The things ER doctors do and don't worry about
A recent video posted to TikTok by Claire Edwards (username @theclairenecessities) titled 'Things my doctor husband does and does not care about' prompted other health professionals to weigh in and add their own personal favorite list of activities and items that either stress them out — or leave them unbothered.
The Independent spoke to Dr Jason Idelson, clinical chief of corporate medicine at City MD, and Dr Anita Singh, chair of high acuity urgent care centers in New Jersey, to find out what common injuries they see, and which things don't concern them.
Edwards' TikTok raised concerns over keeping children well away from hazards. As well as 'pointy objects,' people were quick to urge caution over bikes, backyard pools, and especially… trampolines. Yes, jumping up and down on a big matted platform surrounded by metal springs is great for practicing somersaults — and injuring yourself.
'I'm convinced trampoline parks are owned by orthopedic surgeons,' wrote the partner of an ER doctor in the comment section. 'Ortho wife here there's at least one kid a week in the clinic due to the trampoline park,' agreed another, adding a money emoji.
Idelson, who has four children of his own, echoed the sentiment. 'There's the age-old saying that 'if you want to meet your local ER team – buy a trampoline,' he tells The Independent. 'Trampolines are a ton of fun… but the reality is, they're very dangerous for many reasons.'
With summer approaching fast both Idelson and Singh warn people to 'stay vigilant' against the presence of ticks in clothing if hiking or in nature – as tick-borne diseases are common, and can be serious if not treated quickly. Reported tick sightings are nearly double already this year, with experts believing this may be our worst season yet.
People are often scared to take ticks off by themselves, Singh says, though it's perfectly possible to do. 'Use tweezers, grab close to where it's attached to the skin and just give it a good twist and pull up and usually like that,' she says.
Make sure to give them a strong tug, as it can often be difficult to remove them, she adds. To prevent needing to pull one out, wear the right clothing, including items that cover your arms and legs appropriately.
In her video, Edwards apologized to dietitians before revealing that her husband does not care about drinking energy drinks – though several actually jumped in to agree.
'I don't care about energy drinks. Some days they are the only thing giving me the will to live,' wrote one, with another adding: 'I don't give a rip about energy drinks as long as someone doesn't regularly exceed 400 mg caffeine per day and the drink is low sugar or sugar free.'
Caution is needed though, says Idelson, noting that some drinks can have the equivalent caffeine of five cups of coffee. 'We see a lot of people, particularly in the emergency department, coming in with arrhythmias of the heart because they're drinking too much [caffeine],' he says.
A big no-no for ER doctors is taking acetaminophen (commonly sold as Tylenol) after drinking alcohol to help ward off a hangover. Both substances are processed by the liver, and alcohol can get in the way of the liver safely metabolizing the substance, which can lead to liver damage or even failure in serious cases.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is not cleared by the liver – but you should still be careful. In excess, Ibuprofen can lead to ulcers of the stomach and gastrointestinal bleeds. But the key is always moderation.
'The reality is, one time, if you're drinking alcohol and you take some Tylenol and you have normal liver function, it's obviously not going to hurt you,' Idelson says.
Keeping dogs near children is also of concern to ER doctors, with around two million children being bitten each year, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Dog bites are 'very common,' says Singh. 'The most important thing is to know if that dog is fully up to date with their vaccines.' While facial bites can be quite severe and disfiguring, those in other areas, including hands, carry a higher risk of infection.
Singh adds that people should be discouraged from feeding 'wild animals' such as raccoons and squirrels. 'People like to feed them for some reason… we probably shouldn't encourage that, because those kinds of animals possibly carry rabies,' she says.
Another source of concern for Edwards' husband is glitter – which is hard to remove from the eyes of small children.
While he hasn't personally seen the dangers of glitter first-hand, Idelson cautions against the presence of marbles and beads around young ones. 'Kids love to stick them up their nose,' he says. 'And they're very difficult to remove.'
The one thing that really scares him though are magnets and button batteries, which Idelson says can be 'potentially life-threatening' if swallowed by children. Magnets can detach and reattach while going down, causing strictures or obstructions.
