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!

While entrepreneurs debate 70-hour workweeks and professionals continue to slog through long working hours under relentless productivity pressures, basic health needs often take a back seat. The consequences may not be immediately visible, but the body's vital organs quietly bear the burden.

Among them, the kidneys are particularly vulnerable. Poor hydration, irregular eating habits, excessive caffeine intake, lack of sleep, and chronic stress can gradually damage kidney function without causing noticeable symptoms, potentially leading to serious health consequences over time, said experts on the occasion of World Kidney Cancer Day 2026.

World Kidney Cancer Day is observed annually on the third Thursday of June. Spearheaded by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition, the day raises global awareness about the disease, highlights risk factors, and advocates for early detection and patient support.

Also read: Trying to Quit Tobacco? Yoga Could Improve Your Chances, Suggests Study

How Modern Work Culture Is Harming Kidney Health

The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood, regulating blood pressure, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting overall metabolic function.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. L K Jha, Principal Director – Nephrology & Renal Transplant at Yashoda Medicity, pointed out habits such as eating out frequently, inadequate hydration, excessive caffeine consumption, insufficient sleep, and chronic stress that have become routine parts of the workday.

While these behaviors may seem manageable in the short term, they can have significant consequences for kidney health over time. They are also associated with an increased risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, conditions that can gradually impair kidney function. These are also the primary drivers of chronic kidney disease and a significant risk factor for certain kidney cancers.

Dr. Jha emphasized that "kidney diseases are particularly concerning because they often remain asymptomatic until substantial damage has already occurred."

He noted that prioritizing hydration, routine health checkups, regular physical activity, and stress reduction is not only important for maintaining good health but also an investment in long-term well-being and workplace performance.

Kidney Diseases Often Progress Silently

Dr. Saurabh Shukla, Senior Consultant – Nephrology at Paras Health Gurugram, told HealthandMe that the "fast-paced corporate culture is inadvertently contributing to a growing health crisis, with kidney health emerging as one of its major casualties."

He pointed out that kidney-related conditions often progress silently, with few warning signs appearing until serious damage has occurred. Long hours spent sitting, constant workplace pressure, irregular meal schedules, and dependence on caffeine rather than water are quietly affecting the health of working professionals.

He also highlighted habitual dehydration, high-sodium processed foods, and delayed medical checkups as additional concerns.

Early Detection Is Key

From a clinical perspective, Dr. Shukla stressed that early detection is crucial.

"While symptoms such as blood in the urine, persistent lower back pain, unexplained fatigue, or swelling in the legs require prompt medical attention, many kidney conditions are identified incidentally during routine screenings," he said.

Simple Lifestyle Changes

The experts underscored that protecting kidney health does not necessarily require drastic lifestyle changes. They suggested simple measures such as:

• Staying adequately hydrated
• Reducing consumption of processed foods
• Remaining physically active
• Undergoing regular health screenings

Dr. Shukla also emphasized the role of employers, suggesting that corporations should implement wellness programs that encourage healthier habits among employees.

In high-stress work environments, he noted, prioritizing kidney health is becoming increasingly important.

Men often carry the responsibility for their families. They work hard and manage professional pressures to provide the best for their loved ones. Yet, many men tend to neglect their own health, the one thing that makes everything else possible.

Across age groups, men often seek medical attention only when the problem becomes severe or when symptoms become impossible to ignore. The most unfortunate thing regarding health is that many health conditions develop silently for years before showing signs. Taking care of yourselves is not selfish; it is essential. After all, the healthier you are, the better equipped you are to support your family, pursue your goals, and enjoy a fulfilling life for years to come.

Prioritize Preventive Health Checkups

One of the best ways to keep an eye on your health is by scheduling regular health screenings. Many conditions, including High BP, Diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and kidney disorders, may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Annual health checkups can help identify potential problems way before they become serious.

Depending on age and family history, men should also discuss appropriate cancer screenings. Early detection leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes. Make preventive health checkups a routine. Just as a vehicle performs better with regular servicing, your body also needs regular monitoring.

