The world is a scary place and in this video from All Time 10s we take a look at ten things that will kill you in under an hour. From poisonous plants to snails and venomous snakes, here are the quickest ways to die.
Luckily there are things you can do to help avoid them.
1. Poisonous Plants
There are many plants out there that can be very dangerous. Some have poisonous compounds that can kill you.
Poisonous plants can be dangerous if you touch them, swallow them or breathe them in. These plants can cause a number of different symptoms, including breathing difficulties and a burning mouth.
Some plants can also cause itchy rashes. These rashes can last for a few days and may require medical treatment.
These rashes can cause an allergic reaction, and are sometimes accompanied by swelling and itching. It’s important to contact a medical professional right away when these symptoms occur.
These plants can be dangerous to both humans and pets. Some people, especially children and seniors, are more sensitive to certain toxic compounds in plants.
2. Snails
The venom of a venomous snake can cause a variety of medical complications including respiratory arrest and brain damage. Luckily, there are ways to get around the problem.
A properly applied compression bandage can prevent the spread of venom and even reduce the chances of a life-threatening reaction to a stinger. Similarly, using a small syringe dipped in warm water to apply a tiny drop of medication to the wound can help stop the venom in its tracks.
A properly sized and positioned snake-proof door can also protect you from an unwelcome encounter with one of these reptiles. There is a lot more to snakes than meets the eye, but the best way to avoid them is to keep your windows and doors closed. That may sound like common sense, but it can be hard to do when you’re in a hurry to get somewhere.
3. Venomous Snakes
Snakes are a diverse group of animals, with over 3,000 species around the world. Many of them are harmless to humans, but some are deadly.
Among these are venomous snakes, which release toxins when they bite. These can cause swelling, tissue damage and even death.
Some venoms are neurotoxic and interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses, whilst others are cytotoxic and can damage body tissue or blood cells. These toxins can also damage the clotting system, making it impossible to stop bleeding.
In fact, some snakes’ venoms are so powerful that they can kill a human within an hour of being bitten. These include the black mamba and inland taipan, both of which top the list of most venomous snakes in the world.
4. Sweating
Sweating is a major part of the human experience and comes in many forms. The best way to describe it is as a state of mind. A good sweat is a good thing, but a bad one can spell disaster. In this context, a good sweat will not only keep you cool, but it might also make you smarter. Thankfully, a good sweat does not come with a price tag. A good sweat might even be a boon to your wallet, and a bad one will send you the wrong way.
5. Falling Out of Bed
If you have an elderly loved one, you may be aware that they are prone to falling out of bed. This can be a serious issue for them and their family, as it can be quite painful, and even cause serious injuries.
Falls can be caused by a number of factors, such as an old or overly soft mattress. In addition, if your loved one has recently undergone a surgery or stroke, they are likely to be more prone to falls as their body heals.
Changes in the sleeping environment – for example, if a senior moves into a different bedroom, or switches their bedding, can also be a cause of a fall. They may find it harder to get into a comfortable position, or to reach for the toilet.
6. Being a Couch Potato
Being a couch potato is a very popular term used to describe people who spend a lot of time on the sofa watching television. This is a very bad thing to do.
Being sedentary isn’t good for you, and it can cause numerous health problems including heart disease and high blood pressure. It can also cause a number of other things to happen in your body, such as weight gain and muscle loss.
There are a number of ways you can stop being a couch potato, and one way is to make sure you get enough exercise each day. This will help you feel more energized and less inclined to sit on the couch all day.
7. Laughter
Laughter is one of the body’s most basic and instinctual responses to certain stimuli, and it’s considered an evolutionary mechanism that helps humans build social bonds.
It also reduces stress and has been linked to a number of health benefits, including lowering levels of the hormone cortisol and triggering endorphin release.
This helps keep your heart and lungs healthy, as well as protect you from the onset of diseases. Having a sense of humor also makes you more attractive and able to get along with others.
Laughing can be contagious, too. Researchers have found that a person is 30 times more likely to laugh when they’re with another individual than alone.
8. Alcohol
You may think that it takes a while for alcohol to start working in your body, but the truth is that it only takes a few minutes for it to reach the brain. Once that happens, it can have a huge impact on your mood and behaviour.
The effects of alcohol are felt a little differently from person to person. This is because the amount of alcohol your body can handle varies.
Heavy drinking can raise your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, which are both major risk factors for heart disease and strokes. Long-term alcohol misuse also weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to serious infections.
You should always seek professional advice if you are worried about your or someone else’s alcohol use. Call 1300 85 85 84 for confidential help.
9. Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains tar, carbon monoxide and other chemicals that damage your heart, lungs and airways. These chemicals slow blood flow and deprive your heart of oxygen it needs to pump blood around the body.
Smoking also damages the tiny air sacs in your lungs called alveoli. The alveoli pull oxygen from the air you breathe and release carbon dioxide when you exhale.
As cigarette smoke irritates your airways, it can trigger sudden and severe asthma attacks. It can also make lung disease like COPD, bronchitis or emphysema worse. It can also cause birth defects and reduced fertility. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk of ectopic pregnancy, which means the fertilized egg implants in an area other than the uterus. This can be life-threatening for the unborn baby. It can also cause birth defects, such as placental abruption and placenta previa.
10. Death
Even in a technologically advanced world we are still at the mercy of microscopic bacteria, viruses and parasites that can kill us in ways that are both terrifying and nauseating. So, how does one go about determining which of these are the most dangerous? To help you out, All Time 10s put together this list of the top ten things that will kill you in under an hour. From poisonous plants to a prank involving antifreeze (not the aforementioned oh so fun), here are a few of the most dangerous things you can do right now.
Let us know your favorites in the comments! We will update this list as and when we find new ones. Good luck! We have a big list coming your way, so be sure to check back frequently!