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.

Wondering if abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain and leg swelling are signs of something fatal?

According to Dr Ninad Katdare, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, they may be symptoms of cervical cancer. While many may expect drastic signs such as severe pain, heavy bleeding or obvious illness, identifying certain symptoms can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical cancer develops in a women's cervix (uterus opening) due to abnormal cell growth, primarily caused by persistent HPV infection, a common infection that's passed through sexual contact.

When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from causing damage however, in a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years and pave the way for some cervical cells to become cancerous.

Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with early detection significantly improving outcomes, though it remains a major cancer in low-income countries. Cervical cancer can also be prevented through vaccination and regular screening (Pap/HPV tests).

Dr Katdare told News18: "In its early stages, it is often more of a whisper than a shout. As a cancer surgeon who has treated hundreds of women with gynaecological cancers, I can say with confidence that recognising these subtle cues can lead to earlier diagnosis and significantly better outcomes."

He recommends looking out for these early signs:

1. Intermenstrual Bleeding

2. Changes In Vaginal Discharge

But Dr Katdare warns that any sudden or abnormal changes in discharge may be a symptom of the cancer. “Because discharge issues are commonly linked to infections, many women self-medicate or delay seeking care," he said. “While infections are far more common, chronic or unusual discharge especially in older women requires thorough evaluation."

Discharge may become persistent, watery, foul-smelling, or tinged with blood or pink, brown, or rust-colored if you're suffering from this kind of cancer.

3. Persistent Pelvic Pain

Consistent pelvic pain particularly that occurs outside the menstrual cycle or during sexual intercourse should be a point of concern. According to Dr Katdare, "Pain during intercourse, or dyspareunia, is especially important. It should not be dismissed as ‘just dryness’ or an age-related change. In cervical cancer, this pain may result from inflammation or tumour growth involving the cervix and surrounding tissues."

4. Leg Swelling

5. Urinary And Bowel Symptoms

“These symptoms are often evaluated in isolation because they don’t seem related to the cervix," said Dr Katdare, “which can delay the correct diagnosis."

Ultimately the expert advised: "“Cervical cancer does not always announce itself loudly,. Sometimes, it leaves silent clues. The sooner you listen to them, the better the outcome. If something feels ‘off,’ trust that instinct and seek medical advice. Early action can make the difference between a curable disease and a life-altering diagnosis."

Angina, a symptom of coronary artery disease, is a type of chest pain caused by the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, usually due to narrowed coronary arteries from plaque buildup.

Itis often described as squeezing, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, potentially radiating to arms, neck, jaw, or back and at times, can feel like indigestion. Experiencing an angina is warning sign of heart disease, not of a heart attack.

However, Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP), a Chinese traditional medicine that can help ease angina pain as it helps improve blood flow and protects heart microcirculation through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic (promoting cell survival) characteristics, according to an EMJ study.

What Is Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill?

In this a randomized controlled study, 200 adults with angina and coronary slow flow phenomenon were assigned to receive either STDP or a placebo. The study measured coronary blood flow using corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC).

Patients who received STDP had improved blood flow in two major coronary arteries, while those given placebo showed no improvement. The improvement with STDP was significantly greater than with placebo.

The scientists concluded that using STDP to increase blood flow in the body was beneficial with no major safety concerns reported during the trial, allowing them to conclude that this Chinese medication can help the flow of blood through the heart’s smallest blood vessels, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle with no side-effects.

Researchers are yet to conclude how the medication works and helps the heart.

Coronary Artery Disease: The Silent Killer

Despite being as a common heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) develops over years and has no clear signs and symptoms apart from chest pain and a heart attack. The illness begins due to a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances known as plaque in and on the artery walls.

Over time, this can cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries and block the supply of oxygen-rich blood to heart which can lead chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and ultimately, heart attacks.

Typically, those above the age of 45, having a biological family member with heart disease, lack of sleep, smoking, consuming saturated fats along with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing CAD.

