Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
We all take little steps to prolong the use of our health products or to make taking care of ourselves a little bit easier. Now RealSimple.com takes a look at several common health shortcuts and ranks their health risks on a scale from 1 (relatively safe) to 5 (watch out!). > Wearing disposable contacts longer than recommended. Risk: 5. The longer you use them, the more germs they harbor. > Popping someone else's prescription sleeping pills. Risk: 4. You might experience dangerous drug interactions and adverse side effects that the pills' owner doesn't. > Going barefoot in the gym shower. Risk: 2. There's only a slight chance of picking up a fungal infection. > Not finishing a prescribed course of antibiotics. Risk: 5. Even if you feel well, there still could be bacteria in your body that can lead to a relapse. > Trying on pierced earrings. Risk: 1. If your piercings have healed, you're at no risk of infection. > Eating food past its expiration date. Risk: 2. When in doubt throw it out, but most packaged foods are still good for a few more days. > Eating unwashed fruit. Risk: 5. Unwashed fruit can carry dirt, pesticides, bird droppings, and even insect parts. > Delaying routine physicals. Risk: 1. Depending on your age, sex, and overall health, yearly exams aren't always needed. > Taking an extra painkiller. Risk: 3. Just one extra aspirin or over-the-counter painkiller still typically falls within acceptable dosages. Not so with prescription meds. > Staying up all night. Risk: 2. Other than fatigue and lack of clarity the next day, an occasional all-nighter doesn't pose a health risk. > Sleeping on the same sheets for more than a week. Risk: 1. Gross? Yes. But in general dirty sheets don't pose a health hazard.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023
November 03 2023 12:51 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
This OnlyFans Star Is Trying to Raise $100K to Fight HIV
December 26 2023 3:05 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
The naked Black body takes center stage in this HIV campaign
January 03 2024 1:07 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Mr. Gay World wants to make sure you're OK
January 02 2024 4:56 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
The government failed on mpox. Ritchie Torres's new bill addresses that
April 18 2024 1:21 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Todrick Hall has long supported the communities he comes from
April 17 2024 12:02 PM
Our May/June issue of Plus is here!
April 17 2024 12:00 PM
Giselle Byrd is taking center stage — and helping others do the same
April 10 2024 2:24 PM
Discover endless fun at The Pride Store: Games & electronics for all ages
April 09 2024 4:25 PM
Mean Girls' Daniel Franzese on playing an HIV+ character
April 09 2024 3:57 PM
HIV-positive Air Force, Navy servicemembers victorious in lawsuit
April 09 2024 3:02 PM
Unlocking a new level of beauty with Dr Botanicals' ethical skincare line
April 08 2024 3:40 PM
Unleash your wild side with The Pride Store’s beginner’s guide to kink
April 08 2024 3:35 PM
Why are mpox cases in the U.S. on the rise again?
April 08 2024 1:30 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
Adult entertainment icons Derek Kage & Cody Silver lead fight for free speech
April 03 2024 3:06 PM
LGBTQ+ patients twice as likely to face discrimination: survey
April 02 2024 4:57 PM
Spring into The Pride Store’s top new arrivals for April
April 02 2024 4:39 PM
Nashville PD Must Pay HIV-Positive Man Denied a Job
April 01 2024 6:22 PM
Common has a message on how to foster self-love
March 29 2024 7:33 PM
Listen to Dr. Levine: Take syphilis seriously
March 28 2024 6:40 PM
Breaking boundaries in gender-free fashion with Stuzo Clothing
March 27 2024 2:15 PM