Emergency Room (ER) physicians often encounter injuries and health issues resulting from common activities that many might not consider hazardous. Dr. Leana Wen, a prominent ER doctor, has highlighted five such activities that individuals should approach with caution to ensure their safety.
1. Improper Use of Electric Scooters, E-Bikes, and Hoverboards
The rise in popularity of electric scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards has led to a corresponding increase in related injuries. Many users neglect essential safety measures, such as wearing helmets, which can prevent severe head injuries. Operating these devices under the influence of alcohol or drugs further exacerbates the risk. Dr. Wen emphasizes the importance of inspecting these devices for any damage before use and adhering strictly to manufacturer guidelines. For instance, if a device is designed for a single rider, adding an extra passenger can compromise balance and control, leading to accidents.
2. Texting While Driving
Despite widespread awareness campaigns, distracted driving remains a leading cause of traffic accidents. Texting while driving diverts attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions that can result in injuries or fatalities. Dr. Wen advises that even hands-free devices can be distracting. It’s crucial to pull over safely before responding to messages or calls to ensure full attention is given to driving.
3. Participating in Dangerous Social Media Challenges
The allure of viral fame has led many, especially younger individuals, to partake in hazardous social media challenges. Challenges like “chroming” (inhaling chemicals) or the “Blackout” challenge (inducing unconsciousness) have resulted in serious injuries and even fatalities. Dr. Wen urges individuals to critically assess the risks associated with such challenges and engage in open discussions with peers and family members about the potential dangers.
4. Consuming Pills from Unverified Sources
Taking medications without proper verification poses significant health risks. Even pills obtained from friends or family members can be counterfeit or contaminated. Dr. Wen stresses the importance of consuming only those medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and dispensed by authorized pharmacies. Unauthorized medications may contain harmful substances, including fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid linked to numerous overdose deaths.
5. Leaving Children Unattended Near Water Bodies
Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death among young children. Ensuring constant supervision when children are near pools, lakes, or any water bodies is crucial. Implementing safety measures like installing pool fences and providing swimming lessons can mitigate risks. Dr. Wen also advises caregivers to avoid consuming alcohol or drugs while supervising children in aquatic environments to maintain vigilance.
Additional Activities Highlighted by Other Medical Professionals
Beyond Dr. Wen’s insights, other medical experts have identified additional common activities that pose safety risks:
6. Wearing Inappropriate Footwear
Certain footwear, such as Crocs, lack adequate traction and ankle support, leading to injuries. ER physician Dr. Abdullah Pratt notes frequent cases of “Croc-specific injuries,” emphasizing the need for proper footwear to prevent accidents.
7. Handling Pets Without Caution
Interacting with unfamiliar animals, especially dogs, without understanding their behavior can result in bites or scratches. Dr. Pratt advises caution, as animals may have unknown triggers that can lead to aggressive reactions.
8. Unsafe Food Handling Practices
Improper food handling, such as reheating rice incorrectly, can lead to food poisoning. Dr. Jessica Kiss warns that leaving boiled rice at room temperature can promote bacterial growth, which may not be eliminated during reheating, posing health risks.
9. Prolonged Sitting on the Toilet
Extended periods spent sitting on the toilet can cause blood to pool in anal veins, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. Dr. Schwarzbaum recommends limiting bathroom time to 10-15 minutes to reduce this risk.
10. Using Plastic Containers in Microwaves
Heating food in plastic containers using microwaves can lead to the release of microplastics, which may pose health risks. Doctors have raised concerns about increased exposure to microplastics potentially affecting brain health.
11. Trimming Eyelashes
A recent trend involves trimming eyelashes for aesthetic reasons. However, ophthalmologists warn against this practice as it can lead to eye injuries and removes the natural barrier protecting the eyes from debris. Dr. Ashley Hayden advises against trimming eyelashes due to the potential hazards.
