A report by Swachh Bharat Mission says that 74.5 per cent of public places are equipped with toilets. Another report by the Ministry of Jal Shakti states that there are 2.23 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes built across all States and UTs under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) since October 2014. Over 92 lakh toilets have been constructed since the launch of SBM Gramin (SBM (G)) in April 2020.

While toilets are there, are they accessible? This is the question one should ask. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) focuses on 131 health indicators, but not until the NFHS 5 survey did they include the question of accessibility of toilets in the survey. This happened after the inputs from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare questioned the accessibility.

One might ask, why is the question of accessibility so important? The answer is quite simple. Access to water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need and is also included under the Sustainable Development Goals by the UN.

Are These Numbers Real?

This thought crossed my mind because back in 2021, I went on a solo trip, on a bus to Udaipur from Delhi. There, the bus made two stoppages. This was done so people could get a quick dinner and freshen up, relieve themselves and be prepared for the rest of the journey. This was a nightmare. The bus only stopped for 10 minutes. While some men used the washroom, others went to the bushes.

For the women, there were three cubicles. One of them was broken, and the other one did not have a light bulb, which meant only one was usable. There was a long queue for that cubicle, and time was short. There was no point in trying to find an isolated corner, because it was past midnight, in an unknown area.

I waited anxiously. When finally, my turn came, I saw an overused, dirty washroom. The toilet seat is in a horrible condition. I wanted to touch nothing there. But I had to pee. So, I used my mask to cover my nose from the odour, folded my pants so they did not touch the floor and squatted. It was quite a task to balance.

On my way back to Delhi, I made sure to not drink any water for over a 13-hour bus journey. I dehydrated myself so I did not have to use the washroom. When I did reach, I was severely dehydrated and was sick for three days.

I shared my experience with my friends only to realise that many women have faced the same. There are no washrooms for women.

A friend of mine told me that it is because these roads and dhabas are mainly designed to serve men. They are the ones who travel at night or are on the roads most of the time. As a result, the few women who do travel or are on the road suffer.

Health Risks Women Are Prone To

Well, it is true, but partially. While holding your pee for too long can lead to health risks, peeing on a dirty toilet seat cannot lead to infections unless your urethra is in contact with the bacteria present on that toilet seat. However, nobody wants to sit on a dirty toilet seat, even if you do not get an infection. A safe and hygienic toilet is a basic need.

One of the regular saleswomen, Usha, who visits my house shared her experience with me. “Being on the road constantly means I must use the dirty public washrooms. But I do not want to use them. So, sometimes I ask my regular customers to let me use their washrooms. Some say yes, and some say no. I understand they are also concerned about their safety and privacy,” she says. As a result, Usha spends most of her day not drinking enough water and holding her pee when she is at work. Due to this, she also suffered from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Her friend, Halima too faced similar problems and due to increased levels of uric acid in her body, she suffered from Hyperuricemia.

Other health risks are kidney stones and other kidney problems, headaches, dull skin, xerostomia or dry mouth, fatigue, and urinary incontinence, which means losing control over your pelvic floor muscles leading to uncontrolled leakage of urine, seizures and weakness.

What Can You Do?

Wear comfortable clothes and capris. Capri pants are comfortable and are short in length, which means this won’t touch the toilet floor when you squat or sit.

Carry Essentials

Even though you cannot get a UTI alone from sitting on a toilet seat, it is always safe to carry a toilet seat sanitiser. If nothing, it can help you get rid of the bad odour so you can use your stand and pee device inside the toilet. You can also use disposable toilet seat covers if your knees are weak, and you cannot squat. Always flush with your seat down.

Always keep disposable gloves, a portable bidet (fill it with water before use), a pocket liquid handwash, wet wipes, tissues and sanitiser handy. Do not forget to keep extra sanitary pads. It might sound a lot, but I promise that it all fits in one pouch. Use this travel-friendly pouch every time you are on the road, or using a public washroom.

What Can We Learn From Others?

However, in case we do not get these technologically advanced toilets here, you can always pack a travel-friendly toilet kit!

Parkinson’s Disease is traditionally characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor and dyskinesia, although non-motor symptoms, in particular gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as constipation and incomplete emptying, are often the first markers of the disease and may precede the motor symptoms by years.

