Join the Fun!

Bored Panda compiled advice from nine different professionals who shared on TikTok the things they as insiders would never do. The list of professionals includes a medical student, a dermatologist, a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a paramedic, two registered nurses, a professional chef, a neurosurgeon, and a general practitioner.

Two of the content creators, general practitioner Dr. Raj Arora and neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch agreed to tell Bored Panda more about the ethics of sharing healthcare advice on the Internet.

Both Dr. Grunch and Dr. Arora are content creators on social media, using their knowledge and expertise to educate the public about healthcare. Grunch says that it's a great way for medical professionals to demystify their areas of expertise.

"It provides access to a much broader audience and empowers patients to take a more active role in their health. As medical professionals, we can present options that patients may not know to ask about." She says it also helps patients who already have a diagnosis but may want "further clarification" or are just looking to alleviate their fears.

Put my feet on the car dash.

zemparamedic , Ljupche Vasilev Report

Final score:

143points

POST

Cat Chat 8 months ago

My daughter watched the movie Death Proof with me and says ever since watching it she will NEVER put her feet up like that. It literally scared her to be safe.

12points

Not wear a seat belt in a car.

zemparamedic , Kelly Report

Final score:

137points

POST

Ge Po 8 months ago

Was at work sn on my way to a different location. My coworker, who was driving, got actually insulted when I wanted to put on my seat belt. He said he was a very good driver and always paid attention and I was really safe I his car. Even when I mentioned other people making mistakes or even doing something crazy, he was sure he would be able to outmanoevre it because of his reaction skills. I told him I'd wear my seat belt, or he's going to do the work all by himself.

65points

Bernd Herbert 8 months ago

That's even dumber that not wearing a belt yourself! Men with such small egos are pathetic

37points

Cat Chat 8 months ago

What? I pay attention, always expect people to be stupid (such as don't trust blinkers, wait until you are sure they are turning), and haven't been involved in an accident in 30 years. But I still wear my seatbelt and expect all passengers do too. Accidents are unexpected. You can be careful all you want, but the unexpected is still going to happen sometime or another.

13points

Elio 8 months ago

Yeah it's state law to wear your seat belt and its so immature not to. Or to think people are insulting your driving skills by wearing one.

3points

keyboardtek 8 months ago

An old coworker said he never wore a seat belt because his son was crippled by wearing one. His son was stopped at a redlight and a semi truck going 60 mph hit him from behind. The seat belt prevented his son from going into the steering wheel or through the windshield. but broke his spine. He does not understand that without the belt on his son would be dead from going through the windshield at 60 mph or at the very least had his neck broken from whiplash.

11points

Awkward lady 8 months ago

It's illegal in many countries, including the UK, to not wear a seatbelt.

7points

TheBlueBitterfly 8 months ago

My sister's ex husband was saved by NOT wearing his seat belt. He was thrown out of the truck then the truck rolled over him (more like bounced, somehow missing him) completely smashing the roof in. Couldn't even fit your hand between the roof and the seat. He still wears his seatbelt today, though. He's a fireman and EMT, he's seen enough to scare him into wearing it again.

6points

Cat Chat 8 months ago

That's good. There's always exceptions when not wearing was better, but not to the point where one should use that as an excuse for not clicking that seatbelt.

4points

Bookworm 8 months ago

Just watched a half-hour deep dive into crash testing from the PBS Be Smart channel. After watching unsecured dummies launch from the backseat through the windshield, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to put their seatbelt on.

6points

Almost sunny 8 months ago

That's obvious, my mum's seat belt was defective and a quick brake put her face into the windscreen.

6points

sbj 8 months ago

Don't understand anyone who doesn't wear one and they also miss the fact that they could injure someone else in the car by not doing so

5points

Bored Potato 8 months ago

Still remember when a minibus flipped over beside my house (thankfully no one died). Wear your seatbelts.

5points

Jack Burton 8 months ago

I can't even think about not wearing a seat belt... And maybe the last 4 cars i got had noisy signals if you did not fasten your seat belt.

