Bravo and controversy go together like a couple of real housewives and smashed wine glasses. At this point, we've seen everything from cheating scandals to prison sentences. But somehow the handwashing drama on the new series "Next Gen NYC" still managed to leave us at a loss for words.
This particular controversy starts with cast members Georgia McCann, Riley Burruss, and Gia Giudice taking a group trip to the women's restroom. From outside the bathroom doors, the cameras catch Burruss questioning McCann. "Girl, you don't wash your hands?" Burruss asks incredulously. It's at this point we get a rather unexpected confession: "I don't really believe in that," McCann says. "I'm pro-germ."
At first, the other women aren't sure whether or not to take McCann seriously. But she makes it easy by quickly doubling down on her anti-handwashing stance. "I have no allergies, I never get the flu. I might be crazy, but I really think it's because as a kid, growing up, I had no sense of germs," she says. "Germs are good." Dear reader, please know this is absolutely not the case.
"I'm pro-germ."McCann seems to be of the opinion that germs can help strengthen the immune system. "Germs kind of grow your microbiome," she argues. "This is not me making this up, this is like scientifically proven." In reality, this theory (a myth introduced in the 1980s) is not scientifically supported at all. What we do know, however, is that handwashing is one of the best (and most accessible) methods of disease prevention that we have.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is especially effective for preventing the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. The Cleveland Clinic also reports that although your immune system may be able to fight off some germs (as McCann claims), clean hands can prevent one in three illnesses that cause diarrhea and one in five respiratory infections. Not to mention that - even if your immune system is able to fight off the majority of germs - others with compromised immune systems might not be as lucky. Key times to wash your hands include before and after eating food, after touching garbage, and yes, after using the bathroom.
Understandably, a few of the women, namely Burruss, seemed visibly uncomfortable with McCann's take on handwashing. "I would hold your hands, but you didn't wash them," she told McCann. Some might consider her honesty a bit harsh, but we'll never judge someone for wanting to protect their personal health (and tbh . . . can you really blame her?).
Related: The Validation of Netflix's "Sirens" Spotlighting This Rare but Real Facial Condition Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. Read More Details
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