Dining out is a popular pastime, but it's essential to be aware of potential food safety risks. We all have our go to foods whenever we are at a restaurant and enjoy the prospect of getting to eat their favorite meal. But even in the most high-end restaurants, the risk of getting sick always lingers. You never know when or what may cause issues for you

Food poisoning is a common problem that can lead to things like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 48 million people in the United States get sick from food poisoning each year. While sometimes it is unavoidable, being aware of these things can help you understand things that can go wrong and taking precautions when eating at restaurants. It's crucial to be informed to protect your health and enjoy your dining experience without worry. Here are some foods you should either avoid or be careful while eating.

Foods You Should Be Careful About While Dining Out

Eggs

Even eggs that look fine can have Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria can make you sick with stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Restaurants can cause outbreaks if they don't cook eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, store them at the wrong temperature, use unpasteurized eggs, or use dirty cooking tools. These bad practices let bacteria grow and make people sick. So, it's important to cook and handle eggs the right way.

Pre-Cut Melons

Melons that are cut up ahead of time, like in fruit salads, are more likely to cause food poisoning. When you cut a melon, bacteria on the outside can get to the inside. If lots of fruit is cut in one place, it's easier for bacteria to spread. Since people eat melons raw, there's no cooking to kill the germs. These germs, like Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli, can make you really sick. So, be careful with pre-cut melons.

Sprouts

Sprouts are healthy, but they grow in warm, wet places where bacteria like Listeria like to live. Even washing sprouts doesn't always get rid of these germs. And because people usually eat sprouts raw, there's no cooking to kill the bacteria. This makes sprouts a big cause of food poisoning. There have been lots of outbreaks linked to sprouts, with many people getting sick and even ending up in the hospital. So, it's a good idea to avoid sprouts, especially at restaurants.

Undercooked Meat

Meat that isn't cooked enough can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Campylobacter is a common cause of diarrhea. Ground beef is extra risky because it's often made from meat from many different cows. If one cow is sick, all the ground beef can be contaminated. While quickly cooking the outside of a steak can kill surface germs, undercooked ground beef and other meats are still dangerous. Cooking meat all the way through is super important.

Fishes

Some fish can cause specific kinds of food poisoning. Ciguatera poisoning happens when you eat fish that ate poisonous algae, like grouper, sea bass, and red snapper. Cooking doesn't get rid of these poisons. Scombroid poisoning can happen if fish like tuna, sardines, and mahi-mahi aren't stored correctly, which lets bacteria make poisons. Cooking doesn't help with this either. It's important for restaurants to get their fish from good places and keep it stored at the right temperature.

Oyster

Oysters filter water, which means they can collect bacteria and viruses. A big risk is vibriosis, which is caused by Vibrio bacteria that live in warm ocean water where oysters grow. Eating raw or undercooked oysters is very risky. These bacteria can cause serious sickness, and sometimes even infections in the blood. Cooking oysters completely to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit makes them much safer. So, cooked oysters are a better choice.

Leafy Greens

Greens like lettuce and spinach can get contaminated with bacteria from things like dirty water, animal poop, and not handling them correctly. Even washing them might not get rid of all the germs, especially if they're inside the leaves. Bacteria can grow fast on greens that are wilted or slimy. Restaurants need to get their greens from good farms, wash them really well, and store them correctly. Choosing fresh, crispy greens helps reduce the risk.

Steer clear of certain food items in buffets

Buffets have a higher chance of food poisoning for a few reasons. Many people use the same serving spoons, which spreads germs. Food can sit out for too long at the wrong temperature, letting bacteria grow. Also, people might cough or sneeze near the food. Common germs at buffets include bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, and viruses like norovirus. Restaurants need to check food temperatures, change serving spoons often, and make sure everyone is washing their hands.

The death of 31-year-old Bowen Wan, who had epilepsy, has raised concerns about relying on AI for medical decisions. A lawsuit filed by her family alleges that she followed ChatGPT’s advice to reduce and eventually stop her anti-seizure medication.

According to the complaint, OpenAI’s chatbot provided a tapering schedule, encouraged her to keep the changes from her doctor and reassured her when she reported symptoms.

