The Disgusting Truth About Your Apple Watch Or Fitbit

Author Aimee Thomas

August 21st, 2023 8:36 AM

Apple Watch (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Your Apple Watch and Fitbit wristbands might look shiny and clean on the outside, but a new study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that they could be crawling with harmful bacteria. The study found that both types of wristbands carry bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus, which can cause a range of health issues, from fever and diarrhea to pneumonia and weakened immune systems.

Why Do Apple Watch and Fitbit Wristbands Carry Bacteria?

One of the reasons why Apple Watch and Fitbit wristbands carry bacteria is that they are in constant contact with our skin, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Sweat, dead skin cells, and oils from our skin can accumulate on the bands, creating a hospitable environment for bacteria to grow and thrive.

Another reason is that many people wear their wristbands 24/7, including during activities that are likely to generate more sweat and bacteria, like exercising, cooking, and cleaning. This can increase the risk of infection and illness.

The Florida Atlantic University study found that both Apple Watch and Fitbit wristbands carry harmful levels of bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus. E. coli can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia, while Staphylococcus can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Wristbands Clean?

The researchers recommend cleaning your wristbands on a regular basis to reduce the risk of infection. You can do it with a mild soap and water, or a disinfectant wipe. Be sure to dry the bands really well before wearing them again. If you sweat a lot, or if you wear your wristbands during activities that make you sweat, consider taking breaks from your wristbands to allow your skin to breathe. This can also help prevent the buildup of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

I don’t know about you but I am headed to wash my watch RIGHT now!

Aimee Thomas is the morning show co-host of Aimee + Shawn on 102.7 VGS. She has been VGS since the birth of the station in 2022 and has been with Beasley Media Group for nine years doing mornings at various stations in the cluster. Before working in radio Aimee was a bartender at a local restaurant in Las Vegas when a local radio veteran thought she would be perfect in radio because of her crazy stories, knowledge of pop culture, and contagious laugh. Aimee loves writing about new recipes she creates in her kitchen, her favorite artists and actors, and being a mom of two boys.

Top Household Arguments Between Couples

Living in the same home with someone else is bound to result in some sort of tiff. One person might be a “sock strewner” (the act of leaving your socks everywhere but in the hamper when you’re done with them) while others might load the dishwasher like a monster.

Whatever the case may be, every couple has been through some sort of argument about things around the house. That’s why Method Cleaning recently held a survey to figure out what the top ten most common household arguments were between couples.

There is no way you’ll look at this list and not either see your partner or yourself in most if not all of them. Nobody is perfect, but some are more flawed than others. If you find yourself saying “wow, I am all of those things,” it’s a moment to reflect on why you are like this and where it all went wrong.

The top, most grievous household argument between couples? Leaving lights on around the house. Sure, each LED bulb, if left on 24 hours a day for a month, might cost around $1. But it’s not about the money, right? It’s about the… the… wait what’s it about again?

Another big one, and number two on the list? Leaving the toilet seat up. We all know it is the man of the house that ends up failing at this time and again. Hell hath no fury than a wife who falls into the toilet because her husband decided to not exert the minimum amount of effort to move the seat 2 inches so gravity could take care of the rest.

Go through the list, and if you find yourself being a major violator, re-consider your life choices.

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1. Leaving lights on around the home

When you have to replace an “8 year” LED bulb in a year, you might be doing it wrong.
2. Leaving the toilet seat up

Only one thing should go “plop” in the toilet, and it’s not your wife.
3. Not putting dishes away

Wouldn’t it be great if they magically put themselves away? They don’t, but it’d be great.
4. Starting but not completing the housework

Your heart was in the right place, but your heart got tired and you decided to stop.
5. Whose turn it is to clean the floor?

Buy a Roomba. Call Zerorez. No one wants to clean the floor.
6. Not squeegeeing the shower screen after showering

Your shower can’t get scuzzy if you don’t let it.
7. Leaving dirty clothes on the floor

Add “clean clothes” to this list too. No one likes doing laundry. Toughen up, buttercup.
8. Dropping crumbs in the bed

There is no worse feeling than feeling that one crumb on your back, and you can’t reach it.
9. Not dusting properly

Who dusts?
10. Not making the bed

Sure, you’re the only one that will see it, but it’s nice to come back to a made bed.