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.

While thalassemia is known widely as a blood disorder, its impact can extend far beyond anemia and transfusions, said experts on World Thalassemia Day today.

World Thalassemia Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about the inherited blood disorder caused by faulty genes.

The disorder, which often requires blood transfusions every fortnight, affects approximately 1.3 million people living with severe forms of thalassemia worldwide. About 1.5 percent of the global population is carriers, and the disease claims nearly 11,000 lives annually.

Speaking to HealthandMe, health experts raised concerns about the growing mental health and neurological challenges faced by patients, especially children and young adults living with the condition.

Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman – Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, shared that repeated blood transfusions are important and save the lives of thalassemia patients, but long-term transfusion therapy can potentially lead to neurological complications if not properly monitored.

“Chronic transfusions can cause iron overload, which is the accumulation of iron in critical organs such as the brain, and may impact cognitive and psychological function, as well as mood,” Dr. Gupta explained.

He added that "changes in oxygen supply and related complications may make patients more vulnerable to headaches, lethargy, or even undetected brain injury".

However, experts stress that most neurological complications can be prevented through multidisciplinary care, iron chelation therapy, and regular monitoring.

Can Thalassemia Affect Brain Development in Children?

The expert stated that thalassemia may also indirectly affect brain development in children, particularly when severe anemia continues for long periods and limits oxygen supply to the growing brain.

Dr. Gupta noted that poor oxygenation, nutritional deficiencies, iron overload from repeated transfusions, and metabolic complications may affect:

• Cognitive function
• Learning ability
• Attention span
• Overall neurodevelopment
• Early warning signs may include:
• Delayed speech
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor school performance
• Frequent headaches
• Irritability
• Developmental delays

Also read: World Thalassemia Day 2026: Why Screening Before Marriage Or Pregnancy Is Important

Early Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

Dr. Vipin Khandelwal, Sr. Consultant Paediatric Haemato Oncology & BMT at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, told HealthandMe that thalassemia affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, and prolonged disruption can impact growth, immunity, bone health, and learning abilities.

“The early signs of thalassemia are often subtle, which is why many families miss them until anemia becomes severe,” he said.

Parents should watch for persistent symptoms such as:

• Unusual tiredness
• Pale appearance
• Poor appetite
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Delayed growth
• Delayed walking or speech
• Reduced stamina
• Bone pain
• Recurrent weakness

He stressed that while thalassemia is inherited, many serious complications can be prevented with early diagnosis, regular check-ups, timely transfusions, and proper iron monitoring.

Why Depression and Anxiety Are Common Among Thalassemics?

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Further, the experts also highlighted risk of anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and depression among people with thalassemia who face lifelong blood transfusions, frequent hospital visits, leading to physical fatigue, and fear of complications. Over time, these challenges may increase, many often go unnoticed or untreated.

Dr. Roshan Dikshit, Senior Consultant, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Aakash Healthcare, told HealthandMe that thalassemia is not only a physical health condition, but also an emotional and psychological challenge. He stressed the need to provide mental support to thalassemic patients.

“Frequent hospital visits, lifelong blood transfusions, fear of complications, and social limitations can increase the risk of anxiety, stress, and depression, especially among teenagers and young adults,” said Dr. Roshan Dikshit, Senior Consultant, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Aakash Healthcare.

According to Dr. Dikshit, many patients struggle with:

• Low self-esteem
• Isolation
• Emotional fatigue.

Importantly, these emotional challenges often go unnoticed.

“Mental health support should be considered an essential part of thalassemia care. Counseling, family support, social acceptance, and open communication can significantly improve a patient’s emotional well-being and quality of life,” he said.

He also emphasized that early psychological intervention can help patients cope better with the disease and reduce the long-term mental health burden associated with chronic illness.

Many women experience bloating, acidity, stomach discomfort, or constipation from time to time. These symptoms are usually linked to diet, stress, or minor digestive issues. However, these are often overlooked.

On World Ovarian Cancer Day, doctors are urging women to pay closer attention to such recurring symptoms and seek timely medical advice.

World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and promote early detection. This year’s theme is “No Woman Left Behind.”

According to global estimates, nearly 250,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and about 140,000 die from the disease.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers and is often referred to as the “silent killer” because its early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or urinary issues.

It develops when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. Survival rates are significantly higher when detected early—around 93 per cent of women diagnosed at stage one survive at least five years, compared to just 13 per cent at stage four, according to the American Cancer Society.

Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited, and outcomes are poorer.

Early Symptoms Often Overlooked

“Ovarian cancer is commonly called a ‘silent disease’ because its early signs are vague and often resemble routine gastric issues,” Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson – Radiation Oncology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent bloating
• Feeling full quickly or reduced appetite
• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained constipation or diarrhea
• Ongoing indigestion
• Excessive gas
• Abdominal heaviness

Also read: WHO Says 6-Week Hantavirus Incubation Raises Concern, But No Epidemic Risk

One should not ignore these symptoms if they persist for more than two to three weeks.

“Many women delay seeking medical attention because these symptoms feel too common to be serious. Early evaluation through clinical examination, imaging, and blood tests can help detect the disease earlier,” Dr Kaur noted.

“The growing tumor can press on nearby organs such as the intestines or bladder, leading to digestive changes and abdominal discomfort,” she explained.

Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

The experts also highlighted several risk factors that are often overlooked, including:

• Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
• Increasing age, especially after menopause
• Reproductive history, such as late pregnancy or never having children

Why Early Detection Matters

Being aware of subtle and persistent symptoms can significantly improve outcomes. Ovarian cancer survival rates are much higher when diagnosed early, making timely medical consultation crucial.

Thalassemia, particularly thalassemia major and thalassemia intermediate, can affect fertility and pregnancy due to iron overload caused by repeated blood transfusions. In these patients, excess iron gets deposited in various endocrine and vital organs, leading to hormonal disturbances and fertility-related complications.

Patients with thalassemia major usually require regular blood transfusions for survival, sometimes every one to three months. Thalassemia intermediate patients may require fewer transfusions, but they too remain at risk of iron overload. Over time, excess iron can accumulate in organs such as the pituitary gland, thyroid, ovaries, kidneys, liver, and suprarenal glands. This iron deposition can impair hormonal function and contribute to infertility. Experts note that many patients with thalassemia major may face fertility issues because of this reason.

Pregnancy In Women Living With Thalassemia

Dr. Sunil Bichile, Hematologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, said, "Although thalassemia management has improved significantly over the years, pregnancy in such patients is still considered high-risk. " Even when iron levels are properly managed, risks to both the mother and fetus may still exist. However, these complications are mainly seen in thalassemia major and thalassemia intermediate patients. Individuals with thalassemia minor generally do not face these fertility or pregnancy-related issues and can have normal pregnancies."

"Doctors also emphasise the importance of carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis. If both partners are thalassemia carriers, prenatal testing around 12 weeks of pregnancy can help determine whether the fetus has thalassemia major. Early diagnosis allows families and doctors to make informed medical decisions and helps reduce severe thalassemia cases," Dr Bichile added.

Ensuring Healthy Pregnancies In Women Living With Thalassemia

Women with thalassemia are now increasingly able to experience healthy pregnancies due to advances in medical care. However, one of the most important concerns during pregnancy in thalassemia patients is iron overload—a condition caused by repeated blood transfusions over many years. Excess iron gets deposited in vital organs such as the heart, liver, and endocrine glands, potentially leading to serious complications if not managed properly before conception and during pregnancy.

How Does Iron Overload Affect Pregnancy?

"Iron overload can significantly increase pregnancy-related risks. When excess iron affects the heart, it may lead to cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or heart failure, which can worsen during pregnancy because of the increased workload on the cardiovascular system. Iron deposition in endocrine glands may also cause hormonal imbalances, affecting fertility and increasing the risk of gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders, or difficulties in maintaining a healthy pregnancy," Dr Liza Bulsara, Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explained.

Women with poorly controlled iron overload may face a higher chance of miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, or complications during childbirth. In some cases, liver dysfunction caused by iron accumulation can further complicate pregnancy management. Additionally, anaemia associated with thalassemia itself may increase fatigue and reduce oxygen supply to both mother and baby if not carefully monitored.

Dr Bulsara emphasised that pre-pregnancy counselling is essential for women with thalassemia. A detailed assessment of iron levels through serum ferritin tests and MRI evaluation of the heart and liver helps doctors determine whether the body is prepared for pregnancy. Proper iron chelation therapy before conception plays a crucial role in reducing excess iron stores and improving maternal outcomes. During pregnancy, transfusion schedules, haemoglobin levels, cardiac health, and fetal growth require close multidisciplinary monitoring.