Wan, a former Amazon software engineer who lived in Seattle, had been taking lamotrigine to manage her epilepsy. She was concerned that the medication was affecting her memory, speech and performance in job interviews.

Why Stopping Epilepsy Medication Can Be Dangerous

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by seizures. Anti-seizure medicines help control abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and treatment is tailored to a person’s condition, seizure history and response to medication.

Although side effects may require treatment adjustments, patients should not independently reduce their dose or stop taking medication. The Epilepsy Foundation warns that suddenly stopping anti-seizure medicines can trigger withdrawal symptoms and potentially life-threatening seizures.

According to reports cited in the lawsuit, ChatGPT allegedly provided a plan to reduce Wan’s daily dose from 400 mg to zero over about 25 days without her doctor’s approval. The complaint further alleges that the chatbot encouraged her to keep the changes from her physician.

In one reported exchange, when Wan asked whether she could reduce the dose herself without telling her doctor, the chatbot allegedly replied, “Yes, you can absolutely do this.”

Why AI Should Not Guide Medication Decisions

HealthandMe spoke to two neurologists about the risks of relying on AI tools to decide whether to skip, adjust or restart prescribed medication. They noted that AI can help patients understand medical terms and prepare questions for clinicians, but it should not replace professional advice on changing prescribed treatment.

“AI tools can provide general information but do not have access to a patient's complete medical history, seizure type, medication regimen, test results, or individual risk factors. As a result, their advice may be incomplete, inaccurate, or inappropriate for a specific patient,” said Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Institute of Neurosciences, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.

“Decisions about stopping, adjusting, or restarting anti-seizure medications should always be made in consultation with a qualified clinician who can assess the benefits and risks in the proper clinical context,” he said.

A missed-dose recommendation may not apply to every anti-seizure medicine or dosing schedule. Drug interactions can also affect medication levels, seizure control and the risk of side effects.

Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman of the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, told HealthandMe AI tools can help people understand medical information but should not replace a neurologist when decisions about epilepsy treatment are involved.

Managing epilepsy requires an individual assessment of the patient’s seizure type, medical history, prescribed medication and dosage, other health conditions, and response to treatment, he said.

“Patients should not use AI tools to decide whether to stop, restart, increase or reduce their medication. Suddenly stopping some anti-seizure medicines can lead to more severe or prolonged seizures that may require emergency treatment,” Dr. Gupta said.

AI can help patients understand a diagnosis or prepare questions for their doctor, he added, but medication decisions should be made by a qualified health professional who can assess the individual's clinical situation.

Can Missing One Dose Trigger a Seizure?

Dr. Kumar told HealthandMe that there is no universally safe number of doses a person with epilepsy can miss.

Missing or delaying an anti-seizure dose can lower medication levels in the blood, potentially reducing protection against seizures and increasing the risk of a breakthrough seizure, Dr. Gupta explained. This can happen even in people who have been seizure-free for a long time.

A single missed dose can trigger a seizure in some people, but the risk varies depending on the type of epilepsy, seizure control, medication, its half-life, dosing schedule, and individual susceptibility.

Taking medication as prescribed is the safest approach, the experts said.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose?

The experts advised that patients to:

• Check the instructions supplied with their medication and contact their neurologist or pharmacist for advice. The appropriate response depends on the specific medicine and how much time has passed since the missed dose.
• Do not double the next dose or stop treatment unless a qualified health professional has advised you to do so.
• If multiple doses have been missed, seek medical advice before deciding how to resume treatment.
• Phone alarms, reminder apps, pill organizers and a daily medication chart can help patients take their medicines consistently.
• Seek emergency medical help if a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, repeated seizures occur without the person regaining consciousness, or the person has breathing difficulties.
• Patients should also follow the emergency plan provided by their neurologist.

According to a recent study, the rate of strokes among young adults in the United States has nearly doubled in the last two decades. With risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol surfacing years earlier, experts are seeing an increasing number of stroke emergencies under the age 40.

On World Stroke Day, Dr Arup Sen, London-based physician, specialising in geriatric, stroke and General Medicine and affiliated with Cleveland Clinic London, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and University College Hospital, spoke to HealthandMe about the alarming pattern of stroke rates among young people.

The doctor said that recreational drug use, smoking, sedentary behaviour and obesity add to stroke risk, while certain underlying medical conditions could also be triggers.

