Marilyn's PHotos - Oct 1 2025 - Using this on the toilet

 

This question comes from the New York Times this morning: "Does using your phone on the toilet cause hemorrhoids?" Coming from the New York Times, I can assume it isn't click-bait material.  That's why I want to know the source - who says smartphones cause hemorrhoids?  There's a new study with this finding: "A 2025 study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center published in PLOS One found a correlation between using a smartphone on the toilet and a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids, according to multiple sources including Healthline and Prevention. While the study doesn't prove causation, researchers, including gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha, suggest the association stems from extended toilet time, which puts pressure on the rectal tissues." So that's the New York Times version of the question.   Here's the CNN headline: Using the phone while you poop greatly raises hemorrhoid ... Here's the Guardian headlines: Set a two TikTok toilet limit to reduce haemorrhoid risk ... Toilet scrolling: how bathroom phone use plays havoc with ...A Youtube headline from Straight Arrow News: Get off the throne: Study claims smartphones could increase ... NBC News: Smartphone overuse linked to a new pain in the butt Yahoo: If you're reading this while on the toilet, here's why that ... Times of India Take your phone to the toilet everytime? Beware, it can ... And the CBC? New study shows smartphone use in bathrooms could lead ... What are the guidelines on writing headlines?  We know there are stringent approaches in the industry.  Here they are:  Eliminate unnecessary words (e.g., a, an, the).  Omit forms of the verb ‘to be’ (e.g., is, are, was, were).  Use numerals.  Abbreviate days of the week and months.  Use present tense verbs (i.e., historical present tense).  Use strong verbs but avoid commanding verbs.  Follow a subject/verb-object structure.  Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns.  Don't use a period at the end.  Use single quotes to quote material.  Use a comma as a substitute for "and."  Use specific details if they are available.  Use only widely known acronyms and abbreviations.  Use names only when they're prominent and use only notable nicknames. Here's a sense of humour at the CP24 news station headquarters.