2points

Serial Kitten 1 week ago

I saw a crash test where the rear passenger dummy was not buckled up. It smashed its head into the front seat, which sent the "driver" dummy's head into the dashboard.

1point

Ms Dodo 8 months ago

Everyone knows this is dangerous...

1point

CanadianDimes 8 months ago

I doubt most people see this as safe

0points

Shannon Hawks 8 months ago

still kind of baffles me that in some states you can splatter brain matter all over the road on a motorcycle but have to wear a seatbelt

0points

Keisha 8 months ago

Back in the day I had a mint of a 77 Camaro. Only problem was no seat belts. Found an old recall notice for the seat belts and called my local Chevy dealer to replace them. They were shocked that anyone would want service for a recall on a vintage muscle car. But they actually replaced them. I was wearing my seat belt long before it was a law. Most people can't drive so they are a necessity.

0points

censorshipsucks 8 months ago

my partner has had her face smashed up twice for failing to wear a seatbelt, and has she learnt? nope. Basically I have to drive like a grandma when she is in the car. Stupid twit.

0points

David Paterson 8 months ago

Animals not wearing a seat belt in a car. Strap in your dog, your cat, your fish.

0points

Chez 8 months ago

My husband was in a car accident years ago, and someone told him that if he HAD been wearing his seat belt that he would have been injured. So now apparently this is an excuse for him to not wear it anymore. NO BUDDY not in my car. Thank the gods for annoying seatbelt warning pings in modern vehicles. It's actually such a ritual for me that I cannot drive without one - feels like I'm floating out of my seat 😂

0points

Omiyaru 8 months ago

I would rather not risk going through a window, thank you.

0points

Sue Ellen Jensen 8 months ago

I'm sooo glad I was wearing my seatbelt when an impaired driver racing up a hill in a black car without his headlights on went through a red light and totaled my car. Still broke my leg in two places but I could have died.

0points

Blue Flower 8 months ago

Do you know what a blinking turn signal means? It means the bulb works.

0points

Justin Tyme 8 months ago

I started driving before they were required (in the USA). My first three cars did not have seat belts. By the way, seat belts are still not required in older cars that were built without them.

0points

Kaedyn Walsh 8 months ago

Makes sense in a crazy way though. Istg cars built in the early 80s and older (think usa 1970's road-boats for example), you could be driving 20 mph, hit a 20 story high building built with steel and bricks 8 feet thick - and the building will crumble to the ground while the car would be still in mint showroom/never been driven status. There MIGHT be a tiny hairline crack in the paint on the bumper, but that's it. They do NOT make cars like they used to, that's for sure! AND how. Today? A piece of plastic could tap a car and the car will fall apart into thousands of pieces :( Yeah, seat belts used to not be in vehicles because the vehicles themselves WERE the seat belts. Can't get hurt in a vehicle that's a fraternal twin sibling to an M1 Abrahms tank, after all 😂.

1point

Arlecchino The Knave 8 months ago

Yeah. Wearing a seatbelt can save lives.

0points

Steve Hall 8 months ago

I have worn seatbelts since the 70s. I won't ride without one and I won't allow anyone in my car to not use one.

0points

PlatinumThe8-BitCat 8 months ago

My neighbors don’t do this enough and it pisses me off

0points

cerinamroth 8 months ago

Surely that's a plane seatbelt in the photo?

0points

Monster Munch 8 months ago

Not necessarily, 3 point seat belt was only introduced in 1950s

1point

drrajarora , Volodymyr Hryshchenko Report

Dr. Raj Arora also observes that social media acts as a helper to educate people in these times when medical professionals in the system feel overwhelmed. "Clinics are often running late, and there is certainly not enough time to educate patients in the most comprehensive way," she says.

"Online resources and social media platforms allow people to access evidence-based medical information that can empower people to make informed choices or to ask questions that matter to them," she goes on.

