From cosmetic surgery to grapes, and from trampolines to alcohol, a dozen medics have shared the everyday dangers their professional experiences have taught them to steer clear of. Their advice covers a wide range of activities and habits that may pose unexpected risks to health and safety.
Plastic surgeons warn against using chainsaws for DIY, citing severe hand injuries that often require complex reconstructive surgery. One surgeon recalled reattaching an arm caught in a bench saw. Motorcycles are also high on the danger list, with doctors noting they cause the worst injuries and advising against riding or allowing children to do so.
Burns from hot coffee on the sofa, open fires, and fire pits are other hazards. A doctor cautioned against drinking hot coffee while sitting cross-legged due to the difficulty of treating burns in sensitive areas. Barbecues were also a concern when children were young.
Medical professionals advise against fad diets, particularly high-protein ones that can cause gallstones, and low-fibre diets that lead to constipation. Instead, they recommend a balanced diet and moderation. One doctor avoids oysters from landlocked areas and takeaways from unclean-looking establishments, and notes that reheating rice is a common practice despite medical advice against it.
Doctors also avoid burnout by not reading work emails on holiday, and they prioritise relationships with loved ones. A paediatrician refuses to let her seven-year-old eat uncut grapes due to the risk of choking, and she avoids the naughty step and sleep-training methods that involve letting a child cry, as these can increase stress hormones.
Screen time for children is limited, with one doctor noting a negative behavioural impact from individual device use. Horse riding is avoided due to fatal and paralysing injuries witnessed, and trampolines are discouraged because of the high risk of broken bones. Finally, a retired rugby player regrets the long-term damage from high-impact sports and now avoids skiing without a helmet, as head injuries are common even in lift queues.
