(AscendHealthy.com) – As morbid as it may sound, every one of us cheats death regularly. Hazards are lurking everywhere, and an odd combination of luck and common sense is all that stands between most of us and an untimely end. Even those of us who aren’t regular risk-takers take chances with our lives every day. Check out these seemingly mundane activities that could literally be the death of you.
Riding in a Car
Most of us feel relatively safe when we’re traveling by car, and for the most part, we really are safe. However, over 40,000 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes every year, according to the CDC, with nearly 5,000 of those fatalities being motorcyclists. Improve personal safety by ensuring cars have factory-approved airbags and motorcyclists stay visible and wear proper headgear. Be sure to drive sober and avoid texting when you drive — every time.
Walking or Running
Ever slipped on an icy walkway or lost your footing on uneven ground? Over 36,000 US residents die each year due to accidental falls, according to the CDC. Older populations can be at an increased risk due to dizzy spells and balance issues, making falls the top cause of serious injuries in that age group. Keep sidewalks and flooring in good repair, install railings where necessary and salt icy surfaces outside to reduce overall risks.
Sitting
It might seem innocent enough, but sitting can be one of the deadliest daily activities a person can choose. The American Cancer Society reports that sitting for long periods every day increases risk factors for nearly every major cause of death. In fact, people who sit more than 3 hours each day increase their overall chances of dying by a whopping 19%. Get moving to significantly increase your lifespan.
Swimming or Bathing
According to the latest CDC reports, over 3,500 people accidentally drown to death each year. About 20% of drowning victims are children under 14 years old; second to birth defects, drowning is the leading cause of death in children between 1 and 4 years old. To reduce the risks, always have protective barriers around pools and hot tubs and never leave babies and toddlers alone in the tub. Remember that adults can be at risk as well, although the majority of drowning deaths in adults involve alcohol and/or drug use.
Cooking a Meal
There are about 170,600 cooking-related fires each year, causing a total of about 3,300 injuries and 250 deaths. Cooking fires account for over 11% of fire-related deaths in homes. Most fatal fires start in the oven or on the cooking range. Fire Rescue 1 reminds us that salt or baking soda — but not flour, cornstarch or other types of powders — can extinguish small grease fires. Never attempt to douse a grease fire with water.
Riding a Bicycle
Bicycling is a great way to get regular exercise and reduce carbon footprints, but it’s not a risk-free activity. In 2018, 857 people died as a result of bicycle crashes. Bicyclists can improve their safety by wearing properly fitted helmets, choosing the right sized bikes and wearing brightly colored clothing to stay visible to motorists. Keeping hands free to drive the bike and tucking away shoelaces to avoid snags may also help.
Using Home Appliances
Have an appliance that’s been acting up or looking a little old? Large and small home appliances account for the majority of electrocution deaths, which can average anywhere between 48 and 70 people depending on the year. Appliances also contribute to 10 to 20 deaths per year via residential fires.
No activity is completely safe, but no hazard needs to be inevitable either. Find precautions where they exist and be aware of the possible dangers around each corner. Meet the Fates halfway to help keep devastation at bay.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension
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