I would not take antibiotics for a viral illness. They just won't work. Antibiotics only work on bacteria. They do not work on viruses. Viral illnesses need antivirals, and those will be prescribed by a doctor if deemed necessary. Or, most viral illnesses are self-limiting. If you take antibiotics and they're not needed, you're going to cause more harm than good. Lots of side effects can be associated with medicines like antibiotics. And not just that, antibiotics can also deplete your normal healthy gut bacteria that we need for immunity and for wellness. It's important to ensure that if you don't need antibiotics, don't take them unnecessarily.

Final score:

118points

POST

Strawberry Pizza 8 months ago

I thought this was common knowledge... we literally got taught this in secondary school... prevent bacterial resistance by avoiding unnecessary prescription and all that.

99points

30 Incredibly Dangerous Things That Most People See As Safe Never leave a knife in the sink. This is something in restaurants that is widely preached, and for good reason. One of my first, actually no, my first kitchen injury was from someone leaving a knife in a sink. They're hard to see, especially if water starts covering things or other things get placed on top, and it can really do some serious damage.

alihooke , Los Muertos Crew Report

Final score:

102points

POST

Almost sunny 8 months ago

My teenage son is a dish pick and now I am terrified! Thank you.

13points

I would never use female hygiene products, we just don't need them. Our womanly parts are self-cleansing. And actually, we can do more harm than good if we're altering the pH by using these over-the-counter cleansers. In addition, I would not be using any perfumed products, any sprays, I would not do any douching in the area. I would just leave it alone, use simple water, and that will be more than good enough.

drrajarora , Photoholgic Report

Final score:

99points

POST

Almost sunny 8 months ago

Who sprays perfume down there? If there's a bad smell, maybe see a doctor.

74points

"Although global literacy rates have generally increased over time, there is a gender gap," Dr. Arora notes. "For those who cannot read, visual information in the form of an informative video in different languages can help to bridge the gap and impart knowledge to people from all different backgrounds."

"Having health professionals put out information and work with bodies like the NHS and World Health Organisation means that we can ensure we are putting out factual information and busting misinformation as much as possible," Dr. Arora says.

I would never have my neck manipulated by a chiropractor.

ladyspinedoc , Toa Heftiba Report

Final score:

88points

POST

Airis Malfoy 8 months ago

"you say it hurts here?" "yes" "ok" *proceeds to snap neck like the vampire diaries-*

37points

Motorcycles. Even with a helmet on. I'm telling you right now, you are just asking for it. You could be the safest biker in the world, and I'm telling you right now, you being on a highway, going highway speeds without a closed and circulating object around you is asking to get smashed like a bug.

travelingnurse , Sreenadh TC Report

Final score:

84points

POST

Limey 8 months ago

…or you could just live your life being afraid of everything and wait to die. C’mon of course they are dangerous. But you only pass this way once and none of us is getting out alive.

56points

30 Incredibly Dangerous Things That Most People See As Safe Slide down a slide with a child in my lap. No seriously, stop doing this. Every year around this time when the weather's nice and people are going to the parks, there is an influx of kiddos rushed to the ER, urgent care, orthopedics office with a particular injury. 'Toddler's fracture,' or a spiral fracture of the tibia, which is the big bone in your lower leg. It can be caused by a twist when walking, but more commonly, it's caused when their foot gets hung between you and the slide when they're sliding down in your lap, or in a sibling's lap. They'll have pain, swelling in the shin, refusal to take a step, or even like a consistent limp. Typically there's not any bruising, and it's really hard to see on X-ray sometimes too. So the feet are out to the side, they will get hung right here and twist backwards.

the.funny.nurse , Power Lai Report

Final score:

84points

POST

MellonCollie 8 months ago

This could actually be good advice.

32points

But here's the catch: how can we know who to trust online? Both doctors advise looking for credentials and qualifications before trusting a person on social media. "If it's a medical professional, you can normally find their credentials or qualifications on their platform," Dr. Arora says.

She notes how certain platforms are taking action to guarantee credibility. "Social media entities like YouTube Health are creating 'health shelves.' These push videos/information from verified health professionals onto the platform ahead of other sources."