Button batteries, which are small and round, are actually corrosive and can in fact burn holes in the lining of stomachs. 'They look cute and kids like to play with them, but.. they're extremely dangerous and parents need to be super careful,' Idelson says.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
After a Long Day of Travel, She Woke Up Unable to Walk. Then Crawled to Her Car and Drove to the ER (Exclusive)
Ella Katenkamp opens up to PEOPLE about the week she spent in the hospital, the unexpected condition that sidelined her, and what she wishes others understoodNEED TO KNOW Ella Katenkamp was days from finishing school when she woke up unable to walk At first, she assumed the pain in her calves was from working out after a long trip A week later, she left the hospital with a diagnosis that changed how she views her healthElla Katenkamp was days away from finishing school when she woke to a sharp, searing pain in her calves, her feet curled into a locked position and muscles frozen. What followed was a weeklong hospital stay, a terrifying diagnosis and a viral TikTok that sparked a conversation amongst millions. 'I took a trip the week before to Georgia, and it was a lot of, like, hiking,' Katenkamp tells PEOPLE, looking back on what seemed like a fun getaway before things spiraled. 'On the last day, we did a hike with thousands of stairs, and then I drove 13 hours straight back to Florida.' The former college athlete wasted no time jumping back into her routine. 'As soon as I got back, I did a leg workout at the gym,' she says, noting that cramps didn't seem like a big deal at first. 'I got, like, really bad calf pain after that,' she explains. 'My feet locked into a pointed toe position, and I couldn't walk flat-footed. My calves were stuck like that.' Assuming it was a standard athletic cramp, Katenkamp drank water, stretched, and went to bed. But by 5 a.m., the pain was excruciating, and her legs refused to move. 'I lived with a roommate at the time, but it was, like, five in the morning and I didn't want to wake her up,' she says. 'So I crawled to my car and drove myself to the hospital.' At the ER, her condition worsened. 'As soon as I got in there, they ran over and put me in a wheelchair, and that was it for about a week,' she recalls. Throughout her hospital stay, walking was nearly impossible. 'If I walked at all, someone had to hold me up because I couldn't move my calves,' she says. 'They just stopped working.' Doctors struggled to identify the cause of her symptoms. 'It took them about three or four days to figure it out,' Katenkamp notes. 'The nurses would come in and just be Googling my symptoms — no one knew what it was.' Eventually, she received a diagnosis: rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition that causes muscle fibers to break down and release toxins into the blood. 'It's like the breakdown of your muscle to the point that it poisons your blood,' she explains. Katenkamp was shocked to learn her creatine kinase (CK) level, a marker of muscle breakdown, was well above normal. 'Your CK level's not really supposed to be above 200, and when I got to the hospital, it was in the thousands,' she says. Treatment involved flushing her system with fluids and monitoring her blood multiple times a day. 'They had to take my blood like three times a day,' she says. 'After two days, my CK level actually went up, which was really frustrating.' By the time she was discharged, her CK level was still around 600–700. 'I wasn't where I was supposed to be, but I was starting to walk again,' she says. 'It was just my legs.' Doctors attributed the onset to a combination of factors. 'They told me it was probably from the Red Bulls I drank in Georgia, not enough water, my birth control and going from sitting for 13 hours straight into an intense leg workout,' Katenkamp says. The experience permanently changed her approach to fitness and health. 'I took a huge step back from energy drinks,' she shares. 'I didn't touch them for a long time, and now I only drink them very moderately.' Once hyperactive with early-morning practices, classes and games, Katenkamp is now far more mindful. 'I drink so much more water now,' she says. 'And I definitely think about what days to go hard in the gym — like, was I sitting a lot the day before?' The condition was new to her and to many. 'I had no idea what it was,' Katenkamp says. 'Even the doctors didn't know.' She posted about the ordeal on TikTok, with the text overlay, 'She doesn't know it yet... but the next morning she was gonna crawl out of bed on all 4s and drive herself to the hospital at 6am to stay for the next week because her legs were paralyzed with rhabdomyolysis.' While some followers offered support, others jumped to conclusions. But for Katenkamp, it was a moment that turned criticism into community. 'I didn't even really have to defend myself,' she says. 'Other people did it for me.' Many shared their own experiences or those of loved ones. 'A lot of people said they'd been through something similar and knew how painful it was,' she says. 'There were tons of comments wishing me a good recovery.' Looking back, she says the condition was more than just muscle cramps. 'My legs weren't even the same size when I left the hospital,' she says. 'It's definitely a process, but luckily, I'm past it now.' Still, the risk of lasting damage was real. 'They say it can ruin your kidneys,' Katenkamp says. 'Luckily, I didn't get to that point, but if I hadn't gone to the hospital, it could have destroyed my organs.' That's why her message is firm. 'It's more than just cramps,' she says. 'People kept saying, 'Push through it,' but I couldn't have done that — I had to go to the hospital.' Two years later, Katenkamp's advice to others in recovery is simple and compassionate. 'Make sure you're taking care of yourself and read your body,' she says. 'Keep up with your water, stretch and don't overdo it.' She encourages anyone experiencing similar symptoms to investigate all possibilities. 'Follow the steps your doctors give you,' Katenkamp adds. 'It can definitely come back.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. If she could tell social media users one thing, it's this: don't pretend to be an expert. 'You never know what's going on,' she says. 'There were over 20 different comments guessing the cause. It's different for every person.' Katenkamp says she understands the appeal of quick judgments, especially online. But she hopes her story shows why empathy matters. 'Don't speak on other people's health,' she says. 'If there's one thing I learned, it's that you really don't know what someone's going through.' Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
