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.

Survival rates among patients with high-grade gliomas — one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer — have improved by up to 50 per cent in India, according to leading oncologists ahead of World Brain Tumour Day 2026.

Doctors say a growing number of patients are now living significantly longer after diagnosis, with some surviving for more than a decade.

Advances Boost Survival Outcomes

Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson of Radiation Oncology at Medanta, said median survival for many high-grade glioma patients has increased from around 9–12 months to 14–18 months.

She noted that some centers are "reporting nearly 40 per cent two-year survival rates among patients with Grade III and Grade IV gliomas. In addition, about 5 per cent of patients in certain high-grade glioma groups are now surviving for more than 10 years".

Experts attribute these improvements to advances in molecular diagnostics, comprehensive genomic profiling, neuronavigation-assisted surgery, precision radiation therapy, and targeted treatments.

“Radiation oncology has evolved from open beams in the cobalt era to highly precise beam configurations using modern technologies. We are now able to deliver tumoricidal doses more accurately while also preserving quality of life,” Dr. Kataria said.

Personalized Treatment Changing Care

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Dr. R. Ranga Rao, Chairman of Medical Oncology at Paras Health, said brain tumor treatment is no longer limited to surgery and radiation.

A deeper understanding of tumor biology is enabling doctors to tailor treatment according to the molecular profile of each patient’s cancer.

“Although high-grade gliomas remain challenging to treat, the combination of precision diagnostics, modern therapies, and multidisciplinary specialist care is helping more patients live longer and maintain a better quality of life than was possible even a few years ago,” Dr. Rao said.

He also highlighted the growing role of whole genomic sequencing, which helps clinicians understand a tumor’s genetic makeup and select more personalized treatment strategies that may improve survival.

Patients Should Not Lose Hope

Dr. Shyam Agarwal, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said many patients fear the worst when diagnosed with a brain tumor.

“People often feel that nothing can be done once they hear the word tumor in the brain. But brain tumors are of many different types — benign and malignant — and even malignant tumors vary widely in behavior,” he said.

According to Dr. Agarwal, modern treatment options, including surgery, radiation, targeted therapies, and newer drugs, can control many brain cancers for extended periods and may even offer a cure in selected cases.

He also stressed the importance of molecular testing and comprehensive genomic profiling to identify patients who may benefit from precision medicines.

Late Diagnosis Remains a Major Challenge

Despite advances in treatment, experts say delayed diagnosis remains a significant problem in India.

“The biggest blind spot in our country is that many patients reach specialists at a late stage. Symptoms may masquerade as routine headaches, hearing deficits, or visual disturbances. We need greater awareness,” Dr. Kataria said.

Dr. Agarwal added that delayed diagnosis is due to symptoms such as persistent headaches, hearing problems, or vision disturbances which are often mistaken for stress, migraine, or other common conditions, leading to late referrals.

What Is Glioma?

As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, glioma is a common type of tumor originating in the brain. About 33 per cent of all brain tumors are gliomas, which originate n the glial cells that surround and support neurons in the brains, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells.

Gliomas are called intra-axial brain tumors because they grow within the substance of the brain and often mix with normal brain tissue. Symptoms include

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Weakness in the arms, face or legs
• Numbness
• Problems with speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision loss
• Dizziness.

With advancements in medical technology, hip replacement surgery has evolved significantly over the years. One of the most promising innovations in this field is the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) Total Hip Replacement, a modern technique that offers patients a safer procedure, reduced pain, and faster recovery.

Unlike traditional hip replacement surgeries, the DAA technique allows surgeons to access the hip joint from the front through a small incision. The biggest advantage of this approach is that muscles are not cut during the surgery. Instead, they are gently separated, which helps minimize tissue damage and reduces post-operative pain considerably.

This muscle-sparing approach has transformed patient recovery experiences. Most patients are able to stand and walk on the same day of surgery, and hospital stays are generally shorter. Recovery is smoother, allowing individuals to return to their normal routine within three to four weeks in most cases.

The DAA technique is especially beneficial for patients suffering from chronic hip pain, restricted movement, or severe joint damage. Common conditions that may require hip replacement include osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis (AVN), rheumatoid arthritis, old hip fractures, and long-standing degenerative joint conditions. When medications, physiotherapy, and injections fail to provide lasting relief, hip replacement surgery can significantly improve mobility and quality of life.

Compared to conventional hip replacement procedures, DAA offers several advantages. The surgery involves a smaller incision, less blood loss, minimal muscle damage, and lower post-surgical discomfort. Patients are able to regain movement faster and often experience greater confidence during rehabilitation.

One of the most common concerns among patients is the fear of severe pain after surgery. However, with modern pain management techniques and advanced surgical methods, discomfort after DAA hip replacement is usually minimal and manageable. Patients today recover much more comfortably than they did in the past.

Another important factor is the durability of modern implants. Advances in implant technology have significantly improved their lifespan, with many implants lasting more than 25 years. Maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, and following medical advice can further improve the longevity and effectiveness of the implant.