#10

If you're at someone's home or staying in a place in which you're unfamiliar, please familiarize yourself with the surroundings. I have seen so many patients that have opened doors thinking that they're walking into the bathroom, but opened doors that are going down into the basement. And we all know how that turns out.

ladyspinedoc , Michal Balog Report

Final score:

52points

POST

Per-Ole Sjuve 8 months ago

How do other people open doors? With eyes closed and a quick jump forwards as the door opens?

87points

#11

30 Incredibly Dangerous Things That Most People See As Safe As a skin doctor, I would never use a physical exfoliant scrub such as St. Ives or the ones you can buy over the counter at Boots or Superdrug. Most of them are way too abrasive for your skin and can cause micro tears and early skin aging.

drrajarora , Matheus Costa Report

Final score:

50points

POST

keyboardtek 8 months ago

I had very bad acne up to age 29. I had deep scars up to age 65. Then a dermatologist recommended a simple home abrasion thing: once a week use a common dish pan abrasive sponge, the one with the green abrasive side, with a little soap on it, sand my cheeks just for 30 seconds. It has taken three years but 85% of my acne scars are gone and at 69 years old, people tell me I look 50. Just be sure to periodically zapp the sponge for a minute in the microwave to kill any bacteria.

45points

#12

Go to a trampoline park.

zemparamedic Report

Final score:

49points

POST

Shine Chisholm (they/ them) 8 months ago

I shattered my ankle using a trampoline at a park, and every doctor, tech, and physical therapist had stories about people of all ages who had severely injured themselves. They are bad news.

30points

"Other platforms like NHS Digital are partnering with doctors and health professionals to create and share videos. I am a part of the WHO Fides creator program," Dr. Arora says and tells us more about how it operates.

"Here, the WHO works with health creators and established doctors to ensure that safe, correct, and evidence-based information is put out there when it comes to health content."

#13

I would not rely on Dr. Google. So if you have been given some resources by your doctor or health professional, of course, go ahead, read them, and they may be online, so you may use a search engine to get ahold of them. However, I wouldn't blindly type into a search engine for symptoms because this can come up with lots of different variations, lots of different diagnoses, and most of them will be anxiety-inducing and stressful to read. So if you have symptoms, it's important to go and see your doctor and to get the advice you need from a medical professional.

drrajarora , Valeri Mak Report

Final score:

42points

POST

Moosy Girl 8 months ago

Dr. Google knew I had endometriosis waaaaayyyyy before doctors believed I did though. :p

107points

#14

30 Incredibly Dangerous Things That Most People See As Safe Defrost food by leaving it on the counter. This is one of the most dangerous ways you can defrost food. It takes so long, and the outside of the food warms up to a dangerous temperature zone for an extended amount of time before the center of the core even defrosts, so the bacteria has a really great chance to grow and thrive. Best way to defrost food is in the fridge overnight. It's safe and takes up no resources. Second-best way is running under cold water, in a bucket filled with water. Yes, it does require running water, but only really, really small drops of water, just used to replace some of the water in the existing bowl and keep the temperature steady. And it's super quick, like defrosting a few chicken breasts only takes about 15 minutes. Super fast when you need it in a pinch.

alihooke , Bozhin Karaivanov Report

Final score:

42points

POST

Nadine Debard 8 months ago

I have a very good defrost function on my microwave (the inverter type).

18points

#15

I would never participate in CrossFit.

ladyspinedoc , Victor Freitas Report

Final score:

40points

POST

Strawberry Pizza 8 months ago

Again, thanks for the explanation...

110points

"Beauty content is harder to verify as it can encompass influencers and health professionals who may be on two different ends of a platform with regard to their knowledge base."

"I think following an opinion that has experience, states sources and data, and uses evidence-based information but also has a recognized health/beauty qualification is paramount," Dr. Arora concludes.

