4 Things Your Doctor Actually Hates (and Why They Matter for Health)

ABSTRACT

Learn 4 everyday habits doctors hate — from cleaning ears with cotton swabs to using alcohol to quench thirst — and how these habits sabotage your health and fitness goals. Backed by science and personal trainer insights, discover what to avoid and why it matters for long-term well-being. Simple, evidence-based advice for staying healthy, hydrated, and injury-free.

Key Topics

• doctor dislikes habits harming health

• things doctors hate

• habits that sabotage health

• health mistakes to avoid

• personal trainer health tips

• earwax cleaning risks

• ear swab dangers

• wound licking risk infection

• flu vaccine myths vs facts

• does flu shot cause flu

• alcohol dehydration effects

• diuretic alcohol hydration

Fitness Tips / Photo: Aleksandar Andreev

Introduction

You're always told what you should do, but do you really know what your doctor hates? I've extracted my favorites from the Harvard Health Publications article "10 Things People Do That Doctors Hate" for you. Whether this list relates to fitness or weight loss, it certainly affects your overall health (which destroys any effort with a personal trainer). Make each one your priority (and I'll tell you why here).

1. USING COTTON TIP SWABS TO CLEAN EARS

Inserting a cotton-tipped swab into the ear can push ear wax farther into the canal and may damage the eardrum.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: Usually, I need to wear 'Earplanes' earplugs to minimize the pressure or pain in my ears during and after flights. I never experienced any discomfort until my flight to Denver 6 years ago. To my surprise, earplugs weren't to blame. When I visited the doctor, I learned that earwax was pressing against my eardrum. Ironically, I always cleaned my ears with swabs! I thought I was removing the earwax when, in fact, I was pushing it and other particles back (what an excellent thought). The moral of this story: Clean your ears every once in a while with a swab, but don't obsess over it, and rely on less evasive measures (you are placing a stick in your ear, after all).

2. LICKING WOUNDS

...as natural as it may be for animals to lick their wounds, the human mouth is full of bacteria.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: Hmmmmmm...Although mirroring our animal counterparts is fun, you may want to consider setting a new boundary. Any time you wound yourself, you should always minimize the risk of infection. Licking the fresh cut isn't the answer. The bacteria in your mouth will only add fire to something already burning. Be sure to disinfect and bandage as soon as possible, and save the licking for the zoo.

3. REFUSING THE FLU SHOT BECAUSE "I ALWAYS GET THE FLU AFTERWARD"

The vaccine is made from inactive virus particles.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: There isn't much else to say here except "The vaccine is made from inactive virus particles." The flu shot will NOT make you sick. If you feel ill afterward, consider it a result of something you already contracted.

4. DRINKING BEER TO QUENCH A SUMMER THIRST.

Alcohol can act as a diuretic. So instead of conserving water on a hot summer’s day, your kidneys spill more water.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: Nothing quenches your thirst on a hot, humid day in Chicago like an Old Style beer, right? Not all liquids are created equal; beer isn't the exception here. It does the opposite since it acts as a diuretic (sorry!). Considering that your liver and kidneys are two of your most important organs for longevity, you may want to mindfully choose a glass of water first.

What things has your doctor told you he or she hated? Anything related to weight loss or personal fitness?

---

Research-Based Citations

1. Influenza Vaccine Safety & Effectiveness

• Robinson, J. J., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of influenza vaccination to prevent severe disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Microbiology and Infection.
  DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2025.09.023
  PMID: n/a (article indexed via publisher)
  Publisher: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2025.09.023

  Why it supports your post: Shows real-world evidence that seasonal flu vaccination reduces severe influenza outcomes and hospitalizations.

2. Immunogenicity & Safety of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

• Tang, W., Lu, X., Zhu, Z., et al. (2025). The immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine and a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in individuals with chronic diseases. Frontiers in Immunology.
  PMID: n/a (indexed via publisher)
  DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1624095
  Publisher: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1624095

  Why it supports your post: Demonstrates that inactivated flu vaccines have acceptable safety profiles and are well tolerated, including in chronic disease populations.

3. Wound Microbiome & Infection Risk

• Matsuoka, M. S., et al. (2025). Natural and induced immune responses in oral cavity and saliva. BMC Immunology.
  PMID: 38907418
  DOI: 10.1186/s12865-025-00713-8
  Publisher: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12865-025-00713-8

  Why it supports your post: Highlights the microbial complexity of saliva and the immune mechanisms in the oral cavity, thereby supporting caution regarding the placement of saliva into wounds due to the risk of bacterial contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1: Can cleaning ears with cotton swabs cause harm?
Yes. Inserting cotton swabs deeply into the ear canal can push earwax further into the ear canal and risk damaging the eardrum, potentially causing impaction or injury. Avoid deep probing and instead use safer ear-cleaning practices.

2: Is licking wounds good for healing?
A2: No. Although saliva is instinctive, it contains bacteria that can increase the risk of infection when introduced into an open wound. Proper wound care involves cleaning the wound with an antiseptic and covering it with a sterile bandage.

3: Will the flu shot give me the flu?
No. The standard flu vaccine contains inactive virus particles or virus-like antigens that cannot cause influenza. Mild side effects can occur, but they aren’t the flu itself.

4: Does drinking beer hydrate you in hot weather?
Alcohol, like beer, acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and potentially contributing to dehydration. Water and electrolyte-rich beverages are more effective for hydration, particularly in hot environments.

5: Why should I avoid certain habits for fitness and health?
Habits that compromise immune function, hydration, or wound integrity can undermine exercise recovery, immunity, and overall health — ultimately limiting progress toward fitness goals.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!