5 health notes that my father, an emergency room, never let me forget

5 health notes that my father, an emergency room, never let me forget


Fortune’s journalist shares what has learned to avoid accidents such as falls, suffocation and running

Before going out at school at school, one night at a new friend’s house or playing football, my father, a doctor in the emergencies sector, remembered this acronym: SSA was a reminder to stay safe (Safe)use intelligence (Notices) and get alert (Aware).

As emergency room, my father witnessed as apparently insignificant habits and foolish mistakes cause some of the most horrible accidents. Although wide, his motto has encouraged us to think about ways to protect us and take care of our health every day. So, after years of advice, reminder and many eyes, I decided to share part of the wisdom that has acquired in the long nights in the trauma sector.

Cut the grapes in half

You may not have thought of this fruit makeup with fruit, but it is particularly significant for parents of young children. More than 12,000 children are brought to the emergency room Every year from the suffocation related to food, with about a child who dies every five days suffocating food. Apparently, the grapes can be a common cause.

“To avoid the tragic risk of airways obstruction, it is better to cut the grapes (the same valley for hot dogs) in half and even in the rooms for minors,” says my father, Michael Mikhail, now retired. “Children (and I also saw it in adults) can aspire without chewing correctly, then reducing the risk to a minimum.”

Do not use the two headphones when walking

Although the use of large headphones with noise cancellation or AirPods has become something culturally accepted, this can limit its ability to perceive a cyclist, a red light or a hole.

For those who usually walk in busy roads, moved on foot or simply walk towards a shop, it is important to be aware of the surrounding environment. A 2012 analysis found that pedestrian accidents that use headphones have increased since 2006. More data are needed, although it can be argued that the problem can be even more widespread today, with more people who use accessories.

“You must always be aware of what surrounds you, especially in urban traffic, and these noise cancellation accessories change the senses and increase the risk of injuries,” says Mikhail. Your advice to those who, like me, They cannot give up their morning podcast? “Keep just a ear in the ear to enjoy the audio while you are out there.”

Nothing -elastic

We grew up in an anti-tepsy family (often for our disappointment). Elastic beds cause preventable injuries. An analysis discovered that they caused over 800,000 injuries, in particular fractures, elongations and abrasions on the skin between 2009 and 2018. Due to ineffective security measures, the American Pediatric Academy strongly discourages the game in these equipment.

“The trampolines are one of the most dangerous common activities, responsible for many devastating injuries, including fractures, head injuries and even damage to the spinal cord”, warns Mikhail. “Do not be fooled by those who have goals out to prevent you from falling. It does not still protect against the most worrying injuries.”

Avoid licking for pets

While I am guilty of enjoying a big hug with my dachshund when I get home, my father warns against the licking of pets on the face. He loves Lucie, of course, but he warns him Our beloved pets It can load bacteria and parasites.

“The germs they host in the mouth are difficult to treat if you are infected, which includes intestinal worms“He says.

Being very anxious to approach the pets they don’t know can be dangerous. “The unfortunate, as an emergency doctor, is that sometimes we see the worst of the worst. The bites of animals who have embraced unwanted can lead to serious and weakly injuries,” says Mikhail.

Remember non -slip shoes

When you know that you will be out in a cold and rigorous climate for a long time, use comfortable grip shoes so as not to slip. My father remembers having seen an increase in people in the emergency room with broken wrists and ankles slipping.

“They wear shoes with little or no adaptation for ice and slippery floors,” he says.

Although accidents occur and you do not want to live in fear, my medical father says that it is better to remember those three letters to have greater control of your health and well -being with small changes in habit.

After decades seeing preventable accidents, he is right.

This text was originally published by Fortune.com. It was translated with the help of artificial intelligence tools and revised by our editorial team. Find out more in our artificial intelligence policy.

Source: Terra

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