#16

I would never actually put a laptop on my lap. Prolonged exposure to heat sources like laptops or heating pads can lead to a skin condition called erythema ab igne. It can lead to discoloration that can last for a very long time.

dermguru , Kaleidico Report

Final score:

40points

POST

Poison Ivy/Boo 8 months ago

I use a breakfast tray for my laptop. It has extra space for my mouse and it's comfy with the beaded bag underneath.

29points

#17

I would never wax my skin when using retinol, retinoids, or Accutane. Retinoids lead to increased sensitivity of the skin, which could leave you with painful, irritated, almost rug-burn or chemical-like burns after waxing.

dermguru , No Revisions Report

Final score:

37points

POST

The Original Bruno 8 months ago

NEVER USE ACCUTANE FOR ACNE!!!! I swear, 99% of dermatologists need to have their licenses taken away! And what's infuriating is that dermatologists won't use safer treatments that are more effective in the long run until you've tried accutane, even though it's supposed to be the last option. And they (wisely) won't give you accutane unless you're on birth control medicine and gosh, some people with acne might want to get pregnant. Accutane's manufacturer notified the FDA in 2009 that they will not produce it for acne treatments, so other manufacturers set up shell companies to sell the generic (isotrenoin) so that when the shell companies get sued, they don't run the parent company out of business. The following side-effects are considered VERY COMMON: anemia, thrombocytosis, myalgia, increased triglycerides (which cause heart disease), arthralgia, ... and God help you if you somehow manage to conceive despite the birth-control requirements.

17points

#18

Propane tanks. This one was really solidified this assignment. I have had three, three patients who have had propane tanks explode on them, and it has left them with debilitating burns. And the numbers have got to be wrong, got to be wrong, because I looked it up and the chances of a propane tank exploding on you are literally one in 37 million. But I have had three patients in the last few months that all had propane tanks explode. So yeah, everyone else, everyone else can handle the propane, I will simply not be participating. Simply put, I like having fingers.

travelingnurse , Isaac Moore Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Jrog 8 months ago

Propane tanks are really, really safe, as long as you take some minimal care and replace them when they are past their life span. They usually hold the gas at 125-170 psi, are designed to hold about 360 psi and must have a regulator valve that vents at 200 psi. To make a propane tank blow it must be so decrepit that the steel lost over half his strength, AND have a neglected and malfunctioning valve.

97points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#28

30 Incredibly Dangerous Things That Most People See As Safe Use prescription pills to solve my problems as a first resort.

drvanessasmithhorning , Hal Gatewood Report

Final score:

-61points

POST

Lori w 8 months ago

It worked great when I had a kidney infection

108points

#29

30 Incredibly Dangerous Things That Most People See As Safe I would never drink fruit juices from concentrate, unless it's been adjusted for. If it's not pure, I don't want it.

itsaghogho , ABHISHEK HAJARE Report

Final score:

-78points

POST

rorschach-penguin 8 months ago

"seemingly harmless" has a very different meaning than "harmless".

35points

#30

30 Incredibly Dangerous Things That Most People See As Safe I'd never fry my food in coconut oil or certain types of sunflower oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best! Quote me on that.

itsaghogho , Fulvio Ciccolo Report

Final score:

-82points

POST

Jrog 8 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

25points

Hi there, fellow pandas! As a person (over)educated both in social sciences and literature, I'm most interested in how we connect and behave online (and sometimes in real life too.) The human experience is weird, so I try my best to put its peculiarities in writing. As a person who grew up chronically online, I now try to marry two sides of myself: the one who knows too much about MySpace, and the one who can't settle and needs to see every corner of the world.

Read less »

I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

Ample Aardvark 8 months ago

That list got pretty stupid very quickly

40points

Dak Janiels 8 months ago

Started stupid and got AWFUL

8points

Limey 8 months ago

Some of these are truly dangerous, some common sense… but holy cr***p are we really all living our lives terrified of everything? Life is risky, sometimes it’s dangerous and something is going to take you out, even if you live your life in a padded suit and a bubble. Get a grip people. Live your damn life.

