You step into the shower after a long day, letting the warm water wash over you. And then it hits you-that urge to just let go. It's harmless, it's convenient. But what if that act has hidden risks? Experts warn that peeing in the shower may have an unexpected consequence or two.

Whether you’re a multitasking parent, an athlete fresh from an intense workout, or simply someone who doesn’t want to interrupt a relaxing hot shower, the temptation to relieve yourself under running water is understandable. Some even argue that it saves water and is an eco-friendly choice. But what if this seemingly harmless habit comes with unexpected risks? According to health experts, peeing in the shower can have unintended consequences beyond hygiene concerns.

Although urinating in the shower may appear hygienic due to its immediate wash-away effect, there are other issues of concern. According to a prominent urogynecologist, the habit causes the bladder response to become dysfunctional and weakens the pelvic floor muscles over time. Moreover, exposure to bacteria from shared or public showers poses an issue.

The bladder and brain collaborate to ensure you have the appropriate bladder control. You could unwittingly condition your bladder to feel the need to urinate if you repeatedly urinate in the shower due to the running water. Gradually, you could develop a sensation of urinary urgency-an urgent feeling to urinate that might not be under control.

This habit may worsen the symptoms of an individual with pre-existing conditions like overactive bladder. The ongoing reinforcement of this response could even help in the causation of issues about incontinence later in life.

Increased Risk of Infections

Although urine is generally considered to be relatively sterile, this is not entirely true. Urine can harbor bacteria, especially if a person has an undiagnosed urinary tract infection (UTI). When urinating in the shower, bacteria may spread onto surfaces, leading to an increased risk of infections.

The problem worsens in shared or public showers where urine residue may combine with bacteria and fungi found in damp environments. There is always a high chance of developing infections, which include UTIs, skin infections, or even fungal growth like athlete's foot in these places.

Weakening of Pelvic Floor Muscles

Urinating while standing is not ideal for the pelvic floor of a person with female anatomy. Hovering or standing up doesn't allow the bladder to relax fully and completely empty itself. Eventually, this causes weakened pelvic floor muscles and may result in stress incontinence—when urine leaks due to activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising.

Pelvic health is important and helps maintain good bladder control; experts advise posture during urination. The process of squatting or sitting wholly on the seat of the toilet will ensure an empty bladder at the end with less strain put on the muscles of the pelvis.

Hygiene Consideration and Cleaning Protocols

If you are going to pee in the shower, then keep it clean. Showers and bathtubs should be cleaned with a disinfectant once a week, as bacteria and mold can collect. Fungi love moist surroundings, and molds in the shower can cause breathing problems or rashes. When you notice that your shower is smelling musty or has visible dark patches on the tiles, it is most likely due to mold accumulation and requires regular cleaning.

For individuals who are going to take showers in public showers, for instance, at a gym or other communal dwelling setting, the danger of contamination with bacteria and fungi is significantly greater. Avoiding contact with moist surfaces while wearing flip-flops can minimize infection risks.

Environmental Considerations: Does It Really Save Water?

The most popular argument in support of peeing in the shower is water conservation. It can take about 1.6 gallons of water to flush a toilet, so peeing in the shower would seem like a very eco-friendly practice. However, the benefits to the environment are minor in comparison to the risks to personal health and hygiene.

If water conservation is a concern, there are alternative approaches, like installing low-flow toilets or adopting sustainable flushing habits like the "if it's yellow, let it mellow" rule, which involves flushing only when necessary.

So, Is It Safe or Not to Pee in Shower?

While an occasional peeing in the shower may not lead to any serious health problems, a habit would surely cause long-term complications. Starting with training your bladder for when running water approaches to weakening the pelvic floor muscles, the risks outweigh the ease of access. Furthermore, hygiene is a concern, especially in a public environment, where this practice might be considered questionable.

If you intermittently pee within the showering, ensure to do it with your shower alone and keep personal hygiene practices; however, more experienced people and medical professionals claim you should overcome the habit all together to defend your bladder for possible complications as well.

