One in five UTIs may start with contaminated chicken or turkey

One in five UTI cases may stem from E. coli found in retail meats
Chicken and turkey show the highest contamination rates
Researchers call it a food safety issue, not just a personal hygiene problem

For decades, urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been seen as a matter of personal hygiene. But new research suggests that many cases may actually begin with what Americans bring home from the grocery store.

A new study published in the American Society for Microbiology journal reports that roughly one in five UTIs could be linked to E. coli bacteria found in contaminated meat products sold in U.S. supermarkets reframing what has long been considered a private health issue as a food safety concern.

Study connects infections to bacteria in store-bought meat

Between 2017 and 2021, scientists from George Washington University and Kaiser Permanente Southern California analyzed more than 5,700 urine samples from patients with E. coli UTIs. They also collected meat samples chicken, turkey, beef, and pork from grocery stores in the same communities.

By comparing genetic sequences from both sources, researchers found that about 20% of UTI infections could be traced to E. coli strains originating in meat.

Urinary tract infections have long been considered a personal health issue, but our findings suggest that they are also a food safety problem, said Lance Price, senior author of the study and professor of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University.

Chicken and turkey show the highest contamination rates

Among the meats tested, E. coli contamination was found in:

• 38% of chicken samples

• 36% of turkey samples

• 14% of beef samples

• 12% of pork samples

Researchers said poor storage, handling, and packaging practices likely contributed to the spread of bacteria. Some chicken packages were bloated with saline, which could leak and contaminate grocery belts or other foods.

Low-income areas disproportionately affected

The study also revealed that food-borne UTIs more often affect women and people in lower-income neighborhoods.

Womens anatomy makes them more prone to infection because bacteria have a shorter path to the bladder. However, researchers also found E. coli contamination more frequently in value packs larger, lower-cost meat packages often sold in lower-income areas.

My own experience of actually going to grocery stores in more affluent communities versus low-income neighborhoods is that the quality of the products are lower in the latter, Price said.

Food-handling practices can lower your risk

Researchers urged changes in meat processing and packaging to reduce contamination but said consumers can take steps to protect themselves at home:

• Buy meat and poultry sealed securely to prevent leakage.

• Cook meat to safe internal temperatures.

• Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.

• Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly after handling raw meat.

CDC guidance may need an update

While the CDC acknowledges that E. coli causes UTIs, its guidance mainly focuses on diarrheal strains. Experts say this study highlights the need to recognize food-borne E. coli as a widespread source of urinary tract infections especially among women and communities with limited access to higher-quality food.

The food supply chain can and should do more to keep this dangerous bacterium out of our kitchens and out of peoples bodies, Price said.

What to do if you get a UTI

Know the symptoms
Common signs include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort.

When to see a doctor
If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if you experience fever, back pain, or blood in your urine, seek medical care. Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys and cause serious illness.

Treatment
Most UTIs are treated effectively with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol while recovering.

Prevent recurrence

• Urinate shortly after sexual activity.

• Wipe front to back after using the bathroom.

• Stay hydrated to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

• Avoid tight clothing that traps moisture.

• Follow food safety practices to prevent E. coli exposure.

New Payless Power survey reveals most Americans want to end daylight saving time for good

• Findings from a recent survey found that most Americans want to ditch daylight saving time: 71% say its outdated and should be abolished altogether.

• The time change takes a toll: Nearly 40% report worsened moods, disrupted sleep, and lower productivity after falling back.

• Experts recommend easing into it: Gradual sleep adjustments and more morning sunlight can help make the transition smoother.

As daylight saving time winds down for another year, many Americans are bracing for darker evenings and for the exhaustion that comes with the biannual clock change.

Despite years of debate (and 19 states already passing legislation to make daylight saving time permanent), most of the country will fall back yet again this November.

The impact on consumers

According to new research from Payless Power, consumers arent just over the hassle theyre feeling the effects.

The companys most recent survey found that nearly 40% of Americans say the time change worsens their mood, more than a third say it disrupts their sleep and mental health, and over a third say it throws off their productivity.

