Total bum-mer!

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the rectum and anus. They can cause pain, itching and bleeding, even as they typically clear up on their own.

This frustrating condition affects about half of US adults over 50 , sending nearly 4 million Americans to the doctor or ER each year. 3

A new study reports that a common toilet habit can raise the risk of hemorrhoids by 46%. Sorry, textaholics, it’s time to drop the phone — just not in the bowl !

“We’re still uncovering the many ways smartphones and our modern way of life impact our health,” said senior study author Dr. Trisha Pasricha .

“It’s possible that how and where we use them — such as while in the bathroom — can have unintended consequences,” she added.

Pasricha’s team from Beth Israel Deaconess M

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