The bottom line is that whether you pee in the shower or not is a decision, but the understanding of these risks will definitely make you come up with an informed choice. In case of experiencing urinary urgency or suspecting issues with bladder control, consult a healthcare professional for advice.

A new study by researchers at King’s College London has uncovered an important link between where body fat is stored and the risk of developing psoriasis — a chronic skin condition marked by red, scaly patches.

While it’s long been known that obesity raises the risk of psoriasis, this study zooms in on fat around the abdomen, showing that it may be a more critical risk factor than total body fat, especially for women.

Here’s what the findings mean for your health, and how they might change the way we understand and approach psoriasis.

What Did The Study Find?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin but is deeply connected to the immune system. It's not just cosmetic — it can cause severe discomfort, emotional distress, and is linked to other health issues such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Although it’s clear that carrying excess weight can make psoriasis worse or more likely, researchers now say that where you carry that weight is even more important.

Waistline Warning

The research, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, analysed data from more than 330,000 people in the UK Biobank, including over 9,000 people with psoriasis. Using both traditional body measurements (like BMI) and advanced imaging, the team evaluated 25 different ways of assessing body fat.

Their standout finding? Fat stored centrally — especially around the waist — showed a much stronger link to psoriasis than general body fat. This was particularly true for women.

“Our research shows that where fat is stored in the body matters when it comes to psoriasis risk,” said Dr. Ravi Ramessur, lead investigator of the study. “Central fat seems to play a key role.”

It's Not All in Your Genes

Another key takeaway from the study is that this risk holds true regardless of genetic makeup. In other words, even if someone doesn't carry gene variants commonly associated with psoriasis — like HLA-C06:02 — they may still be at higher risk if they have excess abdominal fat.

This suggests that central body fat is not just a co-factor but may be a causal factor in psoriasis development.

"Even those with a lower overall fat percentage can have a higher risk if abdominal fat is present," said Professor Michael Simpson, co-author and genetics expert.

What It Means for Prevention and Care

As global obesity rates rise, so does the need for personalized and proactive strategies. The study’s authors suggest that waist circumference should be more actively measured in clinical settings, especially when assessing psoriasis risk.

Rather than focusing only on overall weight or BMI, paying attention to central fat could help doctors predict who’s more likely to develop psoriasis or have more severe symptoms.

“Healthy weight management should be part of psoriasis care, with a focus on reducing central obesity,” said Professor Catherine Smith, senior author of the study.

Limitations

The researchers note that their findings are based on individuals of White British ancestry, meaning the results may not apply across all ethnic groups. More research involving diverse populations and dermatologist-confirmed diagnoses will help confirm and broaden the impact of these findings.

This study shines a light on a previously under-recognised link between abdominal fat and psoriasis. It urges a shift from focusing solely on total body weight to where that weight is stored. If you or someone you know is managing psoriasis or at risk of developing it, keeping an eye on waist size may be just as important as stepping on the scale.

International Day of Yoga, celebrated worldwide and the theme for this yer is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” This powerful theme highlights a profound truth, personal wellness and planetary health are deeply intertwined. Yoga, steeped in ancient Indian wisdom, not only fortifies the body and calms the mind but also cultivates a heightened sense of responsibility toward our environment. As we find our own well-being, we start to love the world a living embodiment of the Sanskrit philosophy Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or "the world is one family."

Yoga, which has its origin in the Sanskrit root meaning "union," was born thousands of years ago in India. It merges physical poses (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and conscious awareness (dhyana) to bring harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is now practiced across the world in countless ways each reflecting the same original intention of wholeness, unifying the self with the greater whole.

Yoga reminds us that nurturing our bodies and minds is inseparable from nurturing the planet. This synergy forms the essence of this year’s theme, encouraging individuals to adopt lifestyles that support both personal and planetary wellbeing.

