The world is a scary place. From poisonous plants to venomous vipers and lethal laughter, here are 10 things that can kill you in under an hour.
If you’re feeling like life is just too much, find a reason to keep going. Whether it’s for your dog, your child, or a favorite niece, make sure you’re alive for the right reasons!
1. Poisonous Plants
Poisonous plants are a common problem in grazing and hay fields, roadsides and fence rows. Livestock producers should always be on the lookout for these plants and make sure their animals don’t eat them.
When a poisonous plant is eaten, clinical signs can develop in as little as an hour. These symptoms include abdominal pain, muscle tremors, confusion and difficulty breathing.
Poison hemlock is an extremely toxic plant that can be found growing in pastures across the United States. It’s poisonous to sheep, cattle, swine and horses.
2. Snails
One of the best kept secrets of the human body is our nails. Aside from being a good source of vitamin D and C, keratin the stuff that makes up your fingernails and toenails is also a solid gold mine of health benefits. It is not only the hardest working member of the follicle family, but it’s also an excellent example of a healthy human microbiome. Besides looking great, it also helps prevent infections and disease. The medical community is on the lookout for any health woes involving the nail and toenails. In fact, it’s estimated that one in ten people will contract some sort of fungal infection at some point in their lives.
3. Venomous Vipers
Venomous vipers inhabit a range of landscapes, including mountains and rainforests. They are members of the viperidae family and have long, hollow, hinged fangs that connect to venom glands on the upper jaw, according to Discover magazine.
They use these fangs to inject venom into their prey, which then dies. Venom contains proteases, which break down the prey’s tissues.
A victim can experience a wide range of effects from venom, depending on the age and health of the victim. A person who is young or old may not be able to tolerate as much venom as a healthy adult, so it’s important to seek medical help right away.
A venomous snake is most likely to bite when cornered or startled by a human. If you’re bitten by a viper, firmly bandage the bite to prevent bleeding and keep the victim calm until medical help arrives.
4. Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that happens when your body temperature drops too low. This lowered temperature can affect the brain and other organs, making it hard for you to think clearly or move well.
You can develop hypothermia when you are exposed to cold weather or water for an extended period of time. It can also be caused by certain medications, like antidepressants and sedatives.
If someone you know is showing signs of hypothermia, such as being cold to the touch, unresponsive, rigid, or not breathing, call for help right away. You should also check their pulse, since they may be unconscious or not feeling their heartbeat.
5. Laughter
Laughter is the body’s natural remedy for stress and depression, improving mood, reducing anxiety, increasing immunity, and easing pain. It’s a powerful, free, and easy way to heal and renew.
Whether you’re laughing at a funny story, or simply taking a deep breath and exhaling, a good chuckle can relax the whole body, helping break the cycle of pain and spasm that plagues chronic muscle and joint conditions.
Laughing can also boost the immune system by stimulating T cells that attack infections and viruses. It can also relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals.
6. Being a Couch Potato
People who exercise for 30 minutes a day and sit down for 10 hours aren’t as healthy as those who move around more, according to researchers. These individuals, known as active couch potatoes, have higher blood sugar, cholesterol and body fat than those who do more light movement.
They also have lower levels of overall health and vitality.
However, if you occasionally relax on the couch with a movie or television show as part of a lifestyle that includes proper exercise and a healthy diet, then it’s not such a bad thing. This is a great way to break up the monotony of your daily routine and give yourself some much-needed downtime.
7. Falling Out of Bed
Most falls out of bed are not fatal, but they can still be extremely dangerous if you’re older or have any medical conditions. The elderly are particularly prone to these kinds of accidents because of their reduced mobility and strength.
Older adults with dementia are also more prone to falls as they become confused and their perception changes.
Some medications can also tamper with brain chemistry, leading to restless sleep and strange dreams that may cause them to fall out of bed.
Getting a little bit of exercise can help prevent a nighttime fall by increasing your muscle mass. However, avoid exercise before bedtime because it can make you drowsy and increase your chances of falling out of bed.
8. Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning is a much worse kind of sunburn than you might expect. It develops after exposure to intense sunlight for an extended period of time.
It might feel like a regular sunburn at first, but you’ll start to notice symptoms like blisters and a “sun rash,” as well as fevers, chills, nausea and dehydration.
In severe cases, treatment for sun poisoning might include IV fluids, steroid creams, or antibiotics to prevent infection.
If you’re suffering from mild sun poisoning, use cool compresses, aloe vera gel and over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment to help soothe the skin. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid scratching or popping your skin’s blisters to speed up the healing process.
9. Hunting Deer
Whether you’re new to deer hunting or an experienced hunter, it can be a daunting task. However, it’s important to remember that there are many ways to improve your chances of success.
Most importantly, you should get the right equipment. This includes a good pair of binoculars and a rangefinder.
Then, you should learn about deer biology and know their kill zones.
You’ll also need to understand the best time to hunt deer.
In general, deer are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. During this time they are most likely to move from bedding areas to feeding areas.
10. Drinking Wine
When it comes to drinking alcohol, there are a number of different factors that can determine how dangerous it is for you. These include your age, weight and sex.
Wine isn’t any exception, and it’s a good idea to drink in moderation. It can have many health benefits, but too much can lead to serious consequences for your body.
If you’re looking for a heart-healthy beverage, go for red wines over white. They contain more antioxidants than their counterparts, which can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.