recent conference on drug addiction, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. shared a personal story about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. He also emphasized on the importance of helping young people find meaning in life. His speech at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the need for prevention, community, and spiritual support in addressing substance abuse.

RFK Jr.'s Struggle With Addiction

Kennedy revealed that he was addicted to heroin for 14 years. It started during his teenage years. During that time, he constantly promised to quit to himself and his family, but he felt powerless to follow through.

“I didn’t want to be someone who woke up every morning thinking about drugs,” he said, describing the feeling of being unable to “keep contracts” with himself. He shared that he felt like he was born with a hole inside him—something many addicts feel—that he tried to fill with drugs.

He also called addiction "a source of misery, but also a symptom of misery". He stressed that threats of overdose or ruined lives often have little impact on those who are already suffering. “Every addict feels that way in one way or another... and the only thing that works are drugs,” he said.

His message to the 3,000 attendees focused on how deeper issues like hopelessness and disconnection from community contribute to addiction.

Finding A Way Out Through Faith

RFK Jr. went on to describe his recovery journey that started after he read a book by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who suggested that people who believe in God tend to recover more effectively. This inspired him and rekindled his faith in God. He began to attend the 12-step meetings. God was mentioned in his speech over 20 times, and it was noted that spirituality played a big role in his healing.

RFK Jr. also acknowledged criticism from public health experts and was interrupted several times by hecklers. Without directly engaging them, he said he tries to learn from everyone—“even the people who give me the finger.”

Prevention Through Purpose

While RFK Jr. did praise tools like Suboxone, methadone, and access to rehab, his main focus remained on prevention. “We have this whole generation of kids who’ve lost hope in their future,” he said. According to him, restoring connections to family, community, and purpose is crucial.

He encouraged policy changes that would promote stronger family bonds—such as phone-free meals—and more opportunities for young people to engage in service. “The best way to overcome hopelessness,” he said, “is to wake up each day and pray, ‘Please make me useful to another human being today.’”

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

When singer and actor Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 13 years old, he described the moment as feeling like his dreams had been shattered. In a recent Instagram post, he reflected on that difficult time, saying, “It felt like someone was shutting the door on my dreams.” Now, as he returns to the Broadway stage, Nick shares a powerful message of hope: “I wish that I could go back and tell my younger self that everything turns out better than I could ever imagine. I know that diabetes can’t hold me back.”

Nick’s story is one that resonates with countless young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. While the diagnosis may initially seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that diabetes can be managed—and that life, dreams, and success are still very much within reach.

Recognizing the Early Symptoms

Early diagnosis is crucial in managing type 1 diabetes. The sooner it is detected, the sooner a child or teen can begin treatment and avoid potential complications. Common symptoms in children and adolescents include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Severe fatigue or tiredness
• Mood swings or irritability

In some cases, children may also experience nausea or vomiting. Parents and caregivers should consult a doctor immediately if any of these signs appear consistently. With a timely diagnosis and treatment, children can adjust to their condition and live full, healthy lives.

Managing Life After Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes means adapting to a new lifestyle—but it doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. As Nick Jonas shows, success and diabetes can go hand in hand. Here’s how young diabetics can take care of their health:

Regular Monitoring: Checking blood sugar levels every day is important to prevent highs and lows that can be harmful.

Balanced Diet: Eating nutritious meals with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while keeping an eye on carbohydrate intake can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Exercise Routine: Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight. It's best to stick to a consistent workout routine.

Insulin Management: Taking insulin as prescribed and learning how to adjust doses based on meals, exercise, or illness is key to managing the condition.

Support and Education: Understanding diabetes and having a support system—whether it’s family, friends, or an online community—can make the journey easier and more empowering.

A Life of Possibility

Nick Jonas’s journey is a reminder that diabetes doesn’t mean the end of dreams—it simply means learning to live differently. With self-discipline, awareness, and care, young people can still thrive in school, sports, art, and beyond. Nick’s words serve as both reassurance and motivation: “Diabetes can’t hold me back.”

And for young diabetics everywhere, the takeaway is clear: this condition is just one part of your story—not the whole of it.