GI dysfunction is reported in approximately 70-80 per cent of Parkinson’s patients, mediated in large part through the gut-brain axis (GBA).

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Paresh Doshi, Director of Neurosurgery and Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, GBA, is an established two-way network that links the GI tract and the central nervous system (CNS). The connection is multifaceted, involving the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system (ENS), the immune system, and a vast number of microbial metabolites and neuroendocrine signals.

“Constipation is seen in 66 per cent of Parkinson’s patients, attributed to disordered central and peripheral parasympathetic disruption, and can lead to alteration of the gut microbiome, which in turn worsens constipation, starting a feedback loop,” the doctor explained.

What Parkinson’s Patients Must Eat

Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, told HealthandMe that changes in the gut microbiome may influence inflammation, α-synuclein aggregation, and symptom progression.

Practical dietary principles for Parkinson’s patients include:

• Prefer fiber-rich, plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains), which support gut microbiota
• Include fermented foods (curd, buttermilk), which may improve microbial diversity
• Reduce ultra-processed and pro-inflammatory foods
• Ensure adequate hydration (helps reduce the risk of constipation, a common non-motor symptom)
• Protein timing matters: Levodopa competes with amino acids for absorption.

These gut-targeted interventions are promising adjuncts to conventional Parkinson's therapy, and improving patient quality of life.

Parkinson’s Treatment With Dance, Art

Beyond gut-brain axis, research has proven that unconventional therapy, like dance and art, can improve Parkinson’s treatment.

A 2024 study published in the Scientific Reports found that tango, particularly Argentine tango, improved Parkinson's symptoms like thinking problems or balance issues. It also led to a significant improvement in recognizing emotions on people's faces.

Dr Kumar said dance therapy improves balance, gait, and coordination; provides rhythmic cueing, which enhances motor performance, and improves mood and motivation (dopamine-related pathways).

Similarly, art therapy has been shown to improve overall visual-cognitive skills and visual exploration strategies as well as general motor function in patients with Parkinson’s. The changes in brain connectivity highlight a functional reorganization of visual networks, as revealed by a study published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders.

Dr Kumar said art and creative therapies are also helpful in enhancing cognitive engagement. It may help with executive function and emotional well-being and provide a non-verbal outlet for expression. However, these therapies work best as adjuncts, not replacements, to standard treatment, the expert noted.

World Parkinson’s Day 2026

World Parkinson's Day is observed annually on April 11 to raise global awareness of Parkinson’s disease, the world's fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder.

It highlights the need for early diagnosis, research, and support for the nearly 10 million people living with the condition. The day marks the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the disease in 1817.

The theme of World Parkinson's Day 2026 is "Bridge the Care Gap." It reflects a critical challenge that persists despite advances in medical research: many people living with Parkinson's still lack consistent access to specialist care, affordable treatment, and integrated support systems.

Parkinson's disease affected 11.9 million people in 2021 and will affect 25.2 million people globally by 2050, representing an alarming 112 per cent rise.

For most working professionals, Parkinson’s disease still feels like something that happens much later in life. It’s not something people in their 30s or even early 40s actively think about. But this scenario is changed with early onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD). This can affect people between the ages of 21 and 50.

The problem is not just the condition itself, but how it subtly integrates into everyday life. Despite this shift, early symptoms in working professionals often go unnoticed or are misattributed to stress, fatigue, or demanding work schedules.

What Is Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination due to a reduction in dopamine-producing cells in the brain. When it occurs between the ages of 21 and 50, it is referred to as early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD). In younger individuals, the condition often develops slowly and remains mild in the beginning, which makes it harder to recognize. The exact cause may involve a mix of genetic factors and environmental triggers.

Symptoms can include both movement and non-movement changes. Movement-related symptoms may involve muscle stiffness, slowed movements, mild balance issues, tremors at rest, while non-movement symptoms such as constipation, unexplained pain, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbances like insomnia may appear early.

In day-to-day life, these changes often show up subtly as slight hand shaking at rest, taking longer to complete routine tasks, stiffness in the neck or shoulders, a softer or less expressive voice, and disturbed sleep patterns, signs that are easy to overlook or dismiss.

What are the symptoms that working professionals may miss?

