Oh, don’t pretend you don’t do it. Most of us are guilty of scrolling through social media, catching up on messages, or even answering emails while sitting on the toilet. After all, what else is there to do while you’re waiting? But hold the phone—literally. Bringing your smartphone into the bathroom might be a common habit, but it could be doing more harm than good.

According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Stanford and Harvard, took to social media platform TikTok to share why using your phone in the bathroom can have serious, often overlooked, health consequences.

Are there any dangers of Prolonged Toilet Time?

In a video posted to TikTok, Dr Sethi warned about the dangers of scrolling on the toilet, noting that sitting for extended periods can have adverse effects on your health, particularly on your rectum and anus. This is because using your phone tends to keep you seated for much longer than necessary, leading to potential problems in your lower digestive region.

“First, using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,” explains Dr Sethi. This excessive strain has been shown to increase the risk of various health conditions, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and even rectal prolapse.

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common issues associated with long periods of sitting on the toilet. These swollen veins or blood vessels around the anus can be painful and are often the result of too much pressure from straining or sitting. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, they affect millions and can be a real source of discomfort, causing pain, itching, and in some cases, bleeding.

Another problem is anal fissures, which are cracks or tears in the lining of the anal canal. These can develop due to the same excessive straining that leads to hemorrhoids. Cleveland Clinic reports that anal fissures can be incredibly painful and may require medical treatment if they don’t heal on their own. More concerning is the risk of rectal prolapse, a condition in which the rectum sags or protrudes from the anus due to weakened pelvic muscles. This condition is less common but more serious, sometimes requiring a surgical procedure to correct. According to Penn Medicine, rectal prolapse is often associated with chronic straining or prolonged time spent on the toilet.

Third reason and most compelling is that when we use mobile phones while pooping we are unable to defecate fully i.e. defecation is said to happens in three phases- the first major dump which amounts to 60% occurs during the initial few minutes of sitting is the undigested food, the next 30% reportedly occurs when the body pushes out digested waste further and the last 10% is the final defecation.

But when we start using our phones by the second stroke, our brain loses the focus from the defecation to the phone and so the 20-30% remaining waste sits in. And it is only after you shower and breakfast that you begin to get the urge to visit the washroom once!

Not Just Your Body Phones Can Be a Bacterial Playground too

Aside from the physical strain, there’s another uninviting downside to bringing your phone into the bathroom: bacteria. According to Dr. Sethi, “it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.” Studies have shown that the average smartphone is actually dirtier than a public toilet seat. Given that bathroom surfaces are exposed to various types of bacteria, including E. coli and other pathogens, handling your phone there can make it a hotbed for germs. Every time you scroll, tap, or swipe in the bathroom, you could be transferring bacteria to your phone—and potentially to your hands, face, and even food later on.

Even if you don’t directly notice it, bringing your phone into the bathroom and neglecting to sanitize it afterward can lead to increased exposure to harmful bacteria. Dr. Sethi recommends cleaning your phone with a disinfectant wipe if you can’t resist the urge to use it in the bathroom. This simple habit can help reduce bacterial contamination and lower your risk of illness.

Why Sitting and Scrolling videos is Harmful?

While experts don’t yet have definitive studies specifically linking phone use on the toilet to hemorrhoids or other digestive issues, they agree that prolonged sitting itself is a risk factor. Experts explain that the problem isn’t necessarily the phone, but rather the extended amount of time people end up spending on the toilet because of it. Engrossed in a social media feed or a news article, we tend to linger far longer than the necessary few minutes required for a bowel movement. Over time, this habit of prolonged sitting can lead to hemorrhoid issues.

The pressure caused by extended sitting can cause the veins in the rectum to engorge with blood, leading to swelling, discomfort, and even bleeding in severe cases. If a bowel movement doesn’t happen within a few minutes, experts suggest that it’s best to get up, walk around, and return only when the urge arises again.

