Death is something that everyone faces eventually, but many common causes of premature death are actually preventable.
As someone deeply entrenched in healthcare as an emergency medicine doctor, I see the reality of death daily. It’s a part of my job, and I’ve encountered many situations that highlight how evolution can be a dangerous teacher—like when people neglect safety measures.
But I also teach and advocate for public health and prevention. Strangely enough, this is often not in my best interest professionally. Still, I believe in educating others to avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.
So, before you reach for that pain reliever or decide to indulge in something comforting, it might be wise to take a moment and consider some real risks. That could make a difference in your life.
Strep Throat
If you’re experiencing severe throat pain, it’s crucial to get tested for strep throat.
This infection is caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria and is treatable with penicillin, among other antibiotics. While many healthy individuals recover from it reasonably well, knowingly ignoring strep can lead to serious complications like peritonsillar abscess, rheumatic fever, and even scarlet fever.
Botulism
While Botox gets a bad rap, it’s the botulinum toxin in certain conditions that really poses a danger. Botulism can occur from bacteria that activate in anaerobic or low-acid environments, like improperly canned foods or in infants’ intestines.
For babies, consuming honey poses a botulism risk. A significant health scare in November 2025 led to a recall of baby formula due to potential contamination, affecting many infants.
Water
Water is generally considered safe, but overconsumption can lead to serious health problems. It’s strange, but drinking excessive amounts can result in hyponatremia, which can cause brain swelling and seizures.
Over-the-Counter Medications
You might be surprised to learn that a common over-the-counter drug—acetaminophen (like Tylenol)—is a leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. Taking more than 4,000mg in a day can be harmful, and this can vary especially based on an individual’s weight.
Iron supplements are another danger if overdosed, so for families, it’s vital to store these away from kids.
Hepatitis A, B, C
Hepatitis viruses are surprisingly easy to contract. While Hepatitis C can be life-threatening, A and B have vaccines available to prevent them. It’s estimated there are millions of chronic carriers of these viruses globally, with a troubling number of annual new infections.
Fortunately, the CDC has been encouraging vaccination, though there was a recent change in recommendations concerning Hepatitis B in infants that has raised eyebrows among experts.
Houseplants
If you have houseplants, be cautious—many types like lilies can be toxic. It’s not just a matter of danger for pets; children can also suffer serious reactions from ingestion.
Potatoes
This might seem mundane, but potatoes can harbor toxins when stored improperly, specifically solanine. Cases in history highlight the dangers, reminding us to discard any that appear green or sprouted.
Carbon Monoxide
Interestingly, while smoke detectors are common in homes, carbon monoxide detectors are often missing. CO is dangerous because it displaces oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to severe health issues. Alarmingly, many homes lack these detectors, putting residents at risk.
Sex
Looking back at history, figures like Casanova faced significant health issues due to sexually transmitted infections. The CDC warns about increasing antibiotic-resistant STIs like gonorrhea. To avoid serious consequences, engaging in safe practices is vital.
Excerpt from 99 Ways To Die: And How to Avoid Them by Ashely Alker, MD, published by St Martin’s Press, January 13.