2 hours ago
Dietitian explains fibermaxxing trend: What it is and how to properly incorporate fiber in your diet
The latest dietary health trend sweeping social media, known as "fibermaxxing," has people pondering the age old question: Can you have too much of a good thing? Millions of videos on TikTok using the hashtag #fibermaxxing have flooded TikTok feeds with an overflow of information. So to help better explain what it actually means and how it works, "Good Morning America" spoke to registered dietitian Steph Grasso, who said it's a trend she can personally get behind. What is fibermaxxing? Grasso, who regularly informs her more than 2 million followers on TikTok and nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram about proper nutrition habits, recently tapped into the viral trend on Instagram, highlighting the potential issues people may face by increasing fiber too quickly and overwhelming the gut. "Fibermaxxing is slang for eating tons of fiber, either meeting or exceeding the daily recommendations," Grasso said. "Protein has always gotten the spotlight, but with colon cancer rates increasing, people are becoming more aware of their low fiber intake and trying to maximize it." Whenever she's posted about fiber, Grasso said her comment section seems to fill up with replies like, "Fiber doesn't agree with me" or "Fiber makes me bloat way too much." "And I think fiber gets that reputation," she said. "Last year, I claimed 2024 as the year of fiber and made my content mostly about it -- trying to influence people to increase their intake," she explained. "I highlighted, and still highlight, beans as a convenient and affordable way to get in fiber. I think the most common misconception is, 'Fiber causes gas and bloating, so I should avoid it.'" While she explained that fiber can indeed cause gas and bloating, that doesn't mean you should avoid it. "That's your body's way of telling you it's feeling way too overwhelmed, because it's never digested that much fiber before," she explained. "Sudden fiber increases, especially if fiber isn't usually part of your diet, can cause temporary gastrointestinal symptoms because your gut bacteria just isn't used to fermenting it." How to properly increase fiber intake "If you're trying to add more fiber to your diet, I recommend increasing it slowly and gradually," Grasso said. "If you never eat fiber, set a goal for 5 grams of fiber a day. Then in the second week, try 10 grams per day and increase by 5 grams each week as tolerated." She also noted that as people are increasing their fiber, they should also be "drinking plenty of water," because "fiber needs water to bulk and aid digestion." The U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women under 50 and at least 31 grams daily for men under 50. Easy ingredients to add more fiber to your diet "Beans, beans, beans," Grasso said with gusto, discussing the best foods to add more fiber to your diet. "They are so convenient, affordable and versatile. One cup has about 6-8 grams of fiber." Whole grains are another high-fiber food group that Grasso suggests adding -- think "quinoa, oats and barley." "Or snacking on fruit and nuts can increase your fiber intake," she said. "And of course, making half your plate veggies during lunch and dinner will help meet your fiber goals." Health benefits of fiber While Grasso said she could pen an entire article solely dedicated to the studied health benefits of fiber, she summed it up simply. "[Soluble] fiber supports digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. It also binds to LDL, [or] "bad" cholesterol, in the digestive tract and helps remove it, lowering your cholesterol levels," Grasso explained. "Plus, it slows the absorption of glucose -- sugar -- helping stabilize blood sugar levels and reducing post-meal spikes." No one food group can be responsible for better or worse overall health -- they should be combined with a well-rounded diet and other healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, Grasso said -- and anyone looking to change their diet should first consult with a physician before making a major change like upping your fiber intake. ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton recently weighed in on fibermaxxing for "GMA3." "This is a trend I can stick by," Sutton said. "The majority of us are talking about protein, but very few of us are talking about fiber. It's the one nutrient can extend your life. And 95% of Americans are not getting the recommended amount of fiber." To help people visualize how much fiber they should be getting, Sutton said the daily recommendation in terms of food is equivalent to about seven apples or 11 bananas. But he added, importantly, "this is not where you should get all of your fiber." Like Grasso, Sutton said to utilize beans and legumes by adding them to a salad, or try a half cup of nuts for about 8 grams of fiber. Two to three handfuls of vegetables is about 8 grams of fiber, he said. If you want to kick start the day with a lot of fiber, Sutton suggested adding chia seeds and fruits to morning oats for about 20 grams of fiber. "Fiber is so much more than helping us with digestion. That helps to regulate your sugar and protects you against diabetes, but it binds toxins and reduces inflammation, and that helps us to reduce our risk of colon cancer, and it helps us to get rid of cholesterol. There are so many benefits of fiber, and so few of us are getting it."
