- Dr. Puja Aggarwal is a neurologist who shares advice on ‘improving brain health’
- She most recently revealed the things she wouldn’t let her kids do
- The medical expert explained why football and shooting a gun were harmful
A neurologist has revealed the four things she would never let her kids do because they cause damage to your brain — including playing American football and shooting a gun.
Dr. Puja Aggarwal is a medical expert who frequently shares advice on ‘improving brain health’ on her TikTok account, where she boasts more than 7,000 followers.
Recently, the Florida-based neurologist took to the video-sharing platform to share the various activities she kept her kids away from because they could ‘kill them.’
In a viral video, which has so far amassed more than 3.4 million views, the doctor shared why she wouldn’t allow her children to play ‘American football, ride an ATV, shoot a gun, or jump on a trampoline.’
‘There are four things that I would never let my kids do as a neurologist and neuroscientist because they can kill a lot of brain cells or just straight up kill you,’ she said.
The first activity she would refuse to let her kids participate in was American football.
‘Number one, play American football. You can get a lot of concussions and head injuries and this can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy. There’s no need,’ she explained.
According to Protect the Brain, in football, brain injuries account for 65 to 95 per cent of all fatalities.
In any given season, 10 per cent of college players and 20 per cent of high school players sustain brain injuries.
These brain injuries can result in players developing encephalopathy, which is a condition that causes brain dysfunction such as memory loss, personality changes and/or comas.
The second thing Dr. Puja wouldn’t let her child do was ride an ATV.
An ATV is a four-wheeled vehicle that is made to be used on rough or uneven ground.
Many people use ATVs to participate in off-road riding, which has been said to increase your heart rate, flex your cardiac muscles and keep your heart strong. However, the neurologist said it was a ‘hard no’ for her.
According to Top Gear Box, ATVs roll over too easily and when this occurs, the majority of the time, it can result in fatal brain injuries.
‘Number three, have a trampoline or jump on trampolines outside. Again, [they could] fall off, hit their head on the ground [and it can result] in concussions and head injuries,’ the neuroscientist added.
Due to the severity of injuries sustained from jumping on trampolines, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you never purchase a trampoline for home use.
Lastly, Dr. Puja said she wouldn’t allow her kids to shoot a gun.
She explained: ‘Number four, shoot a gun. There’s just no need. Again, it can just straight up kill you.’
The noise and rattling feeling of a gun is enough to result in someone developing a traumatic brain injury or TBI, according to Special Hunting Weapons and Tactics.
TBI is caused by an external force that moves the brain around in the skull.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