Dr. Sen said, “The bottom line is that what we refer to as stroke risk factors, the risk factors are arriving decades earlier compared to previously. And that's why we're seeing this surge in stroke rates in young people.”

Recreational Drugs And Steroid Use Fuel Stroke Risk

Dr Sen said recreational drugs affect blood vessels and blood pressure directly, increasing the risk of stroke. Cocaine, for instance, can narrow the blood vessels that could disrupt blood flow to the brain. It can also trigger sudden increases in blood pressure.

“Generally speaking, most substances cause stroke through a mechanism of causing vasospasm and a surge in blood pressure or high blood pressure, which then increases the risk of having a stroke,” he said.

Cannabis use has also been linked to risk of stroke according to some studies. Dr Sen referred to research reporting an association between cannabis use and stroke, including studies examining daily use. He noted that tobacco use can complicate the picture because some people smoke cannabis with tobacco.

“Tobacco itself is a risk factor for stroke. So, for example, people who smoke cigarettes have twice the risk of stroke as someone who doesn't smoke,” he said.

He also warned against combining smoking with vaping, saying that research has associated dual use with a higher stroke risk.

The doctor said that anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding is a major concern. According to Dr Sen, these substances can lead to thickening of the blood which inceases blood clotting risk and affect the structure of the heart. This could lead to abnormal heart rhythms and blood clots.

“One of the most important ways in which you can increase risk is it can make the blood more thick and sticky, increasing risk of blood clots, but it can also affect the heart in terms of causing what we call a cardiomyopathy,” he said.

His advice to people using anabolic steroids for bodybuilding was straightforward. He said, “Don't use them, just avoid them altogether, because if you're using it, there's going to be a risk.”

Also read: 'Humanity Can Still Act': Lancet Warns Of 17 Global Health Threats By 2100

Birth Control And Migraine With Aura Fuel Stroke A Risk In Young Women

Dr Sen also highlighted that women who experience migraine with aura and use oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives are at stroke risk.

Migraine with aura involves neurological symptoms that can occur before or during a migraine attack. According to Dr Sen, the oestrogen component of certain contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke in women with this history.

He said, “If a young lady with a history of migraine and aura has a stroke, then we would recommend them, and they're using contraceptives, we would recommend them using progesterone-only contraceptives, avoiding oestrogen, because the oestrogen component is a risk factor for strokes.”

The choice of contraception, however, should be always discussed with a healthcare professional.

Hidden Causes Of Stroke In Younger Adults

Not every stroke in a younger person is explained by conventional risk factors. Dr Sen said doctors investigate conditions that may be more relevant in younger patients, including patent foramen ovale (PFO), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and arterial dissection.

A PFO is an opening between the upper chambers of the heart. Dr Sen explained that even though it is common, occurring in around one in four people, in certain cases it can allow a blood clot to pass through the heart and travel to the brain.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a condition that can increase the tendency to form blood clots. Arterial dissection, meanwhile, involves a tear in the wall of an artery. Dr Sen said it can occur in association with sports or neck manipulation and may initially cause neck pain or headaches before neurological symptoms develop.

He said PFO and arterial dissection were the two most common unusual causes he had encountered in younger stroke patients, followed by antiphospholipid syndrome.

He said, “The most common cause I've seen is PFO, definitely, followed by dissection, and then probably antiphospholipid syndrome.”

Also read: Woman With Epilepsy Dies After Following ChatGPT’s Advice To Stop Medication: Why AI Cannot Replace A Doctor

Stroke Symptoms In Young People Can Be Overlooked

Dr Sen warned that stroke may not always be the first condition doctors suspect when a younger person arrives with symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision or headaches.

Posterior circulation strokes, which affect the back of the brain, can cause symptoms that resemble other conditions. These may be mistaken for intoxication, gastroenteritis or migraine, potentially delaying diagnosis.

“There's this common myth that stroke, if it happens, it's inevitable. There's nothing you could have done to prevent it. But the opposite is true, because the majority of strokes are actually preventable if you address the risk factors in a proactive fashion,” he said.

How Can Younger Adults Reduce Their Stroke Risk?