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok
(CNN) — If you've spent time on TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are the 'cortisol cocktail' trending as the latest wellness hack has appeared in your feed. This colorful, nonalcoholic drink typically contains a mix of coconut water, citrus juice and certain salts. Also called an 'adrenal cocktail,' it has amassed millions of views, with influencers claiming it can lower stress hormones, boost energy and balance your body's adrenal function. Almost half of Americans (49%) report frequent bouts of stress, and the number of people in the United States who are feeling stressed has been rising for the past two decades, according to a 2024 Gallup survey. In these uncertain times, a stress-relieving tonic feels just right as a soothing balm, but does it actually live up to the health claims? What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? What nutrients are in these drinks and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Do they work? Who should be wary of trying this concoction? To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? Dr. Leana Wen: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are organs located above the kidneys. The hormone plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep-wake cycles and immune responses. Cortisol is sometimes called the 'stress hormone' because its levels naturally rise when our bodies perceive a threat or stressful situation. This reaction is part of the body's 'fight-or-flight' response, helping people stay alert and react quickly when needed. Those temporary increases in cortisol are a helpful evolutionary adaptation. Problems can arise when cortisol levels stay elevated for prolonged periods of time, which can happen when someone is under chronic stress. Persistently elevated cortisol is linked to problems such as poor sleep, anxiety, high blood pressure and even weakened immunity. There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to abnormally high or low cortisol levels. Taking high doses of steroid medications or adrenal gland tumors are examples of conditions that can cause excess cortisol. Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, is when the adrenal gland stops its usual function. This condition, and problems with the pituitary gland in the brain, could result in low cortisol levels. CNN: What is in these 'cortisol cocktail' drinks, and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Wen: Recipes vary, but they tend to have a combination of coconut water, juice (usually orange or some other citrus fruit) and some salts (commonly sea salt and/or magnesium). Sparkling water is often added to taste. Contrary to what the name may suggest, it typically does not contain any alcohol. Each of the primary ingredients is supposed to play a role in supporting adrenal function and lowering stress. Coconut water is high in potassium, which helps maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance. Citrus juice offers vitamin C, which plays a role in adrenal gland function. Salt and magnesium are supposed to replenish minerals depleted by stress. Moreover, some researchers believe that magnesium itself may help reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Because of this, some versions of the cortisol cocktail include magnesium powder and/or cream of tartar, which has a high concentration of magnesium along with potassium and other salts. CNN: Is there evidence that this drink actually lowers cortisol and reduces stress? Wen: There is no scientific evidence that this drink has the effects it purports. While it's true that nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C and magnesium are important for healthy adrenal function, they are typically obtained in adequate amounts through a balanced diet. Bananas are the classic food high in potassium, but many others are packed with this mineral, too, such as raisins, apricots and tuna. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries and peppers. And magnesium is also in many foods, including beans, peanut butter and leafy green vegetables. True deficiencies in these nutrients can cause health problems, but such deficiencies are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals. More importantly, there is no evidence that consuming extra amounts beyond what the body needs will provide additional benefits or that it will meaningfully lower cortisol levels. CNN: What about the claim that the drink can treat a condition that influencers call 'adrenal fatigue'? Wen: The claim that some influencers have promoted on social media is that there is a condition of 'adrenal fatigue' in which stress is overwhelming adrenal glands and people end up feeling tired, anxious and unable to cope with daily life. However, the symptoms could stem from a variety of causes, including poor sleep, mental health conditions, and undiagnosed diseases such as anemia, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Importantly, there is no recognized medical diagnosis of adrenal fatigue. Outside of cases in which there are specific diseases causing adrenal insufficiency, there is no evidence that somehow the adrenal glands get overwhelmed and lose their ability to function. The symptoms often attributed to adrenal fatigue are real, but they are better explained by other, well‑studied causes. One risk I see is that people might rely on this so-called remedy instead of seeking medical evaluation for the real issues behind their fatigue or stress. CNN: What about all the people on the internet who claim that they have had positive health outcomes as a result of this drink? Wen: It may be that some individuals were not getting enough fluids or electrolytes before, and the additional hydration from the drink helped them feel more energized or clearheaded. There is also the placebo effect to consider: When people expect a certain treatment to work, they may genuinely feel better simply because they believe they are doing something beneficial for their health. The ritual of making and drinking this drink could itself reinforce this sense of control and care, which can have real psychological benefits even if the drink's ingredients have no direct impact on cortisol. CNN: Who should be wary of trying this so-called tonic? Wen: People who should be cautious include individuals with chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes. Certain individuals with kidney disease need to be especially wary of food containing high amounts of potassium. Those with heart failure may be advised to restrict their fluid intake. The sugar in fruit juice may also be problematic for some people with diabetes. Individuals interested in this drink should check with their doctor before adding this or any influencer-promoted wellness product to their diet. They should ask if any of their medications might interact with the drink's ingredients. And if they are experiencing symptoms — such as fatigue, anxiety or trouble sleeping — that prompted them to try this cocktail, they should discuss these concerns with their doctor to determine whether further evaluation is needed. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