12. Ignoring Sudden-Onset Symptoms
Disregarding sudden symptoms, such as acute pain or paralysis, can delay critical medical intervention. ER physician Dr. Adaira Landry emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in such scenarios to prevent severe health outcomes.
13. Using Trampolines Without Safety Measures
Trampolines are associated with numerous injuries, including fractures and head injuries. Dr. Gregory Sugalski refers to them as “a broken-bone factory,” highlighting the need for safety precautions when using trampolines.
14. Biking Without a Helmet
Cycling without wearing a helmet significantly increases the risk of severe injuries during accidents. Dr. Sugalski notes that helmets can make a substantial difference in the outcome of cycling accidents.
15. Mishandling Sharp Kitchen Tools
Many people underestimate the risks associated with improper use of sharp kitchen tools such as knives, graters, or mandolins. According to ER doctors, a significant number of hand injuries come from careless or rushed food preparation. Dr. Gregory Sugalski emphasizes that using dull knives actually increases risk, as they require more force to cut, making slips more likely. Proper technique, sharp tools, and attention to what you’re doing can prevent many of these accidents. Additionally, using protective gear, like cut-resistant gloves when using mandolins or graters, can also minimize injury risks.
Why These Warnings Matter: A Broader Perspective
What’s notable about Dr. Wen’s and her colleagues’ warnings is that many of these activities are part of everyday life — things people do without thinking twice. Because they feel so routine, people often overlook safety measures that could prevent trips to the ER, or even save lives.
The danger doesn’t always come from “extreme” behaviors, but often from small, careless moments: hopping on a scooter without a helmet, quickly slicing vegetables without focus, or leaving medicine bottles within a child’s reach. These are risks that can be easily reduced with a bit of mindfulness and precaution.
Furthermore, the rise of social media challenges adds a modern twist to the list. Many of these “challenges” may seem fun or harmless in the context of viral content but often carry hidden or misunderstood risks — ranging from chemical poisoning to severe physical harm. Dr. Wen urges young people and their parents to be skeptical of these online trends and to prioritize safety over popularity.
The Role of Education and Awareness
The ultimate goal of highlighting these risks is not to instill fear, but to promote awareness and responsible behavior. Education is a critical tool in reducing avoidable injuries. Schools, parents, and community leaders can play a role by reinforcing safety practices, whether it’s teaching kids to swim, encouraging the use of helmets, or having open conversations about peer pressure and viral internet trends.
Moreover, adults need to be role models in adopting safe behaviors. If children see adults using helmets, handling knives carefully, or supervising swimming closely, they are more likely to adopt these behaviors themselves. This modeling of safe behavior can have a ripple effect in preventing accidents.
Final Takeaway: Simple Steps for Safer Living
Dr. Wen and other ER doctors highlight that many of these injuries and accidents are avoidable. Here are a few simple but powerful recommendations they emphasize:
- Always wear proper protective gear — helmets for biking and scooters, gloves when using sharp tools.
- Avoid distractions like texting when driving or walking near traffic.
- Supervise children closely around any water source, including bathtubs.
- Be cautious of trends and social media challenges — just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s safe.
- Handle medications carefully — never take pills not prescribed to you and store them out of children’s reach.
- Respect animals’ boundaries and approach unfamiliar pets with caution.
- Limit time in the bathroom and avoid straining, to prevent hemorrhoids.
- Avoid reheating foods improperly, especially rice and meats, to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Don’t microwave food in plastic containers unless marked as microwave-safe to avoid microplastic exposure.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while life comes with unavoidable risks, a significant number of injuries treated in ERs could be avoided with some foresight and caution. By being more mindful of how we engage in daily activities — from riding scooters to cooking dinner — we can drastically reduce the chances of serious injuries. Dr. Wen’s warnings serve as a reminder that safety doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes, it’s the simple choices that make all the difference.
Staying safe doesn’t mean avoiding fun or adventure — it means enjoying life while protecting yourself and others from unnecessary harm. Taking that extra moment to think before you act might be the small step that prevents a big accident.