Link Between Yoga, Health and Nature

Dr. Rohit Sane, a doctor at Madhavbaug, underscores mindfulness as the beginning of ecological awareness. He relies on the theory of Panchamahabhoota, an old paradigm that places the Earth element (prithvi) as the most concrete expression of cosmic energies. Everything in our lives our bodies, food, shelter comes from and is based on this divine element.

But contemporary society's unbridled lust combined with widespread resource extraction have propelled Earth into environmental chaos climate extremes, species depletion, pollution, and so forth. Nevertheless, Dr. Sane maintains, "The solution begins within." Yogic awareness a quiet mind, mindful breath enables us to see our footprint on the Earth and decide lives based upon simplicity, appreciation, and accountability.

Can Yoga Be Used as Mindful Disturbance of Habitual Thinking?

The illustrious Sage Patanjali described yoga as "Chitta Vritti Nirodha", the stilling of mental flux. Practically speaking, this is about silencing the mind's constant babble to make room for wise choices to arise. The tools of yoga, pranayama, postures, and meditation silence self-centered desires fueled by shallow desires and bring us more in tune with a rhythm in sync with nature.

As awareness deepens, we start taking application of awareness off the mat to what we eat, how we move, and how choices in everyday life cascade through ecosystems.

Importance of Breath, Balance, and Ecological Harmony

Acharya Shiv, a meditation and yoga sage, presents a scientific perspective on yogic breathing and its role in ecological awareness.

He describes, "Our body has two nervous systems: sympathetic (action, stress) and parasympathetic (rest, detox). Yoga—through practices such as pranayama—balances these. Balanced expectants of Pingala (right nostril) and Ida (left) Nadis increase cognitive balance, productivity, and emotional resilience.

His prescription: a 10-minute morning and night ritual of Nadi Shodhan (alternate nostril breathing) every day. This establishes physiological balance—cortisol regulated, dopamine uplift balanced, serotonin levels steady—resulting in a tranquil, focused mind prepared to meet personal and planetary challenges.

Yoga's deeper influence extends far beyond flexibility and stress relief. It encourages emotional literacy, an ability to recognize, feel, and respond to emotions in a responsible manner. As our internal world calms down, we then learn to honor others' internal world, both humans and non-human alike. Compassion becomes a guiding impulse, expressed as choices: eating locally seasonal food, minimizing waste, sustainable travel, saving water.

This self-aware ripple effect can impact societies- fostering collaborative initiatives like city parks, community composting, and zero-waste festivals. Yoga-as-mindfulness reframes the conversation from personal wellness to collective responsibility with the Planet.

How To Add Mindfulness in Everyday Life?

On this International Yoga Day, institutions can sow seeds of change. Schools can start their days with short asana and pranayama practices, fostering centeredness and ecologically informed awareness. Workplaces could adopt lunch-break yoga sessions, underpinned by communications that connect stress management and sustainability. Community centers could create outdoor classes that combine eco-awareness with movement that reminds participants that their mats are set upon living Earth.

Minimalism and thankfulness can be mutually supported with quiet thankfulness practices, asking participants to thank the Earth prior to or following sessions—for water, air, earth, and all lives.

The theme of "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" comes at the right time amidst worldwide crises- increasing pollution, tree felling, species disappearance, water scarcity. Yoga can be applied by practitioners in areas where climate is having an impact, for example, droughts or floods to build resilience and mental sharpness. Climate anxiety localized in any area can be alleviated and strategized by mindful techniques, building mental well-being as well as civic engagement.

As Dr. Sane reminds us, the Earth is not a resource to be used but a caring presence. Acharya Shiv demonstrates how the breath connects body and mind. Together, they remind us, we are the body of the Earth and by taking care of one, we are taking care of both.

As the countdown to the Axiom-4 mission proceeds, a rather groundbreaking experiment led by Burjeel Holdings in collaboration with Axiom Space is taking off — quite literally. Among the astronauts heading to the International Space Station (ISS) is Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and while his voyage marks a historic leap for India, it also opens new frontiers in diabetes research. This mission aims to address a critical question that has long limited the pool of astronaut candidates: can insulin-dependent diabetics safely travel and live in space?

