As a Doctor, I’m conscious of healthy eating and keeping my body clean and youthful. I often promote good living, so when I see older people enjoying health in their golden years and trying to stay active, I can’t help but smile at their dedication.

Each morning, my 64-year-old neighbor, Tom, jogs past my house. I love seeing him being fit, and whenever he sees me outside or through the window, he always waves at me.

His early runs are usually something that brightens the start of my day. However, one morning, as he was running by, I witnessed him clutching his chest abruptly.

I had just finished my yoga routine and was wearing shorts and a sports bra, but there was no time to change. I shoved my feet into slippers and ran outside.

“Tom,” I said. “Can you hear me?”

My neighbor merely clutched his chest tighter and groaned.

“Come on,” I said, pulling him up. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”

I used all my strength to lift Tom, and together we slowly shuffled to my car where I left him leaning for a few seconds.

He was breathing heavily and gasping for air.

“Give me one minute,” I said, running into my house as quickly as I possibly could and grabbed my car keys.

I got Tom settled onto the back seat and then drove to the hospital, where I worked as fast as possible.

While driving, I called the ER, alerting them that I was on the way and they should be prepared for me with a gurney. I navigated the road expertly, trying to avoid traffic and unnecessary hold-ups.

The second I stopped the car, the ER staff came out in a coordinated team, ready to get inside Tom and see to his needs.

After that, I moved my car, which was parked in an ambulance-only zone.

Then, I went into the hospital and changed into my spare scrubs, neatly waiting for me in my locker, to cover up my sweaty workout clothes.

I returned to the ER where Tom was being cared for. Thankfully, he was stable, and his daughter, Carla, had been contacted.

I left the hospital knowing that he was in good hands.

Later that day, Carla knocked at my front door with a delicious-smelling casserole.

“I just wanted to say thank you,” she said, holding the dish up sheepishly. “I was asleep, and I didn’t know anything had happened until the hospital called and told me that Dad was there. Thank you, Daisy.”

I invited her in for some tea because I knew the anxiety that relatives felt when their loved ones were in the hospital.

“I need to go back to the hospital for the next visiting hours,” Carla said.

“You can come with me. My shift begins soon.”

All was well — or so I thought.

The following day, as I was going for my run — I do yoga for four days a week, and I run for three — I jogged past the spot where Tom had collapsed and saw something that caught my eye.

In the grass lay a plastic container filled with what was labeled as Tom’s medication. I immediately called the hospital.

“It’s Doctor Green,” I said. “Have you found the cause of Tom Philip’s heart attack?”

“Let me check,” the nurse said. “No, but the Doctor ordered a few more tests to be done today.”

“I’ll be right there,” I said. “I think I may have found a potential cause.”

After a thorough examination of the medicine bottle, I discovered that the pills were not prescribed for Tom’s heart condition. It was over-the-counter medication that was not supposed to be coupled with physical activity in elderly patients with underlying conditions.

Later, as Tom lay in his hospital bed, he listened as I explained my findings.

“Tom, these pills are used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart rhythm disorders. Two things that you haven’t been diagnosed with. They can influence the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently during physical activity.”

Tom looked at me, shocked.

“Did someone prescribe these to you?”

Tom shook his head.

“No, it was my daughter, Carla. She’s always on some internet forum, trying to find things to prolong our lives.”

He chuckled.

“She probably read that these pills were supposed to make my heart stronger.”

“And do you understand why it’s so dangerous to take random pills?” I asked.

Tom nodded.

“Why was the bottle on the road?” I asked.

“Because I was late for my jog and wanted to pop them on the way.”

After my shift, I went over to Tom’s house. I wanted to confront Carla with the evidence and the dangers that came with health tips from unverified sources.

“Your intentions might be good, but these pills are not suitable for your father. They could have serious consequences, especially while he’s jogging. You need to be cautious about what you find on the internet, Carla.”

Naturally, she was defensive for a moment, and then the reality of the situation seemed to dawn on her. Carla sighed and took a sip of her tea.

“I never thought that it could be harmful. I just wanted Dad to be healthier. I won’t do it again, Daisy. Promise.”

“Come to me when you have any questions — if you want to try new things, just pop by and let me know. We can assess it together and see if it’s viable, okay?”

Carla agreed. And she decided to change her approach when it came to her father’s health.

Hopefully, this incident was a turning point for Carla and Tom. Tom is happy and healthy and continues to jog!

Has anything like this happened to you? Are you on any weird and wonderful supplements?

Here’s another story for you: Many people don’t like visiting the hospital, but sometimes, circumstances require us to. However, those doctor visits/appointments sometimes don’t turn out as expected, and patients end up in uncomfortable situations.