1. Symptoms Overlap With Lifestyle Issues: In fast-paced work environments, fatigue, body aches, and sleep disturbances are common. Early Parkinson’s symptoms, such as stiffness, low energy, or poor sleep, are often dismissed as burnout or long working hours.

2. Lack of Awareness in Younger Age Groups: Both patients and even healthcare providers may not immediately suspect Parkinson’s in someone in their 30s or 40s. This leads to delays in seeking medical advice and diagnosis.

3. Absence of Classic Tremors Initially: Tremors are widely recognized as a hallmark of Parkinson’s, but they may not appear in the early stages. Instead, symptoms like reduced arm swing while walking or slight slowness in movements may be present but overlooked.

4. Attribution to Mental Health or Stress: Subtle changes such as anxiety, low mood, or difficulty concentrating can be early indicators. However, these are often attributed to workplace stress rather than a neurological cause.

5. Gradual Onset of Symptoms: Parkinson’s develops slowly. Changes in handwriting, posture, or speech may happen over time, making them difficult to notice unless specifically looked for.

How Can Parkinson’s Be Diagnosed and Managed?

Because early signs are often overlooked, the condition is often recognized only when it begins to affect daily life. Diagnosis typically involves a detailed assessment along with blood tests and imaging, such as MRI, and in some cases, specialized scans like a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan may also be advised to support the diagnosis.

Management focuses on improving quality of life through physical therapy to support movement and balance, occupational therapy to make daily activities easier, and speech therapy to address communication changes. In more severe cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may be considered to help manage symptoms more effectively.

Parkinson’s at a younger age is often easy to overlook, especially when early signs blend into everyday stress and fatigue. Paying closer attention to overall well-being can help. Staying physically active, following a balanced diet, maintaining good sleep habits, and managing stress levels all play an important role in supporting brain health. Being mindful of small but persistent changes and not brushing them off as routine can go a long way in ensuring timely attention and better long-term.

World Parkinson’s Day is observed every year on April 11 to raise awareness about the progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.

People suffering from Parkinson’s face problems in motor movement, tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. As symptoms progress, people may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.

The condition primarily affects people over 60, but is now increasingly being seen in young adults. Apart from motor loss, the disease also causes cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and swallowing problems.

World Parkinson's Day 2026: Origin

Parkinson's Day is observed on the day that marks the birthday of James Parkinson (born in 1755). The London-based doctor was the first to describe Parkinson as a medical condition in 1817, in his famous ‘Essay on the Shaking Palsy’. In 1997, the day was officially established by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association.

World Parkinson's Day 2026: Theme

The theme of World Parkinson's Day 2026 is "Bridge the Care Gap." It reflects a critical challenge that persists despite advances in medical research: many people living with Parkinson's still lack consistent access to specialist care, affordable treatment, and integrated support systems.

The day also aims to raise awareness about neurodegenerative diseases by educating the public about Parkinson's symptoms, causes, and available care.

Global Burden of Parkinson’s

Parkinson's disease affected 11.9 million people in 2021 and will affect 25.2 million people globally by 2050, representing an alarming 112 per cent rise.

According to a 2025 study released by The BMJ, this rise is mainly due to population aging and hence ranks as one of the most rapidly growing neurological disorders based on prevalence and disability. This alarming increase necessitates immediate global health interventions, research innovation, and policy reform to counteract its effects on people and health systems globally.

In addition, lifestyle differences, genetic susceptibility, and environmental exposures can also lead to regional variation in prevalence.

What Happens To Your Brain In Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease affects various brain regions, but the primary symptoms arise from the degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, a region near the brain's base. This area is crucial for producing dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth and purposeful movement. Research indicates that by the time Parkinson's symptoms become evident, patients have typically lost 60 to 80% or more of these dopamine-producing neurons.

Additionally, individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience a reduction in nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating many involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. This loss may account for some non-movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as fatigue and fluctuations in blood pressure.

How to Prevent Parkinson's

Though there is no cure for Parkinson's disease yet, studies indicate that some lifestyle elements have the potential to shape its incidence and progression.

• Physical Activity – Engaging in regular exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson’s, potentially due to its neuroprotective effects.
• Diet and Nutrition – A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based nutrients may support brain health.
• Environmental Factors – Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollution has been associated with an increased risk, suggesting a need for improved public health measures.