Dr Sethi and other health experts suggest that spending anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes on the toilet should suffice. Anything beyond that might be an indication of constipation or simply a sign that you’re spending too much time there. Setting a timer may help if you’re someone who tends to lose track of time with your phone in hand. The goal is to avoid sitting, straining, and scrolling unnecessarily.

So the next time you head to the bathroom, consider leaving your phone behind. Reducing the temptation to scroll may save you from discomfort and even potential medical issues in the long run.

Skin cancer is much more common than people think it is. It is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissue of the skin. The National Cancer Institute explains that there are different types of skin cancer. While it is treatable, any cancer diagnosis comes with the understanding that your chances of survival are declining. A big reason why it is so treatable is because of early diagnosis. This particular symptom of skin cancer becomes much more apparent with just 15 minutes in the sun.

As many enjoy the recent sunny weather, it's crucial to be aware of the risks of sun exposure. Cancer UK is urging everyone to monitor their skin for signs of skin cancer, which can develop after as little as 15 minutes in the sun. Even with sunscreen, you can still get burned if the SPF isn't high enough or if it's not reapplied regularly.

Link Between Sunburn and Cancer Risk

Getting a sunburn is a clear indication of skin damage caused by too much UV radiation, which harms the DNA in your skin cells. While one sunburn doesn't guarantee skin cancer, the more often you get burned, the higher your risk. To protect yourself, remember to:

Seek shade

Stay in the shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest. This greatly lowers your exposure to harmful UV radiation, making it safer to be outside during these peak hours.

Cover up with loose clothing

Wear loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. These items create a barrier, shielding your skin and eyes from direct sunlight and reducing your overall sun exposure.

Apply sunscreen

Use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and 4 or 5 stars, and put on plenty of it, often. Regular and correct sunscreen use creates a protective layer, significantly lowering your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage from UV rays.

Spotting the Early Warning Signs

Non-melanoma skin cancer often shows up on skin exposed to the sun. To catch it early, it helps to know how your skin normally looks so you can spot any changes. Regular self-checks are key for early detection. Here's how to check your skin:

Use a handheld mirror for hard-to-see areas, or ask a friend or partner for help. This ensures you don't miss any suspicious spots on your back or other less visible parts of your body.

Take photos of anything that seems unusual. Include a ruler or tape measure in the photo to track its size and changes. These pictures are important for your doctor to assess any evolving skin concerns. They might look like:

• A new spot or sore that doesn't heal within a few weeks. Persistent, non-healing lesions are a significant warning sign that warrant immediate medical attention to rule out cancerous growth.
• A new lump that is firm, growing, or has an unusual color. Any new, unexplained lump on your skin should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if it changes in appearance.
• A red or dark patch that might be scaly or crusty. Discolored patches, particularly those with rough textures or irregular borders, can be indicators of skin cancer and require medical assessment.
• Something that is itchy, crusty, or bleeding without obvious injury. These symptoms, especially when persistent, suggest that a skin lesion might be abnormal and necessitate a doctor's examination for proper diagnosis.

After many people reported problems with their pancreas post taking weight loss and diabetes injections, the UK health officials launched a study to look into side-effects of these drugs.

Cases of pancreatitis, which causes inflammation of the pancreas, which is a gland located behind the stomach, has been fatal. These cases have been linked to GLP-1 medicines, also the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Acute Pancreatitis: The Background

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is investigating a rise in reports of acute pancreatitis potentially linked to GLP-1 weight-loss medications. This follows an increase in submissions to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, which tracks adverse reactions to medicines and medical devices.

What Happens In Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a digestive gland behind the stomach, and often requires hospitalisation. Symptoms include intense abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. GLP-1 drugs, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide), and liraglutide, list pancreatitis as an “uncommon” side effect, estimated to affect up to one in 100 users.

To date, nearly 400 cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported in relation to these drugs, with 181 linked to Mounjaro. Alarmingly, over a quarter of those reports have emerged in 2025 alone. This year, the Yellow Card scheme has recorded 101 cases related to tirzepatide and 22 tied to semaglutide.

