‘Carrotmaxxing’ Could Have Adverse Side Effects
What? “Carrotmaxxing” is one of the latest trends to, ahem, take root on TikTok. Instead of tanning, users are consuming large amounts of canned carrots, thereby increasing the level of beta-carotene in their blood, to achieve a yellow-orange skin color.
So What? Unfortunately, some carrotmaxxers have wound up in the ER after adopting the trend due to sodium overload. Canned carrots—particularly the six daily cans recommended to reach carotenemia (the official name of the condition that gives skin the carrot hue)—contain more than double the recommended maximum amount of daily sodium. (Experts say that raw carrots will not have the same sodium side effects.)
Now What? As summer approaches, many adolescents may feel inclined to get that “summer glow” that comes from spending hours in the sun. But jumping on trends such as carrotmaxxing or last year’s #UVIndex could be harmful to your child’s health.
Putting Thumb Tacks in Flip-Flops Isn’t Glamorous. It’s Dangerous.
What? In imitation of studded, designer flip-flops popularized by celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, TikTok influencers are sticking thumb tacks into their summer slides as a budget-friendly alternative.
So What? Obviously, there’s the risk that the thumb tacks could snap off and painfully poke their wearers. But users also report that leaving the shoes in the sun might cause painful burns.
Now What? If your tween or teen daughter wants to mimic this trend, consider some of the workarounds other TikTok users have posted, such as gluing the studs to avoid accidental poking and only adding the studs around the periphery of the flip-flop, where the foot won’t touch the hot metal.
Teen Boys Might Hurt Their Feet if They Try #BootsOnlySummer Trend
What? Originating in Europe, #BootsOnlySummer refers to wearing “football boots”—or soccer cleats, if you’re American—all summer long, even when you’re not on the pitch. Sorry, field.
So What? Unfortunately, the creators of the cleats are saying it’s a terrible idea to wear them on any hard surface, such as asphalt or concrete. “When you take [the cleats] out of their element, you risk damaging the studs … Damaged studs not only reduce grip, but they can also make your [cleats] uncomfortable, potentially causing blisters or poor fit.”
Now What? Well, simply put, tell your teenage sons not to wear their cleats on anything but turf or grass—you know, the surface they were designed for. Besides the fact that cleats can be expensive to replace, the manufacturers themselves warn that it can damage their feet, too. And who wants that?