Tracking Glucose in Microgravity

For the first time, astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission will take part in the "Suite Ride" experiment, which involves the use of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to track real-time blood sugar levels in microgravity. Although it's not publicly disclosed which astronaut will wear the CGMs, the implications of this experiment are universal. These astronauts will also collect blood samples in-flight to validate the CGM data, ensuring the findings are accurate and clinically useful.

Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Holdings, explains the motivation behind the research, "We are trying just to see if there is any change or fluctuation to the blood-sugar levels while they are in space." The focus is on understanding how microgravity impacts glucose metabolism, insulin absorption, and hormonal responses — factors crucial to diabetes management.

Refrigerated vs. Ambient Insulin: Will It Hold Up in Space?

In addition to wearing CGMs, astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission will carry two types of insulin pens: one stored in refrigeration and the other kept at ambient temperature. These are not just symbolic inclusions but scientific test subjects. Researchers aim to observe whether the molecular integrity of insulin can be maintained in space, a challenge given the temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure on the ISS.

This is a significant development in light of current restrictions. NASA presently does not allow insulin-dependent diabetics to become astronauts, and although there is no official exclusion for non-insulin-dependent individuals, no person with diabetes has ever ventured into space. This mission could set the stage for a major policy shift.

Why Microgravity Matters for Diabetes Research and Treatment?

Life in microgravity is vastly different from life on Earth. Reduced gravitational force alters fluid dynamics, muscle mass, bone density, and cellular signaling. These changes can impact how insulin is absorbed, how glucose is metabolized, and how the body reacts to both.

Dr. Fityan notes, "We hope that if we learn something about metabolism or its effects, we can use that knowledge to help our patients on Earth." Indeed, what is discovered in orbit could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for those living with diabetes on the ground — especially those who are bedridden, paralyzed, or in otherwise low-activity environments.

What's Next? Wearables, AI Models, and New Drug Targets

Beyond space exploration, the Suite Ride study is poised to have ripple effects in terrestrial healthcare. The data collected will help:

Design wearable tech for patients with limited mobility

Develop AI-powered predictive models to forecast insulin needs

Create new drugs that enhance insulin sensitivity or mimic exercise in sedentary individuals

Remote monitoring platforms that can capture continuous metabolic data from space may one day become the gold standard in diabetes management for underserved communities and telehealth systems.

Although this isn’t the first diabetes-related experiment in space, Axiom-4 takes the research further. Astronauts on Polaris Dawn and Galactic 07 missions wore CGMs or tested insulin pens, but Axiom-4 integrates both real-time monitoring and pharmacological testing — a first.

The Polaris Dawn mission, which lasted five days in September last year, involved CGM usage but lacked molecular testing of insulin. The Galactic 07 sub-orbital mission by Virgin Galactic proved that commercially available insulin pens could be used in space, but it was a brief encounter with microgravity.

Axiom-4’s two-week long mission, therefore, is uniquely poised to yield longitudinal data critical for comprehensive understanding.

Should the Axiom-4 study succeed, it could dismantle one of space exploration’s last great medical barriers. Diabetics, particularly those reliant on insulin, have historically been excluded from astronaut programs due to the unpredictability of insulin behavior in microgravity. Proving that it is safe and manageable could redefine who gets to go to space.

Moreover, this could lead to rethinking diabetes care on Earth. As Dr. Fityan says, "It has the potential to transform the future of space travel for astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), a condition historically considered disqualifying for space missions."

Even after the astronauts return, the impact of their journey will continue. Data from CGMs, blood samples, and insulin tests will be analyzed in ground-based labs. If trends or anomalies are found, they could spark development in precision medicine — tailoring diabetes care not just for astronauts but also for aging populations, patients in intensive care, or individuals living in remote areas with limited access to healthcare.

The fusion of space tech and medicine, driven by private and public partnerships, is making personalized and planetary health one and the same.