Muscle Mass Is The Key

Maintaining muscle mass is equally important for men as they age. Muscle plays a vital role in supporting metabolism. Even though it is important for improving insulin sensitivity, protecting bone health, and maintaining strength. You don’t need rigorous exercise daily.

Strength training two to four days a week is sufficient. It may also help support healthy testosterone levels and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The best thing is that strength training doesn’t require spending hours in a gym. Consistency matters far more than perfection.

Sound Mind For A Sound Body

We often say that ‘sound mind in a sound body’. This is even true vice versa. Many men feel pressure to appear strong all the time, which can make things difficult. Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect anyone. Persistent fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or disrupted sleep may be warning signs.

Keep an eye on such changes. Discussion is not a sign of weakness. Talk to trusted family members, friends, or mental health professionals. It can make a significant difference.

Sleep Is The Real Game-Changer

Quality sleep is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining good health. Generally, adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. It helps the body to repair tissues, regulates hormones, and supports brain function.

Poor sleep is linked to weight gain, increased stress, and weakened immune function. If your morning is often tiring or you are struggling with insomnia, then discuss it with your healthcare professional. Limit screen time before bed and avoid excessive caffeine late in the day. It can help improve sleep quality.

Take Heart Health Seriously

Heart disease remains one of the leading health risks for men worldwide. The good news is that many cardiovascular risk factors are largely preventable. A healthy weight, physical activity, and a balanced diet can significantly improve heart health.

Avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption is also helpful. Add vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to your daily diet. Such a diet can support both heart and overall well-being. Daily brisk walk can help improve BP, cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular fitness.

(By Dr Shivam Sharma, Internal Medicine, Shalby International Hospitals, Gurugram)

Fever is one of the body's most common warning signals. In most cases, particularly among children, it is caused by a simple infection and resolves within a few days. However, when fever keeps returning repeatedly, follows a pattern, or occurs alongside other concerning symptoms, it may signal an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

What Is A Recurring Fever?

Dr. Hemalata Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that a recurring fever refers to repeated episodes of elevated body temperature that are separated by days, weeks, or even months during which a person feels completely well.

While recurrent fevers can sometimes result from common viral infections, especially in children exposed to school environments, daycare settings, or seasonal illnesses, persistent or unexplained episodes warrant further investigation.

The expert stated that understanding the pattern of fever is often one of the most important clues in determining the cause.

What Can Cause Recurring Fever?

Dr. Diksha Goyal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, told HealthandMe that a recurrent fever can occur when body temperature rises to 38°C or higher and reappears after improving or occurs intermittently over time.

Several medical conditions may cause recurring fever, including:

1. Chronic Infections such as tuberculosis (TB), urinary tract infections

2. Autoimmune Diseases

3. Immune System Disorders

4. Cancers, particularly blood-related cancers

5. Certain Viral Infections

Also read: Doctors Call Kratom The ‘Next Addiction Crisis’ As More US States Push Bans

Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

While recurrent fever is not always dangerous, the experts emphasize that certain accompanying symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

Dr. Arora notes that urgent attention is needed if recurring fever is associated with:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Persistent fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Repeated vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Confusion or altered mental status

Dr. Goyal added that persistent cough, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained body pain can also indicate an underlying condition requiring medical treatment.

These symptoms may point toward serious infections, immune system disorders, blood-related diseases, cancers, or inflammatory conditions in which the body's defense system triggers repeated inflammation without a clear infection.

Early Treatment For Better Outcomes

Another important warning sign is a fever that continues to recur despite treatment. According to Dr. Arora, repeated courses of antibiotics without a confirmed diagnosis should raise concern. In some cases, medications themselves can trigger fever, making a detailed medication history an important part of the evaluation.

The goal is not to panic but to seek timely medical assessment. Check for swollen lymph nodes, rashes, signs of infection, or evidence of systemic inflammation.

The experts noted that early medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause, prevent complications, and ensure appropriate treatment. With timely diagnosis and proper management, many causes of recurrent fever can be effectively treated, allowing individuals to maintain their health and daily activities.