The fatigue runs so deep that 71% of Americans now support abolishing daylight saving time entirely, calling it an outdated ritual that no longer serves a purpose.

Even with all that, 53% still believe DST will be around 10 years from now, Payless Powers CEO Brandon Young told ConsumerAffairs.

Can you prepare?

Though most Americans arent looking forward to turning their clocks back in just a few days, Young says there are ways to prepare for the change to make it a bit easier.

The key here is to gradually make this transition, he explained. Begin making changes to your sleep patterns a few days prior to making shifts in your bedtime routine by sleeping for 15 minutes earlier each night. Catch your morning sun to brighten your mood. Then wind down in the evenings without many electronic gadgets and bright lights.

Some more ideas for smoothing the transition include:

• Stick to your usual routine and get as much natural light in the morning as possible.

• Take mini-breaks to remain alert.

• To help you with your work routine, consider setting reminders to move and/or stretch. Try not to task heavily right after a time change.

• Use your time at home to find activities that ground you. Examples include meals with others and just taking a quick walk.

With 71% of Americans supporting the end of DST and two in three calling it irrelevant, its clear this system is ready for a change, Young said. Treat the time change like you would jet lag, and build in small habits that help your body and mind adjust more smoothly.

New research shows weight-loss medications are reshaping clothing choices, spending habits, and even confidence in the fitting room

• Findings from a recent study found that GLP-1 medications are reshaping retail habits, as nearly 70% of users still buy their old clothing sizes, while over half keep old clothes out of fear of regaining weight.

• Confidence is rising but emotions linger 46% of GLP-1 users are experimenting with new styles, though many still feel imposter syndrome when shopping.

• Fashion and finances are adjusting too from shifting away from major retailers to exploring thrifting, tailoring, and renting, consumers are finding creative ways to rebuild their wardrobes affordably.

The GLP-1 boom isnt just transforming waistlines its changing wardrobes, too.

A new study from Levity found that as more Americans use medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, their retail habits are shifting in surprising ways. Many are holding on to old clothes just in case, second-guessing their new sizes, and even turning to social media for post-weight-loss style inspiration.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Zoe Lees, PhD, Medical Writer at Levity, to learn more about the ways GLP-1s are influencing not only health, but also confidence, identity, and the everyday act of getting dressed.

The retail shift

How exactly are weight loss drugs affecting how consumers shop?

GLP-1s are reshaping the way consumers shop, plus how they feel about it, Dr. Lees told ConsumerAffairs. Nearly 70% of consumers are still buying their old clothing sizes because theyre unsure if smaller sizes will fit.

However, confidence is growing with almost half (46%) of users experimenting with new styles they wouldnt have tried before. Nevertheless, emotional barriers linger, with 54% holding onto old clothes just in case, while 29% feel imposter syndrome when shopping for their new bodies.

Dr. Lees said that this effect is hitting retailers too, as those taking GLP-1s are changing where they shop. The findings from the survey found that 20% now shop less at Target, 18% shop less at Amazon, and 17% shop less at Old Navy.

Style changes come with weight loss

Another important aspect to consider is that with weight loss also comes the urge to try new styles. Dr. Lees explained that many consumers feel more confident after taking GLP-1s, which is also changing the retail landscape.

There's been a noticeable shift in style preferences, she said. Activewear and jeans are now favored over looser, more conservative clothing.

Dressing up, crop tops, and form-fitting apparel once avoided are catching the attention of GLP-1 users. Social media is also playing a role, with one in four following influencers who share their new sizes for fashion inspiration. The shift reflects both growing confidence and the pressure to look a certain way after weight loss.

Maintaining affordability through weight loss

With weight loss comes the need for new clothes in new sizes. How can consumers make sure that their clothes fit, while sticking to their budgets?

A large portion of consumers who take GLP-1s spend $100-$249 per year on new apparel (32%), but it is absolutely possible to be resourceful with budgeting, Dr. Lees said.

Some of her strategies include:

• Tailor the clothes you already own.

• Renting apparel is also an option, with nearly one in four people open to it.