21points

B Jones 8 months ago (edited)

Right, some of these are like " I never use a pen or pencil, you might stab yourself, instead I use finger paints for all my writing needs"

1point

Strawberry Pizza 8 months ago

Half of these are common sense, and the rest is either well known advice or random tidbits of information that are entirely unexplained. But then again this is BP so what do I expect?

19points

PFD 8 months ago

The bar for "professionals" seemed pretty low, too.

8points

Jack Burton 8 months ago

Don't drive, don't drink, don't do sport, don't do anything because life is dangerous. 100% chance of diying at some point.

8points

Kathy 8 months ago

"Don't ever, *ever* get out of bed in the first place! Oh, and hope that the resultant bed sores don't cause an infection that might just end up killing you!" Yeah, right!

1point

General Stukov 8 months ago

"I will not drink concentrate!" Why? Who hurt you? Is that your kink?being hurt for being stupid? Cause you should look like a plane crash victim with how stupid you are.

7points

BoredPossum 8 months ago

Ridiculous list.

6points

Kevin J. Henning 8 months ago

There is a certain amount of danger is just being alive but who wants to spend their whole life afraid of everything?

4points

David Paterson 8 months ago (edited)

"incredibly dangerous things that most people think are safe". Horse riding, farming any sort of animal, husbands, every sort of racing, lifting anything heavier than 4 kg.

3points

Raquel Mencke 8 months ago

Folks really reacted to these. I've never seen so many downvotes. The lack of 'why' may have something to do it with. Also, for every 'why', a reverse/opposite 'why' can be found elsewhere.

2points

Guess Undheit 8 months ago

Putting more than four items on one plug socket, six at most. The basic rule is a maximum 1500 watts per outlet. Just because you ~can~ daisy chain power cords doesn't mean you should. A socket with two plugs provides only a fixed amount of electricity. Overloading, even on new wiring, can cause shorts and blackouts.

1point

Sooploosh MacSchnibble 8 months ago

I luv how like 2 or 3 of these r kinda obvious stuff like "Do not place your bare genitals within the proximity of an open flame" n then the rest r "If u go outside u may get cut from a blade of grass which could get infected n then YOU WILL DIE So u MUST always wear a layer of bubble wrap wrapped in tin foil before stepping foot outside"

1point

Nonna_SoF 8 months ago

Better yet just don't go outside. But the air inside can be stale, so make sure to always breathe from an oxygen generator.

0points

Rodney McKay 8 months ago

BP used to be entertaining and occasionally even somewhat intelligent. Alas, those days are behind us, and the Pandas have censored their own value.

0points

Smart writer 8 months ago

Is this a list for complete tards

0points

Libstak 8 months ago

All this never do advice and no one mentions you should never fart in a wetsuit.....I mean, we need to know the important stuff surely?

0points

Memaw Mitch 8 months ago

Let kids run with pencils, straws, popsicles or suckers in their mouths, or anything really. One fall forward, that thing has the potential to cut the inside of the mouth requiring stitches OR to straight through the back of the mouth causing to the injury to the carotid artery, which is a serious medical emergency.

0points

POST

Ample Aardvark 8 months ago

That list got pretty stupid very quickly

40points

Dak Janiels 8 months ago

Started stupid and got AWFUL

8points

Limey 8 months ago

21points

B Jones 8 months ago (edited)

Right, some of these are like " I never use a pen or pencil, you might stab yourself, instead I use finger paints for all my writing needs"

1point

Strawberry Pizza 8 months ago

Half of these are common sense, and the rest is either well known advice or random tidbits of information that are entirely unexplained. But then again this is BP so what do I expect?

19points

PFD 8 months ago

The bar for "professionals" seemed pretty low, too.

8points

Jack Burton 8 months ago

Don't drive, don't drink, don't do sport, don't do anything because life is dangerous. 100% chance of diying at some point.

8points

Kathy 8 months ago

"Don't ever, *ever* get out of bed in the first place! Oh, and hope that the resultant bed sores don't cause an infection that might just end up killing you!" Yeah, right!

1point