Savvy Talks: 10 Surprisingly Common Ways People Die — And How to Avoid Them (According to an ER Doctor Who’s Seen It All)

Originally aired on 1/16/2026 for WGN Radio 720.

This stopped me cold.

Not because it was dramatic — but because it was ordinary.

Dr. Ashley Alker, an emergency room doctor who has spent decades on the front lines of medicine wrote a book called 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them. It’s not about rare disasters or freak accidents. It’s about the everyday things that quietly send people to the ER — and sometimes don’t let them leave.

The point isn’t fear.
It’s awareness.

Here are 10 surprisingly common ways people get into serious trouble — and what actually keeps you safe.

1. Strep Throat (Yes, Really)

The problem:
Untreated strep can trigger serious complications — heart issues, kidney damage, abscesses, even death.

How to avoid it:
If you have a severe sore throat with fever, get tested. Antibiotics work — but only if you don’t ignore it.

2. Brain Aneurysms

The problem:
Up to 6% of adults have aneurysms and don’t know it. A rupture is fatal about half the time.

How to avoid it:
Never ignore a thunderclap headache — sudden, explosive, the worst headache of your life. That’s an emergency. Go now.

3. Pregnancy Complications

The problem:
Pregnancy-related deaths are more common than most people realize — and over 80% are preventable.

How to avoid it:
Take symptoms seriously. Sudden swelling, headaches, vision changes, or shortness of breath during pregnancy need immediate attention. Advocate hard.

4. Houseplants (and Flowers)

The problem:
Many common plants — especially lilies — are poisonous and can affect the heart or airway. Kids and pets are especially vulnerable.

How to avoid it:
Know what you bring into your home. If it has “lily” in the name, assume it’s toxic and keep it out of reach.

5. Sexually Transmitted Infections

The problem:
Syphilis is rising fast — and untreated, it can infect the brain, harm newborns, and kill.

How to avoid it:
Get tested. Use protection. Many STIs are easily treated — but only if you know you have one.

6. Over-the-Counter Medications

The problem:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S.

How to avoid it:
Never exceed 4,000 mg per day for adults — less for smaller bodies or liver issues. Dose kids strictly by weight. When in doubt, stop and check.

7. Carbon Monoxide Exposure

The problem:
Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and deadly. Most homes don’t have detectors.

How to avoid it:
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Smoke detectors are not enough.

8. Water (Too Much of It)

The problem:
Drinking excessive amounts too quickly can dilute blood sodium levels, causing seizures, brain swelling, and death.

How to avoid it:
Hydrate steadily, not obsessively. Avoid rapid water loading, especially during intense exercise.

9. Anaphylaxis at School

The problem:
Many schools don’t stock EpiPens — even though up to 25% of children have their first allergic reaction at school.

How to avoid it:
Ask your school directly. If they don’t have EpiPens, provide one for your child and make sure staff know where it is.

10. Botulism

The problem:
Botulism spores are common and become deadly in low-oxygen, low-acid environments — like improperly canned foods or infant digestive systems.

How to avoid it:
Never give honey to babies under one year. Be cautious with home canning. Follow food safety rules closely.

The Big Takeaway

None of these risks are rare.
They’re ordinary — which is exactly why they’re dangerous.

This isn’t about living in fear. It’s about knowing when to act, what not to ignore, and how small decisions can quietly protect you.

Most emergencies don’t announce themselves.
But awareness gives you a head start. And that’s the Savvy part.