Also Read: Commonwealth Swimmer Archie Goodburn And His Journey With A Rare Cancer That Kills Before 40

Acute Pancreatitis: What Did The Authorities Say?

An MHRA spokesperson noted: “With increased usage, we’re seeing more Yellow Card reports involving GLP-1 medicines and acute pancreatitis.” While there’s currently no known genetic link, the MHRA is exploring whether genetics might influence susceptibility to such side effects. It has called on both patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected drug-related pancreatitis.

The Study on Acute Pancreatitis: Who Can Be Part Of It?

Those affected may be invited to join the Yellow Card Biobank study, conducted with Genomics England. Participants will provide health information and saliva samples to help researchers investigate genetic factors that may affect drug reactions.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer, said nearly a third of all medicine side effects could be preventable with genetic testing, which may also help reduce the estimated £2.2 billion annual cost of adverse drug reactions to the NHS.

Drug manufacturers have responded to the concerns. Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, stated that patient safety remains a top priority and noted that pancreatitis is already listed as a known side effect. Novo Nordisk UK, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, also stressed the importance of using GLP-1 medications only under medical supervision, while continuing to monitor safety data closely.

Also Read: World Drug Day 2025: Why Is It Important For Us To Observe This Day?

The MHRA’s ongoing investigation aims to improve understanding of these side effects as GLP-1 medications become more widely used for managing obesity and diabetes.

The teen birth rate in the U.S. continued its steady decline in 2022, dropping by 2% from the previous year, as per the latest final report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2022, there were 13.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19, down from 13.9 in 2021. This amounts to nearly 3,200 fewer births in that age group compared to the year before.

The rate has reached a new record low each year since 2009. Overall, it has declined by 67% since 2007 and 78% since 1991 — a trend the CDC attributes to reduced sexual activity among teens and increased use of contraception by those who are sexually active.

The annual drop also witnessed a 3% rate decline to 25.8 per 1,000 among women 18 to 19 years old. The rate among girls 15 to 17 years old in 2022 remained unchanged from the last year at 5.6 per 1,000.

In 2022, teen birth rates declined across several racial and ethnic groups. The rates dropped by 7% among both Black and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) females, and by 3% among white females, reaching 9.1 births per 1,000. Rates remained largely unchanged for Asian teens as well as Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI), while Hispanic teens saw a slight 1% increase. The highest birth rates were recorded among AIAN (22.5 per 1,000), NHOPI (20.5), and Black (20.3) females.

2022 also witnessed a decline in birth rate in 13 states in 2022. It has ranged from a 3% drop in Florida, to a 12% drop in Oklahoma. However, it essentially remained unchanged in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Overall, the teen birth rates among the states have ranged from a low of 4.6 births per 1,000 to a high of 26.4 per 1,000.

Here's a list of top 10 states with the highest teen birth rates in 2022

10. New Mexico

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 19.7 per 1,000

9. West Virginia

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 19.8 per 1,000

8. Texas

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 20.4 per 1,000

7. Alabama

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 20.9 per 1,000

6. Tennessee

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 21 per 1,000

5. Oklahoma

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 21.2 per 1,000

4. Kentucky

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 21.8 per 1,000

3. Louisiana

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 23.7 per 1,000

2. Arkansas

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 24.6 per 1,000

1. Mississippi

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 26.4 per 1,000

Why Is This Concerning?

Having a high teen birth rate means the number of teen pregnancy is also high. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescent pregnancies are those between the age of 15 to 19, also known as teen pregnancies. WHO notes that adolescent mothers (aged 10–19 years) face higher risks of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis and systemic infections than women aged 20–24 years, and babies of adolescent mothers face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth and severe neonatal condition.

As per a 2022 report presented at the Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, titled, Complications of Pregnancy in Adolescents, teen pregnant mothers are at increase risks of poor obstetric outcomes including preterm delivery, low birth weight, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, anemia, and infant, as well as maternal morbidity.