West Texas: Keep Your Hands Off These Eight Body Parts Here’s Why

Like I always share with listeners, "I'm not a Doctor but I play one on the radio" and then I start laughing. The funny part is I can't stop reading Journal of American Medical Association aka the JAMA. One thing I've learned from the JAMA is that we humans can be quite nasty.

Let’s be honest, when you hear “body parts you shouldn’t touch,” your mind might wander somewhere funny. But here in West Texas, with all the airborne dust, pollen, germs, and who-knows-what is floating around, this list is more about staying healthy than it is about being bashful.

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The 8 Body Parts West Texans Should Avoid Touching At All Costs

As someone who welcomes guests into my studio daily, many of whom comment that it smells like Lysol and disinfectants, I thought it was time we had this talk. Yes, I’m a self-proclaimed germaphobe, and yes, I believe we all should take cleanliness seriously, especially when it comes to these eight commonly touched, bacteria-prone body parts.

1. Keep Those Hands Off Your Face

Our hands are germ magnets, covered in oils, dirt, and who-knows-what. According to microbiologist Matthew Lee and TheHealthy.com, when we touch our faces, those germs get into our pores and can lead to acne, blisters, or even illness. In a dusty West Texas windstorm, that’s a recipe for disaster.

2. Eyes: A Shortcut to Sickness

Rubbing your eyes feels good, but it’s a fast track to infections like pink eye, the common cold, or worse. That’s because the tear ducts are connected directly to your nasal passages. Plus, constantly pulling and tugging at the skin around your eyes contributes to early wrinkles. So, if health and vanity matter to you, hands off!

3. No More Keys in the Ear

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen good ol’ West Texas ranchers using keys or pens to scratch their ears. Please stop! The skin inside your ears is extremely thin and sensitive. My good friend, Dr. Acevedo (or as I like to call him, Dr. Awesome-Vedo), warns that digging around in there can cause tears, infections, and permanent damage.

4. Pick a Better Habit Than Picking Your Nose

Look, we all know it’s gross. Just stop. If your nose is stuffed up or dry, use a tissue—or better yet, try a Neti Pot. Dr. Awesome-Vedo introduced me to this little teapot-looking device that gently flushes out the sinuses. It’s a cleaner, healthier way to breathe easy.

Read More: Top 5 Texas Food Combos That Actually Boost Your Health

5. Mouth Off: Don’t Use Your Fingers as Snacks

The average human mouth contains between 35 and 75 types of bacteria, and sticking your fingers in your mouth brings even more germs in. Whether you’re biting your nails, chewing a pen cap, or just resting your fingers on your lips, don’t do it. Especially at a red light, y’all!

6. The Backside is Not a Hand Rest

This one’s simple: don’t touch your butt unless you’re cleaning it. The area is a hotbed for bacteria, such as E. coli. And yes, even a light scratch can spread germs fast. Wash up thoroughly after every bathroom break.

7. The Belly Button Is the Dirtiest Place on Your Body

Yep, science confirms it: your belly button is dirtier than you think. According to ScienceNewsExplores.com, this tiny little cavern can host a shocking amount of bacteria. So unless you’re cleaning it, stay out of it.

8. Under the Nails: The Hidden Germ Garden

This is one of the most overlooked places where germs thrive. Under your fingernails and toenails, bacteria and grime can build up fast. Keep your nails trimmed, clean them often, and avoid biting or digging.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t write this to gross anyone out. I wrote this to help us all stay a little healthier, especially here in dusty, windy, germ-filled West Texas. These tips aren’t just for grownups. They’re lessons we can teach our kids, too.

So next time someone walks into my studio and smells disinfectant, I’ll smile and say, “Welcome to the clean zone!”