You’re most likely guilty of doing at least one of the five things…
Warning: This article contains discussion of drug use and hazing which some readers may find distressing.
An emergency room physician has cautioned individuals to recognize the possible dangers linked to five activities that are quite common.
These five activities, as highlighted by the ER doctor, can significantly threaten your health, and chances are you’ve engaged in at least one of them.
The suspect prompted a high-speed pursuit across multiple counties in Oklahoma. Credit: KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4
Not using electric scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards safely
Dr. Leana Wen informed CNN that there has been a rise in injuries due to unsafe use of electric scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards.
Safety, in this context, includes wearing a helmet—yes, helmet hair is a minor inconvenience compared to the risk of serious head injuries from falls.
Additionally, riding these devices while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is a significant risk, as it can impair your reaction time and lead to loss of control.
Dr. Wen also advises: “Inspect for any damage and ensure that the brakes, tires, frame, handlebars, and other essential parts are in good condition. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines: if they specify that only one person should use the device, do not carry an additional passenger.”
And the second warning is also driving-related.
Don’t forget your helmet (Getty Stock Images)
Texting while driving
It’s a long-standing warning: don’t text while driving.
Not only is it against the law, but it also diverts your attention from the road. If something unexpected appears in your path, you might not notice it, leading to a crash that could injure you or others.
Despite this advice being well-known, Dr. Wen points out that distracted driving remains a significant factor in traffic accidents today.
Always ensure that you are completely stopped and parked safely before responding to a text, adjusting your map, or answering a call, even if your phone isn’t in your hand.
Put it down (Getty Stock Images)
Don’t take part in unsafe social media challenges
If someone asks you to jump, don’t just ask, “How high?” Just because they did it doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to follow suit.
Social media challenges can quickly gain popularity, with some previously promoting dangerous activities like ‘chroming’ or the ‘Blackout’ challenge.
Tragically, some children have lost their lives trying to complete these challenges.
Whenever you encounter a challenge on social media, always consider what it entails and discuss it with those around you, especially if it promotes harmful actions like inhaling or consuming substances. This leads to the next important caution.
Dance challenges? Fine. Other social media challenges? Think twice (Getty Stock Images)
Don’t take pills from unknown places or people
This might seem obvious when considering purchasing drugs from the dark web, but Dr. Wen cautions against taking medications or pills from family or friends as well.
You can’t be sure of the origin of those pills; they could be counterfeit and unsafe, posing a serious risk to your health.
“Only take medications that have been prescribed to you and obtained from a licensed pharmacy,” Dr. Wen advises. “[…] If you acquire drugs from an unauthorized source, whether online or elsewhere, you have no way of knowing what’s actually in them. You can’t confirm if they contain the active ingredient you expect or if they have harmful contaminants. Many fake pills include fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and a major contributor to overdose fatalities.”
Don’t take pills unless you know exactly where they’re from (Getty Stock Images)
Never leave kids unattended near bodies of water
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that drowning is the leading cause of death for young children, resulting in approximately 4,000 accidental fatalities annually in the US.
To minimize the risk of harm, it’s essential to maintain pools properly and implement safety features like gates, as well as provide children with water safety education. However, Dr. Wen emphasizes that the safest approach is to always supervise children when they are in or near water.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid consuming alcohol or drugs while supervising.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images