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!

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.

Tobacco use remains a global epidemic and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Despite a strong desire among many users to quit, relapse rates remain alarmingly high. A new study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, suggests that yoga could be a valuable tool in helping people quit tobacco.

Yoga Shows Promise for Tobacco Cessation

To evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in tobacco cessation, researchers led by Dr Gautam Sharma, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, AIIMS, conducted a meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2024.

The review included adults aged 18 years and older who used any form of tobacco, excluding vaping products. Participants were randomly assigned to yoga either as a standalone intervention or alongside conventional cessation treatments.

The primary outcome assessed was the 7-day point prevalence abstinence (7PPA), a standard measure of smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety, and mood states.

The findings suggest that “yoga may serve as a moderately effective intervention for tobacco cessation, with an estimated effectiveness of around 50 per cent”, the team said in the paper.

Also read: Yoga May Boost Fertility And Hormonal Health In Women With PCOS

How Yoga May Help People Quit Tobacco

Researchers found that active yoga styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Iyengar yoga improved abstinence rates by helping reduce stress, depression, and negative emotions often associated with tobacco withdrawal.

Pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, was found to reduce cravings and negative affect, making it easier for participants to cope with withdrawal symptoms.

The review also highlighted the importance of addressing psychological factors linked to tobacco addiction, including perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress—all of which are known contributors to relapse.

While some studies reported stronger psychological benefits than others, overall evidence suggests yoga may support emotional well-being during the quitting process.

Yoga and Tobacco Addiction

Also read: Yoga Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief And Seizure Control In Epilepsy, Claims Study

Researchers believe yoga may help manage tobacco addiction through several biological mechanisms.

Nicotine stimulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that produce pleasurable and rewarding effects. During withdrawal, stress-related hormones increase, leading to anxiety, cravings, and emotional discomfort.

Yoga appears to counter these effects by shifting the body from a state of sympathetic nervous system dominance ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic dominance ("rest and digest").

Read More: India Launches New Yoga Protocols To Fight Diabetes, High BP, Asthma

This shift may reduce activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lower cortisol levels, and decrease stress hormone production, helping individuals better manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

The team also noted that controlled breathing techniques can significantly influence emotional regulation, with voluntary breath control accounting for substantial variations in emotional states such as anger, fear, and joy.

India alone has more than 270 million active tobacco users. Given the widespread use of smokeless tobacco in the region—and the limited effectiveness of standard cessation medications for these users—yoga could offer an accessible, culturally familiar, and low-cost complementary approach, the researchers stressed.

While the results are encouraging, researchers also cautioned that larger and more standardized studies are needed.

Every day, hospitals care for patients whose survival depends on a simple yet irreplaceable resource—donated blood. A mother experiencing severe bleeding after childbirth, a child with thalassemia requiring regular transfusions, a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy, or a victim of a road traffic accident may all rely on timely access to safe blood.

Despite medical advances, blood remains unique. It cannot be manufactured or artificially replicated. It can only come from healthy individuals who choose to donate. This makes blood donation one of the most vital contributions a person can make to healthcare and society.

It is important to understand that the impact of a single donation extends far beyond what most people imagine.

One Donation, Multiple Patients

When a person donates whole blood, it is separated into components—red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Each component serves a different purpose. Red blood cells carry oxygen and are essential in treating anemia and blood loss. Platelets help control bleeding and are critical for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Plasma contains proteins and clotting factors required for managing bleeding disorders.

Because these components can be used independently, a single donation has the potential to benefit multiple patients with different medical conditions. One act of donation can therefore support several lives.

Why Blood Supply Must Be Continuous

A common misconception is that blood is needed only during emergencies or disasters. In reality, the demand for blood is constant. Patients with chronic conditions such as thalassemia require regular transfusions throughout their lives. Cancer treatments, major surgeries, organ transplants, complicated pregnancies, and trauma care all depend on a steady and reliable blood supply.

Unlike many medical resources, blood components have limited shelf lives. Platelets can only be stored for a few days, and red blood cells have a defined storage period. This means blood stocks must be continuously replenished. A stable blood supply cannot be created overnight—it depends on regular and voluntary donations throughout the year.

The Importance Of Voluntary Donors

The safest and most reliable blood supply comes from voluntary donors who give blood without expectation of reward. However, maintaining this supply is an ongoing challenge. It requires not only recruiting new donors but also encouraging previous donors to return.

Many individuals who donate once do not return, often due to lack of awareness, time constraints, or fading motivation. Yet every regular donor begins as a first-time donor. A positive first donation experience plays a key role in building long-term commitment.

Hospitals, workplaces, and community organizations play a crucial role in promoting donation through awareness campaigns, outreach programs, and well-organized blood donation drives. Sustained engagement is essential to ensure that donors remain connected to this life-saving cause.

What Motivates People To Donate

Blood donation is not just a medical act—it is a powerful expression of social responsibility. Most donors never meet the individuals they help, yet they donate willingly to support someone in need. This anonymous act of giving reflects compassion, empathy, and a shared sense of humanity.

People are motivated to donate for many reasons. Some are driven by altruism and the desire to help others. Others are influenced by personal experiences, community values, or encouragement from family and peers. Awareness campaigns and social engagement can also play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards donation.

Understanding these motivations is important because it helps design more effective strategies to encourage both first-time and repeat donors.

Addressing Common Concerns

Despite its importance, many eligible individuals hesitate to donate due to fear or uncertainty. Concerns about pain, weakness, or safety are common. However, blood donation is a carefully regulated process conducted by trained healthcare professionals.

Donors undergo screening to ensure that the procedure is safe for both themselves and the recipient. The donation itself takes only a short time, and most people can resume normal activities soon afterward. Efforts to improve donor comfort and reduce anxiety have further enhanced the overall donation experience.

For many first-time donors, the greatest takeaway is a sense of satisfaction and pride in having contributed to saving lives.

Every First-Time Donor Matters

One of the greatest challenges in maintaining a stable blood supply is ensuring a continuous flow of new donors. As regular donors age or become ineligible, new volunteers are needed to sustain the system.

Encouraging first-time donors is therefore critical. With the right experience and awareness, a first-time donor can become a lifelong contributor, potentially helping dozens of patients over the years. Simple follow-up communication and continued engagement can significantly improve donor retention.

Families, educational institutions, workplaces, and healthcare providers all have a role to play in encouraging individuals to take this first step.

A Gift That Saves and Sustains Lives

Blood is more than a medical resource—it is a gift that cannot be bought, manufactured, or stored indefinitely. It represents hope, survival, and the generosity of one human being towards another.

Behind every successful surgery, every recovering patient, and every saved life, there is often an unseen donor whose contribution made that outcome possible.

A single donation may take only a few minutes, but its impact extends far beyond a single individual. It supports families, strengthens healthcare systems, and builds a culture of care and compassion within communities.

The message is simple: if you are eligible, consider donating. Your one unit of blood may help many—and could make the difference between life and loss for someone in need.