Dr Sen urgently recommends addressing lifestyle factors, keeping key health biomarkers in check and recognising stroke symptoms at the earliest.

He advised younger adults to stay physically active, avoid smoking and recreational drugs, maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep and avoid binge drinking. He also urged people to monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose rather than assuming these checks are necessary only later in life.

He said, “Know your numbers. By that, I mean, your risk factors. Even in as early as your mid 20s to early 30s, you should be looking at your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes markers.

Dr Sen also said that some people may have genetically elevated cholesterol even when they are young. He also mentioned lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a largely genetically determined risk factor that is not routinely included in every standard cholesterol assessment.

Finally, he stressed the importance of recognising the signs of stroke through the BEFAST acronym:

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• E – Eyes: Sudden vision loss or double vision.
• F – Face: Drooping on one side of the face.
• A – Arms: Weakness or one arm drifting down.
• S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty finding words.
• T – Time: Call emergency services immediately.

“The mantra in stroke that we use is time is brain,” Dr Sen said. “The earlier you get to the hospital and see the specialists and get the right treatment at the right time and the right place, the better the outcomes.”

People with hemophilia face an increased risk of poor bone health due to recurrent joint and muscle bleeds, joint damage and reduced physical activity. Experts told HealthandMe that preventing bleeds from childhood, alongside adequate nutrition, appropriate exercise and regular assessment, can help protect bone health throughout life.

Globally, an estimated 836,000 people have hemophilia, including approximately 284,000 with severe hemophilia. In India, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) reported nearly 28,000 diagnosed and registered patients as of 2026, including more than 24,000 with Hemophilia A. However, the estimated prevalence could be as high as 1,36,000, suggesting many cases remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Childhood and adolescence are critical for building peak bone mass, making early intervention important for long-term musculoskeletal health, said health experts.

How Hemophilia Can Affect Bone Health

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or factor IX (Hemophilia B). It primarily affects males, while women are often carriers.

Repeated bleeding into joints can cause chronic pain, joint damage, deformity and reduced mobility. Muscle bleeds can further restrict movement, limiting participation in physical activities that help maintain bone strength.

“Bone health begins in childhood, but protecting it is a lifelong commitment. In people living with hemophilia, recurrent joint and muscle bleeds, reduced physical activity and other risk factors can contribute to poor bone health and an increased risk of osteoporosis,” Dr. Varun Bafna, associate professor in the Department of Hematology at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Government Medical College, Kolhapur, told HealthandMe.

Why Prophylaxis Matters

Prophylaxis involves preventive treatment to reduce bleeding episodes rather than treating bleeds only after they occur. Regular factor prophylaxis can help prevent recurrent joint bleeds, preserve joint function and support mobility.

“Regular factor prophylaxis helps prevent repeated joint bleeds and preserve joint function. That protection can support mobility, an important contributor to bone health,” Dr. Hitha B, associate professor and haematologist in the Department of Medicine at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, told HealthandMe.

She advised patients to discuss breakthrough bleeding or difficulties accessing treatment with their healthcare team so their treatment plan can be reviewed.

Dr. Bafna said consistent prophylaxis can also support muscle strength and safer participation in physical activity.

“Prophylaxis is not just about preventing bleeding today; it is an important part of protecting long-term musculoskeletal health and quality of life at every age,” he noted.

How to Protect Bone Health From Childhood

Experts recommend an individualized approach based on age, joint health, mobility and other risk factors. Key measures include:

• Calcium and vitamin D: Ensure adequate intake through diet and discuss supplementation with a healthcare professional when needed.
• Appropriate physical activity: Weight-bearing exercises suited to individual joint health can help maintain bone strength, with guidance from the care team.
• Physiotherapy: Tailored rehabilitation can help maintain muscle strength, mobility and joint function.
• Regular assessment: Periodic evaluation can identify bone-health concerns and determine whether further investigations are needed.
• Consistent prophylaxis: Adhering to prescribed preventive treatment can reduce bleeding episodes and help protect joints.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Lifelong Care

Hematologists, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals can help patients and families integrate preventive treatment, rehabilitation, nutrition and appropriate physical activity into an individualized care plan.

Early intervention and consistent care can help preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life as people with hemophilia grow older.