Stop these common activities, doctors say: ‘Worst of the worst’
Danger is everywhere.
That’s according to doctors who recently revealed a long list of common activities that can cause serious harm — and earn you an expensive trip to the emergency room.
Wearing Crocs can be a recipe for disaster
Doctors warned against wearing Crocs on slippery terrain — such as on snow or ice — due to the risk of injury.
“They’re more than just a fashion faux pas,” says one ER veteran, warning people to find better footwear.
Abdullah Pratt, an emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medicine, told the New York Times that he sees “Croc-specific injuries” at least once per week.
The goofy footwear, although comfortable, doesn’t “provide traction” nor “ankle support,” he explained.
“People go flying, and so do their Crocs,” he said.
Petting strangers’ dogs is a no-no
Petting strangers’ dogs is also incredibly risky — no matter how cute the pooch.
Doctors warned never to let children — or adults, for that matter — touch strangers’ dogs due to the risk of bites.
“You don’t know what kind of trauma that animal has been put through and what kind of triggers it has,” he continued.
He wouldn’t dare but his face near anyone else’s dog, either.
“I think most dog owners have never seen what it looks like for a dog to maul someone,” he said. “I have.”
Slicing avocados and bagels can be hazardous
Experts advised placing the item on a sturdy, non-slip surface, like a cutting board, and slicing in the direction that is away from your body.
“Cooking-related knife injuries are the most common injuries,” said Adaira Landry, an ER physician at Brigham and Women’s hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School.
“Sometimes I’ll even ask, ‘Oh, were you cutting avocado?’” she told The Times. “And they’re like: ‘Yes! How did you know?’”
Trampolines are a broken-bone factory
Physicians also cautioned against trampolines.
“They’re a broken-bone factory,” said Gregory Sugalski, the chair of the emergency department at Hackensack University Medical Center.
“We see fractures, dislocations, spinal injuries, head injuries, all the time,” he said.
In fact, more than 100,000 people land in the ER with trampoline-related injuries every year — and the backyard hazard is Sugalski’s worst nightmare.
Biking without a helmet is a recipe for disaster
Biking, another favorite outdoor pastime, also presents a safety risk — only if you’re not wearing a helmet.
“We see folks come in with helmets and without helmets, and it’s night and day,” Sugalski explained, adding that “you’re just looking for serious injury” riding sans head protection.
Don’t ignore sudden-onset symptoms
Landry warned not to ignore sudden-onset symptoms, especially when it comes to pain or paralysis.
“I understand that there’s going to be medical costs and the time in the emergency room, but those shouldn’t preclude you from saving your own life,” she advised.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with these common activities and take necessary precautions to avoid injury. By following the advice of medical professionals and taking simple steps to ensure our safety, we can reduce the risk of harm and enjoy our favorite activities with peace of mind.
FAQs
* What are some common activities that can cause serious harm?
+ Wearing Crocs on slippery terrain, petting strangers’ dogs, slicing avocados and bagels, using trampolines, and biking without a helmet
* What are some simple steps to take to reduce the risk of injury?
+ Wear appropriate footwear, avoid contact with strangers’ dogs, place items on a sturdy surface when cutting, use trampolines with caution, and always wear a helmet when biking
* What should I do if I experience sudden-onset symptoms such as pain or paralysis?
+ Seek medical attention immediately and do not ignore the symptoms
