Every year, World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis and encourage action to solve it. The goal set by the United Nation is to achieve safe toilets for all by 2023, as a part of their Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN also states that 3.5 billion people live without proper sanitation and many children also lose their lives due to poor sanitation and unsafe water. This is why World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness on this issue.

Theme

This year, the theme for World Toilet Day 2024 is "Toilets - A Place for Peace'. This focuses on the growing threat to sanitation that is caused by conflict, climate change, disaster and neglect. When there is a threat to using toilets, it can lead to many health risks.

Not using toilets for too long may lead to Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. For many who do not have access to clean toilets do not drink enough liquid or hold pee for too long. Doctors suggest that holding in pee for too long can cause bacteria to multiply and lead to UTI. By not drinking enough water, your bladder fails to tell the body to pee often, and can cause the bacteria to spread through the urinary tract, which can lead to infection.

Symptoms of UTI:

• Burning or stinging feeling while urinating
• Pain in pelvis or lower abdomen
• Constant urge to empty the bladder
• Strong or foul smelling urine
• Consistently dark urine
• Blood in urine

Holding in pee for too long can also cause your bladder to stretch, making it difficult or even impossible for the bladder to contract and release pee normally. It can also damage your pelvic floor muscles or could lead to kidney stones.

World Toilet Day History And Significance

To prevent such conditions, it is important that everyone has access to clean and safe toilets. In terms of history, the day was established in 2001, by the World Toilet Organization (WTO), which was founded by Jack Sim. However, it was officially recognised by the UN in 2013. The Government of Singapore worked with WTO to create the first UN resolution called Sanitation for All.

India too promotes safe and hygiene toilet through its Swachh Bharat Yojna.

The US FDA has announced a nationwide recall of Vitruvias Therapeutics' Thyroid Tablets USP 30 mg over potential super-potency, which may cause hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

In a recall notice issued on August 24, the company said the affected thyroid tablets, with lot number 504950, were potentially superpotent.

“Consumption of superpotent Thyroid tablets can cause hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) including, but not limited to, weight loss, heat intolerance, fatigue, nervousness, muscle weakness, hypertension, chest pain, rapid heart rate, or heart rhythm disturbances,” the company said.

Which Thyroid Tablets Have Been Recalled?

The recalled product is:

• Vitruvias Thyroid Tablets USP 30 mg
• Lot number: 504950
• Expiration date: September 30, 2026

The lot was distributed nationwide in the US to Vitruvias Therapeutics’ direct accounts from January 31, 2025, to September 30, 2025.

A total of 3,655 units were released, of which 1,955 were sold during the distribution period.

Who Is At Greater Risk?

The company noted that patient populations at greater risk from superpotent thyroid tablets include

• elderly people,
• pregnant women
• infants.

Excess levels of thyroid hormones in elderly people have been associated with adverse outcomes, particularly affecting cardiac health.

However, Vitruvias Therapeutics said it has not received any reports of adverse events known to be related to this recall.

The company noted that it is proactively notifying wholesalers by email and phone to discontinue distribution of the recalled product and is arranging for the destruction of all recalled products.

What To Do If You Are Taking the Recalled Product?

Patients currently taking Thyroid, USP from Lot 504950 should not discontinue use without contacting their healthcare provider for further guidance and/or a replacement prescription.

What Is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck, but it plays an important role in the body's activities. It secretes hormones that control metabolism, or the body's ability to convert food into energy.

Thyroid hormones also regulate several other body functions, including heart rate and body temperature.

When the thyroid gland becomes underactive, a condition called hypothyroidism occurs. It causes bodily functions to slow down. Metabolism may also be reduced, leading to changes in a person's well-being.

Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Shruti Kotangale, Consultant Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and Infertility Expert at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, explained that conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are commonly seen in women.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive. Symptoms can include tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, hair fall, constipation, feeling cold, a slow heartbeat and low mood or depression.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive. Women may experience weight loss, a fast heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, tremors, irritability, frequent bowel movements, and difficulty sleeping.

Women must seek medical attention and manage these symptoms without delay.

Symptoms of Thyroid

Although weight fluctuations are the most common thyroid abnormality, they are typically accompanied by a group of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Cognitive changes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Sensitivity to cold
• Skin and hair changes

How To Diagnose?

Obtaining a proper diagnosis requires two key steps:

Physical examination: This helps determine whether there is swelling or a nodule in the neck.

Blood tests: These may determine levels of:

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
• T4 and T3
• Thyroid antibodies, particularly when autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease are suspected

A UK skin cancer survivor is urging the government to remove VAT from sunscreen, arguing that products used to protect against skin cancer should not be treated as luxury cosmetics.

Jessica Zbinden-Webster, who was diagnosed with skin cancer at just 26, has renewed her campaign to scrap the 20% VAT charged on sunscreen. She said that sunscreen should be considered a health essential rather than a cosmetic product.

Zbinden-Webster's campaign comes as skin cancer remains a growing public health concern in the UK.

UV Radiation Can Damage The Skin

UV radiation can damage the DNA inside skin cells. Repeated or excessive exposure can cause mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop when pigment-producing cells become cancerous. Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also strongly influenced by UV exposure.

Cancer Research UK says up to nine in 10 melanoma cases could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds. It recommends using sunscreen alongside shade and protective clothing.

Also read: Why Flight Attendants, Pilots Face Higher Risk Of Radiation-Linked Cancer Deaths Than Other Occupations?

Sunscreen Is An Essential To Prevent Skin Cancer

The campaign argues that the way sunscreen is taxed sends the wrong message about its role in disease prevention.

Experts agree that removing VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could potentially prevent thousands of melanoma cases and save the NHS more than £128 million a year in treatment costs.