After successful recovery, patients are generally able to resume a normal and active lifestyle. They can return to work, perform household activities independently, and participate in light exercises such as yoga, swimming, and stationary cycling. The primary goal of hip replacement surgery is not just pain relief, but restoring confidence, mobility, and independence.

Preparation before surgery also plays an important role in achieving better outcomes. Patients are advised to maintain controlled blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and overall heart health. Informing doctors about ongoing medications, performing basic physiotherapy exercises before surgery, and preparing a comfortable recovery environment at home can contribute to a smoother rehabilitation process.

Hip pain should never be ignored, especially when it begins affecting daily life and mobility. Timely treatment and the right surgical approach can make a remarkable difference. The Direct Anterior Approach has made hip replacement surgery simpler, safer, and more patient-friendly, helping individuals return to an active and pain-free life much faster than before.

Dr. Ishwar Bohra is Senior Director and Senior Joint Replacement Surgeon at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi.

Climate change is increasingly emerging as a major public health threat, contributing to a growing burden of disease worldwide and creating favorable conditions for the spread of infectious illnesses, according to health experts on World Environment Day 2026.

World Environment Day is observed every year on June 5 to raise awareness about the need for immediate action as heatwaves intensify, air pollution worsens, ecosystems degrade, and climate anxiety grows worldwide, even as the world crosses the UN-mandated 1.5°C limit.

The theme for World Environment Day 2026 is "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future". It focuses on climate change and the signals nature is sending such as rising seas, raging wildfires, heatwaves and melting glaciers.

To understand the intersection between climate change and health impacts, HealthandMe spoke to two experts.

Heatwaves, Pollution And Food Insecurity

According to Dr. Sabine Kapasi, UN advisor, the consequences are no longer limited to environmental damage. Rising temperatures, worsening air pollution and shifting weather patterns are already affecting human health across the globe.

“Longer and more intense heatwaves are resulting in more cases of heat-related illness. Air pollution continues to exacerbate respiratory diseases, while changing weather patterns are impacting food security and nutrition in many parts of the world,” she said.

Importantly, in India, children, pregnant women and communities living in flood- and drought-prone regions face some of the greatest risks. Women are often disproportionately affected due to challenges related to water supply and sanitation. While India has reduced malaria cases by nearly 80 per cent since 2015, climate change is creating new health challenges that health systems will need to address in the coming years.

Infectious Disease Outbreaks

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The expert warned that changing climatic conditions are also increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. Dr. Kapasi told HealthandMe that rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are allowing mosquitoes to breed more easily and remain active for longer periods.

Floods further compound the problem by contaminating drinking water, damaging sanitation systems and disrupting healthcare services. Displacement caused by disasters can force families into crowded living conditions, increasing the risk of infections such as cholera, leptospirosis and tuberculosis.

“Recent climate-related disasters in South Asia and Africa have shown how quickly an environmental crisis can turn into a public health challenge,” she noted.

The spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya is also becoming a growing concern. Health authorities around the world are reporting these diseases in areas where they were previously uncommon.

Globally, countries including Italy, France and Spain have also witnessed an increase in locally transmitted dengue and chikungunya cases over the past decade. In the United States, locally acquired malaria cases were recently reported in Florida and Texas, marking the first such transmission in nearly 20 years.

India is also experiencing rising dengue activity. Dengue outbreaks have become a regular occurrence during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in many states. Estimates suggest dengue cases could reach around 278,000 in 2025, up from roughly 230,000 the previous year. Experts say warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are helping disease-carrying mosquitoes survive and spread more effectively.

Climate Change And Shifting Disease Patterns

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Dr. Devarsetty Praveen, Program Director at NIHR GHRC for Non-communicable Diseases and Environmental Change, hosted by The George Institute India, in partnership with Imperial College London, said climate change is affecting both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

“Climate change is increasing health risks through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, worsening air quality and changing disease patterns. In India, it is affecting both communicable and non-communicable diseases, with vulnerable populations bearing the greatest burden,” he told HealthandMe.

He noted that research has found that people living with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, underscoring the growing link between climate change and non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Praveen added that climate change influences disease transmission by altering temperature, humidity and rainfall patterns while also affecting water quality, food systems and interactions between humans, animals and disease vectors.

“These changes can make outbreaks more frequent, more widespread and harder to predict,” he said.

How To Reduce Climate-related Health Risks

To reduce climate-related health risks, the experts recommend staying informed about weather conditions, remaining hydrated, limiting outdoor exposure during extreme heat and taking precautions against mosquito bites.

People with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease are advised to maintain adequate medication supplies and consult healthcare providers during periods of extreme heat.

According to the experts, awareness and early action remain critical to protecting public health as climate change continues to reshape disease patterns around the world.

To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, people should make sure that water does not get collected in buckets, coolers, flower pots or other containers around the home. Additional precautions include the use of mosquito repellents, sleeping under nets when necessary and wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs.

Dr Sabine said food and water safety is particularly important after heavy rain or flooding. Proper food storage, clean drinking water and good hygiene practices can go a long way in preventing many infections. Those with pre-existing medical conditions should also have essential medicines within easy reach during extreme weather.