From picking your nose to queue-jumping & double dipping at parties – why having bad manners is bad for your health

YOU risk more than a hint of bad manners – they could also endanger your health and that of those around you.

From the hygienic hazard of picking your nose to the strain on your heart of getting into an argument after waiting in line, it’s not what your mom or the doctor ordered.

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Another no-no is poor positioning at the dining table.

According to a new report from leading physical therapist CityPT, hanging down at mealtimes can actually keep your back and shoulders from aligning.

Sitting up straight with your elbows drawn in strengthens your core muscles and can mean fewer, less severe headaches.

Here, Josh Saunders looks at other common etiquette your body will thank you for.

Snot a good idea

Horn picking is not only unsightly to others, it can also be bad for you.

Bogies can spread bacteria and viruses here, there and everywhere.

But fingernails can also cut delicate nasal tissues and structures inside the nose, allowing germs to get in or triggering a nosebleed.

Avoid the double dip

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THERE’S always one person at a party who’ll dip their breadsticks into the hummus bowl, bite off a bit, and then plow back in with the same stick.

This not only attracts evil looks, but also spreads a lot of germs among the guests.

A study at Clemson University in South Carolina found that as many as 10,000 bacteria are transferred from mouth to dip for every three to six double dunks.

Maybe next time scoop some hummus onto your plate before tucking into it.

Dive, dive, hooray.

Look up from your phone

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Few things are more rude or annoying than having someone look at their phone when you’re talking to them.

But they can also cause trouble for themselves.

Staring at your phone for long periods of time can lead to “text neck” — a repetitive strain injury caused by your head tilting forward and down.

Phone screens also produce blue light, and too much of it can strain your eyes or worsen an existing eye condition.

just lay it down

cover your mouth

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HAPPY since the Covid pandemic most people are now better at this when they cough or sneeze.

It’s just polite.

Otherwise, colds and flu or worse bugs can spread and infect those unfortunate enough to be in your line of fire.

To keep these insidious germs to yourself, experts recommend the “vampire sneeze,” which involves placing the crook of your arm over your mouth to prevent transmission.

Oh, and of course wash your hands regularly.

Don’t jump in the queue

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WE are a nation of queues, but encroachment is a mortal sin.

It’s a surefire trigger for supermarket rage at the checkout—especially when we’re all already fretting about grocery prices.

But you can be your own worst enemy by skipping the line because that line you’re about to start could skyrocket your stress levels.

A US study at Harvard Medical School found that a Barney can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke by up to seven times in the following two hours.

Be patient!

Clean up

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NOT doing the dishes or leaving your stuff all over the house will likely turn off anyone who lives with you.

But you could also mess up your health — and hers — unless you clean up your act.

Clutter can cause anxiety and affect concentration and sleep.

Dust and dirt can increase the risk of allergies, respiratory problems like asthma and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

A study by Dettol found that neat types are more hygienic than messy ones and are less prone to catching a cold or an upset stomach.

Stop being a moron

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Another socially unacceptable habit is cracking your knuckles.

The annoying popping sound is said to be caused by bursting of sacs in synovial fluid, which helps lubricate joints.

The old wives tale that cracking causes arthritis has been debunked.

But if you do it too often and with too much force, chances are you’re doing real damage to your hands.

Research shows that you can wear down cartilage in your joints and cause inflammation.

Brush your crunches

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THIS is a standard courtesy for anyone who might cross your path, and it’s also a good idea if you’re going on a date.

If you don’t brush your teeth and then kiss your loved one, you run the risk of infection.

Our mouths are home to a slew of bacteria, warns a study in the journal Microbiome.

And a kiss lasting just ten seconds can transport an incredible 80 million bacteria from mouth to mouth.