Doctors reveal the everyday activities landing thousands in the ER–Avoid these at all costs!
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As we age, we often become more conscious of our health and safety. We swap out high-impact exercises for gentle walks, trade in our motorcycle for a sedan with the highest safety rating, and we're more likely to spend a Saturday night with a good book than on a wild adventure.
But even the most cautious among us can be caught off guard by seemingly harmless activities that, according to doctors, are sending thousands to the emergency room each year.
Here at The GrayVine, we're all about enjoying life while staying safe, so let's dive into the “worst of the worst” activities that doctors warn could lead to an unexpected hospital visit.
First on the list is a surprising fashion culprit: Crocs. While these shoes may be celebrated for their comfort, they're not without their dangers.
Dr. Abdullah Pratt, an emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medicine, has seen his fair share of “Croc-specific injuries.”
He warns that the popular footwear lacks both traction and ankle support, leading to falls that can cause significant harm. “People go flying, and so do their Crocs,” he remarked.
So, next time you're tempted to slip on those lightweight shoes for a quick errand, consider opting for something with better grip and support.
Another seemingly innocent activity that can turn perilous is petting unfamiliar dogs. No matter how friendly they appear, you can never be sure of a dog's history or what might trigger an aggressive response.
Dr. Pratt advises against getting too close to someone else's pet, as dog bites can result in severe injuries. It's always best to ask the owner for permission before interacting with their dog and to approach any animal with caution.
“You don’t know what kind of trauma that animal has been put through and what kind of triggers it has,” he expressed.
You might like: Say goodbye to back pain with these sleep positions – you won’t believe #3!
In the kitchen, the way we handle knives while preparing food can also be a recipe for disaster.
Dr. Adaira Landry, an ER physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, notes that cooking-related knife injuries are among the most common she sees.
A frequent mistake is holding the item being sliced in the palm of one's hand, which can lead to serious cuts. Dr. Landry and other experts recommend always cutting on a stable, non-slip surface and never towards your hand.
Around 350,000 people seek medical treatment for getting injured by a knife per year, as per the Midwest Orthopedics at Rush.
Trampolines, while a source of fun and exercise, are dubbed by physicians as “broken-bone factories.”
Dr. Gregory Sugalski, chair of the emergency department at Hackensack University Medical Center, has seen a multitude of injuries from trampoline use, including fractures, dislocations, and even spinal and head injuries.
With over 100,000 trampoline-related injuries reported annually, it's clear that these backyard attractions should be used with extreme caution, if at all.
Cycling is another activity that can be dangerous without proper safety measures. Wearing a helmet is non-negotiable, as it can mean the difference between a minor incident and a life-altering injury.
Dr. Sugalski emphasizes the stark contrast in outcomes for cyclists who wear helmets compared to those who don't. A helmet can save your life, so never ride without one.
If you get in a crash while wearing a helmet, Sugalski said, “for the most part, you’re walking away.”
Lastly, Dr. Landry urges not to dismiss sudden-onset symptoms, particularly those involving pain or paralysis. While concerns about medical costs and ER wait times are valid, they should never prevent you from seeking immediate help when your life could be at stake.
Also read: 4 in 10 people may develop dementia after 55–Here’s how you can lower your risk.
Have you or someone you know ever had a close call with one of these common activities? Do you have any safety tips to share with our community? We'd love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below!
But even the most cautious among us can be caught off guard by seemingly harmless activities that, according to doctors, are sending thousands to the emergency room each year.
Here at The GrayVine, we're all about enjoying life while staying safe, so let's dive into the “worst of the worst” activities that doctors warn could lead to an unexpected hospital visit.
First on the list is a surprising fashion culprit: Crocs. While these shoes may be celebrated for their comfort, they're not without their dangers.
Dr. Abdullah Pratt, an emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medicine, has seen his fair share of “Croc-specific injuries.”
He warns that the popular footwear lacks both traction and ankle support, leading to falls that can cause significant harm. “People go flying, and so do their Crocs,” he remarked.
So, next time you're tempted to slip on those lightweight shoes for a quick errand, consider opting for something with better grip and support.
Doctors warn against wearing Crocs, as the footwear can lead to “Croc-specific injuries” due to lack of traction and ankle support. Image source: Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash.
Another seemingly innocent activity that can turn perilous is petting unfamiliar dogs. No matter how friendly they appear, you can never be sure of a dog's history or what might trigger an aggressive response.
Dr. Pratt advises against getting too close to someone else's pet, as dog bites can result in severe injuries. It's always best to ask the owner for permission before interacting with their dog and to approach any animal with caution.
“You don’t know what kind of trauma that animal has been put through and what kind of triggers it has,” he expressed.
You might like: Say goodbye to back pain with these sleep positions – you won’t believe #3!
In the kitchen, the way we handle knives while preparing food can also be a recipe for disaster.
Dr. Adaira Landry, an ER physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, notes that cooking-related knife injuries are among the most common she sees.
A frequent mistake is holding the item being sliced in the palm of one's hand, which can lead to serious cuts. Dr. Landry and other experts recommend always cutting on a stable, non-slip surface and never towards your hand.
Around 350,000 people seek medical treatment for getting injured by a knife per year, as per the Midwest Orthopedics at Rush.
Physicians highlight common but dangerous behaviors, such as petting strangers' dogs and incorrect ways of slicing avocados or bagels, which can lead to serious injuries. Image source: Brands & People / Unsplash.
Trampolines, while a source of fun and exercise, are dubbed by physicians as “broken-bone factories.”
Dr. Gregory Sugalski, chair of the emergency department at Hackensack University Medical Center, has seen a multitude of injuries from trampoline use, including fractures, dislocations, and even spinal and head injuries.
With over 100,000 trampoline-related injuries reported annually, it's clear that these backyard attractions should be used with extreme caution, if at all.
Cycling is another activity that can be dangerous without proper safety measures. Wearing a helmet is non-negotiable, as it can mean the difference between a minor incident and a life-altering injury.
Dr. Sugalski emphasizes the stark contrast in outcomes for cyclists who wear helmets compared to those who don't. A helmet can save your life, so never ride without one.
If you get in a crash while wearing a helmet, Sugalski said, “for the most part, you’re walking away.”
Lastly, Dr. Landry urges not to dismiss sudden-onset symptoms, particularly those involving pain or paralysis. While concerns about medical costs and ER wait times are valid, they should never prevent you from seeking immediate help when your life could be at stake.
Also read: 4 in 10 people may develop dementia after 55–Here’s how you can lower your risk.
Have you or someone you know ever had a close call with one of these common activities? Do you have any safety tips to share with our community? We'd love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below!