• Buy clothes secondhand. Thrift and resale stores offer affordable choices.

These approaches let people adapt to size changes without constantly replacing their wardrobe or breaking the bank, she said.

Chipotle at 5pm, Krispy Kreme at 8pm: the cheap-eat crawl

• Headliners: Chipotle $6 Boorito (3pmclose), Krispy Kreme free doughnut (costume), Shake Shack BOGO, 7-Eleven BOGO pizza, Baskin-Robbins 31% off scoops; Wendys $1 Boo! Books

• How to claim: Wear a simple costume, join each chains app/rewards, know the time window, and confirm participation in-app

• Max value plan: 7-Eleven BOGO pizza for the family; or Chipotle Krispy Kreme Shake Shack crawl, then Baskin-Robbins for dessert

If you dont feel like cooking dinner before taking the kids trick or treating, or just want a cheap treat, Halloween is a sneaky good day for food deals. I found all the national chains offering a deal this week, and included instructions on how to claim them without getting tripped up by the fine print.

The headliners (national chains):

Chipotle Boorito: $6 entres, in costume, 3pmclose (Oct 31) -Chipotle is once again offering Boorito on Halloween, which is your chance to score a burrito or burrito bowl for just $6.

Must be a Chipotle Rewards member, sport any kind of costumer, and order in-person. They limit the offer to one discounted entre per person.

Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut in costume (Oct 31)-No purchase needed at participating Krispy Kreme locations. Everyone in your group, wearing a costume, will get a free original glazed or classic ring.

Shake Shack: BOGO Double ShackBurger through Oct 31 (code: SPOOKY)-Score a free Double ShakeBurger ($9.49) when you order one. Just enter the code SPOOKY in the app, online, or in-person at the ordering kiosk.

7-Eleven/Speedway: BOGO whole pizza (Oct 31)-Available on October 31^st only, 7Rewards members can buy an entire pizza and get another completely free with their choice of toppings. Available both in-store and via 7NOW delivery at participating locations.

Baskin-Robbins: 31% off scoops on the 31st (rewards members)-On October 31^st, youll score 31% off all scoops when you download the BR app and join their Rewards program.

They call it Celebrate 31, and yes, every month that ends in 31^st is eligible for the same discount. Unfortunately, they exclude waffle cones, toppings, and sundaes from the promotion.

Wendys: Boo! Booksfive Jr. Frosty coupons for $1 (use by 12/31)-Not a day-of freebie, but Wendys $1 Boo Books is the best cheap treat book of the season.

For only $1, you buy a Boo! Book that comes with five free Jr. Frosty coupons and one coupon for a $1.99 kids meal. Proceeds benefit the Dave Tomas Foundation. This promo works in-restaurant only.

Why this matters

Two things are going on: (1) restaurants are pulling demand forward with app-only deals (so they get you into the rewards ecosystem), and (2) the costume-triggered promos turn drive-thru trips into mini events, which is why the biggest discounts are on Halloween weekend.

Translation, use the apps and wear something vaguely costume-ish and youll unlock most of the value without spending much.

Quick how-to (so you dont miss it)

Bring a costume piece. A hat, face paint, or jersey usually qualifies for Chipotle/Krispy Kreme. Dont overthink it.

Install the app + join rewards first. Chipotle Rewards, 7Rewards, and the Shake Shack app. Most deals wont appear until youre logged in.

Know the time window. Chipotle is 3pmclose only; other promos are all-day but may be participating locations.

Check participation before you go. Tap the offer inside the app or the chains newsroom page to confirm your store is in.

Smart stacking (if youre up for the challenge)

If youre feeling adventuresome and want to maximize these offers, youll want to hit Chipotle after 3pm for the $6 entre, then swing by Krispy Kreme for the free doughnut (costume still on), and if dinner is burgers, queue a Shake Shack BOGO in the app.

For families, your best bet will be scoring the 7-Eleven BOGO pizza deal for the group and then making a Baskin-Robbins run for dessert (31% off) if your store is open late on the 31st.