Experts also stress that sunscreen should not be viewed as a license to spend long hours in the sun. Cancer Research UK recommends using SPF 30 or higher with good UVA protection, applying it generously and reapplying regularly. It also advises seeking shade, particularly around the middle of the day, and covering exposed skin with clothing and a hat.

The organisation also points out that UV radiation can damage skin even when the weather feels cool or cloudy, because temperature does not determine UV intensity.

Also read: Does Sunscreen Really Raise Skin Cancer Risk? What The 470,000-Person Study Found

About The Campaign

Zbinden-Webster's own experience has made the issue personal. After her cancer diagnosis, she underwent surgery that removed part of her lower eyelid, followed by a skin graft and further procedures. She has since made daily sunscreen use part of her routine and argues that cost should not become a barrier to prevention.

The campaign is now calling on the UK government to reconsider the VAT classification of sunscreen, particularly products with SPF 30 or higher. She said that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection, but making preventive products more affordable could potentially encourage more people to use them consistently.

Sunscreen Rules To Reduce Skin Cancer Risk

Sunscreen can help reduce UV exposure, but it should not be the only line of defence. Cancer Research UK recommends combining sunscreen with shade and protective clothing.

• Choose SPF 30 or higher: Look for at least SPF 30 for UVB protection and 4 or 5-star UVA protection.
• Apply generously: Using too little sunscreen can significantly reduce the protection indicated on the label.
• Reapply regularly: Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling. Even products marketed as “once-a-day” should be reapplied.
• Don't forget commonly overlooked areas: Cover the ears, neck, hairline, tops of the feet and backs of the hands.
• Don't rely on sunscreen alone: Seek shade and wear protective clothing, a hat and UV-protective sunglasses when UV levels are high.
• Check the UV index: Protection becomes particularly important when the UV index is 3 or higher.
• Cloudy does not mean you can skip sunscreen: UV radiation can still damage skin when the weather is overcast.
• Don't use sunscreen as a reason to stay longer in the sun: No sunscreen provides 100% protection, and avoiding sunburn remains important.
• Protect children: Young skin is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, so children should be protected with shade, clothing and sunscreen.
• Avoid sunbeds: Artificial UV exposure can also damage skin cells and increase skin cancer risk.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new blood test developed by Roche in collaboration with Eli Lilly that can help identify changes in the brain due to Alzheimer’s in people facing cognitive decline.

Called Elecsys pTau217, the test is meant for adults aged 55 and older who have signs and symptoms of cognitive decline. Roche said it is the first FDA-cleared single-biomarker blood test that can both help rule in and rule out amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Test Identifies A Key Alzheimer’s Biomarker

Elecsys pTau217 measures phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) in blood. Tau is a protein involved in the structure of nerve cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal tau changes occur alongside the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain.

Elevated pTau217 in blood is associated with the presence of Alzheimer’s-related amyloid pathology. The test categorises results as positive, intermediate or negative, indicating the likelihood of amyloid pathology. An intermediate result may require additional testing.

Could A Blood Test Replace Brain Scans?

The test could make the initial assessment of Alzheimer’s disease significantly easier as it needs just a blood sample, unlike amyloid PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid testing through a lumbar puncture.

Roche said the test is designed to help clinicians decide which patients may need further evaluation, including PET imaging or CSF testing. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone diagnosis.

Dr Jared R. Brosch, a neurologist at Indiana University Health, said traditional methods can be “costly, invasive and not readily accessible” and that blood biomarkers could expand access to Alzheimer’s evaluation.

He said, "For decades, clinicians have faced significant challenges in accurately diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. While PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers can confirm amyloid pathology in patients with cognitive impairment, these approaches may be costly, invasive and not readily accessible for many patients."

Adding further, he said, "Advances in blood-based biomarkers have the potential to transform the diagnostic pathway by expanding access to evaluation for Alzheimer's across a variety of care settings. As these tools become available, clinicians may be able to evaluate more patients earlier in the disease course, improving diagnostic confidence and helping patients and their families make more informed decisions at a critical time."

Also read: Bruce Willis’ Wife Emma Opens Up On ‘Wrestling’ With Guilt Over 50th Birthday

A Significant Milestone In Alzheimer's Testing

Roche said the new test can run on its existing laboratory infrastructure, with more than 4,500 Roche cobas instruments already installed across US clinical laboratories. Lab including Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp are expected to make the test available.

Roche Diagnostics North America President and CEO Dan Malarek said, "FDA clearance of Elecsys pTau217 marks an important milestone in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and underscores Roche's continued leadership in advancing innovative solutions that can help patients get answers sooner."

He added, "As the first and only FDA-cleared, single-biomarker blood test supporting both rule-in and rule-out assessment of amyloid pathology, Elecsys pTau217 has the potential to transform how Alzheimer's is assessed across primary and specialty care. This kind of innovation can help bring diagnostic evaluation closer to patients and give clinicians greater confidence in determining the right step in their care."

Also read: Want to Avoid Dementia? Start These 3 Habits In Your Late 40s, Study Suggests

Lilly Neuroscience President Carole Ho, MD, said a timely diagnosis is an important step for families dealing with the uncertainty of Alzheimer’s disease.

Carole said, "For millions of families navigating the uncertainty of Alzheimer's disease, a timely diagnosis is the first and most critical step toward meaningful care."

She added, "Lilly's collaboration with Roche on Elecsys pTau217 was driven by a shared commitment to bringing one blood test into both primary care, where most patients with cognitive complaints are first seen, and specialty care, helping close the gap between symptoms and answers."

Limitations Of The Test

A positive result does not simply mean that a person has dementia. The test assesses the likelihood of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Cognitive symptoms can have several causes, and doctors still need to consider a person's medical history, symptoms, cognitive testing and other investigations.