Treatment options may include medicines and surgery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help also prevent CAD and the conditions that can cause it.

Nearly one in 10 Indian adults suffer from CAD and about two million people die from the disease annually. Apart from this, about 18 to 20 million American adults aged 20 and older are also affected about the disease.

How Much You Should Exercise To Prevent CAD?

Moreover, regular exercise can also reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer. It can also help improve sleep, cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed.

Dr Hayes recommends opting for a cardiac evaluation such as an electrocardiogram, or EKG; stress test; a cardiac MRI or CT scan to generate images of your heart if you notice changes in your ability to exercise or cannot perform consistent levels of exercise.

Urinary health rarely becomes a talking point unless something feels off. Yet, as Dr. Rajiv Goel, Senior Consultant & Director, Urology & Uro-Oncology, Narayana Hospital Gurugram, explains, men and women experience urinary issues very differently. These differences stem from anatomy, hormones, aging, and daily habits—and they influence how symptoms appear, how severe they feel, and when people seek help.

How Anatomy Shapes Urinary Problems

“Anatomy plays a major role in urinary health,” Dr. Goel explains. Women have a much shorter urethra than men, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. This is why urinary tract infections (UTIs) are far more common in women across all age groups.

Burning during urination, frequent urges, and discomfort are often early signs. While these symptoms are familiar to many women, repeated infections can quietly make the bladder more sensitive over time.

Men, on the other hand, have a longer urethra, offering some natural protection against infections. But they face a different structural challenge. “The prostate gland, which encircles the urethra, typically enlarges with advancing age,” Dr. Goel says. This can obstruct urine flow, causing difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, incomplete emptying, and frequent night-time bathroom visits.

Hormones and Ageing: A Silent Influence

Hormones play a crucial role in urinary health. For women, estrogen helps maintain the health and elasticity of the bladder and urethra. “When estrogen levels drop after menopause, tissues become drier and more prone to irritation and infections,” Dr. Goel notes.

This hormonal shift also contributes to urinary leakage, especially if pelvic floor muscles are weak.

In men, testosterone influences prostate growth. As hormone levels shift with age, the prostate slowly enlarges. “Because the process is gradual, symptoms are often ignored until they start interfering with daily life,” Dr. Goel explains.

Infections in Women, Obstruction in Men

The nature of urinary problems also differs by gender. Women typically experience infection-driven symptoms—sudden burning, urgency, cloudy urine, and discomfort. These are sometimes brushed off as routine, even though recurrent infections can lead to chronic bladder sensitivity.

Men more often face obstruction-related issues. “Urine may not empty fully from the bladder, leading to pressure, dribbling, and frequent urination,” says Dr. Goel. While infections are less common in men, they tend to be more complex and take longer to resolve.

Daily Habits That Add to the Risk

Lifestyle choices quietly influence urinary health. Women often delay urination due to work, travel, or lack of clean toilets. “Holding urine for long periods increases the risk of infections,” Dr. Goel warns. Pregnancy and childbirth further weaken pelvic floor muscles, contributing to leakage later in life.

Men, meanwhile, tend to consume more caffeine and alcohol. These irritate the bladder and increase urine production. Combined with prostate-related narrowing, this leads to frequent urination and disturbed sleep.

Why Men and Women Report Symptoms Differently

“Women are generally more open about urinary discomfort and seek help earlier,” Dr. Goel observes. Men, however, often associate symptoms with ageing or embarrassment, leading to delayed care. This silence can worsen blockages and reduce quality of life.

Prevention Looks Different, But Awareness Matters for All

For women, hydration, timely urination, pelvic floor strengthening, and early treatment of symptoms are key. For men, monitoring urine flow, frequency, and night-time urination is essential, especially with age.

One message applies to everyone: urinary symptoms should never be ignored. As Dr. Goel emphasizes, recognizing these signals early can prevent long-term discomfort and protect everyday wellbeing.