What Man Does in Hospital Waiting Room Sparks Fury: 'Ridiculous'
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A post capturing a man vaping indoors at a hospital while sitting beside a person with breathing difficulties has gone viral, fueling anger about public vaping and raising questions about etiquette in shared health-care spaces.
The Reddit post was uploaded on July 15 on the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit by a user who did not share their name or age with Newsweek and asked to be identified only as "Quartz." The post features a photo of a man in a hospital waiting room holding a vaping device.
"I took the photo yesterday during an appointment for my grandfather. I'm not certain of the city, but it was taken in Mississippi," Quartz told Newsweek on Thursday.
The post, titled "Vaping In hospital waiting room," has received over 38,000 upvotes, with many expressing disbelief and criticism of the man's behavior. In a caption shared with the post, Quartz wrote: "I swear people can't go five minutes without sucking on their damn vape. Like. You're in a hospital? Already a no smoking zone why would your raspberry surprise ultra [vape] be any different?"
Quartz added that, while the room was quiet—"only the three of us in here"—the setting was still public. "My grandparents used to smoke but quit after my grandpa got lung cancer and he was in here waiting earlier. And I have my own breathing issues. You just never really know what people are walking into the waiting room with," the post read. "The least you could do is go outside or just wait and smoke later. 1/10 person would not recommend."
An image shared in a Reddit post showing a man using a vaping device in a hospital waiting room.
An image shared in a Reddit post showing a man using a vaping device in a hospital waiting room.
The global electronic cigarette and vape market size was estimated to be valued at $28 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $183 billion by 2030, according to a report by Grand View Research. North America dominated the global market with a share of over 40 percent in 2022, the report noted.
"The public's growing understanding of electronic cigarettes being safer than traditional cigarettes, particularly among younger people, is forecast to fuel market expansion due to numerous studies conducted by medical institutions and associations," the report said.
Quartz said they have undiagnosed asthma and have experienced breathing problems in the past, but do not carry a rescue inhaler. While the vaping wasn't constant, they still found it concerning given the environment.
"His vaping wasn't too big of a problem for me, given he wasn't doing it often, and I had a mask on," Quartz said. "It was just the three of us … with one camera in the corner and no staff around."
The hospital's layout also contributed to the inaction. "This particular waiting room was in a more-secluded area. It wasn't open like most others but was its own room. So, there wasn't really any openings to discreetly flag anyone down," Quartz said.
When asked why they didn't confront the man, Quartz cited safety and a lack of urgency. "It wasn't a super-pressing matter at the time," they added. "He left rather quickly after the photo was taken. He did come back about an hour or two later, but, again, it wasn't for long because I left soon after.
"But with the world we live in, and how vapers act when told they can't smoke, I didn't want to risk it over a small issue," Quartz added. "I didn't want to end up on the news over a vape."
Quartz said that the post was not intended to spark outrage against the individual. "All in all, the biggest takeaway from this situation wasn't to really shame anyone. I took a single photo and posted it to a place where people shared little irritating things they've found in their day-to-day lives … wasn't a big problem at the time," Quartz added.
"It really was just a simple post expressing frustration about bad social etiquette and not being considerate in public."
Online, however, the reaction was swift and critical.
"Seems that most people who vape have absolutely no consideration for those around them," wrote u/jasminesart.
"That's ridiculous. There is no reason you cannot wait until you leave or go outside/to your car," posted u/Pale-Folklore. "I vape, and I will not even take it out of my pocket unless I'm outside, at home, or in my car …"
"The hospital staff needs to tell him to stop. People are unhinged these days," wrote u/flying_cactus.
"If you have to vape that bad why wouldn't you just go in the bathroom for a minute," added u/SparkleSelkie.
"I work in a hospital. This happens all. Of. The. Time," commented u/Scrappyl77.
Another user, u/AdministrativeStep98, added: "Honestly, should be getting kicked out. Like if you're fine enough to vape in the waiting room, go outside and ask to be called when it's your turn. Don't expose others who are in fragile states to such toxic second hand smoke."
Do you have a similar story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Puppy Left Home Alone Outside Crate, Owner Films 'Disaster' They Return To
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In a viral Instagram video shared in July, an English bulldog puppy was left home alone for the first time out of her crate, and her owner was not ready for what she found when she returned home an hour later. The hilarious clip, shared under the username @ has a caption that says, "when you leave your puppy home alone outside of the crate for their first time and think you're coming home to a disaster." However, as the poster returns, prepared for the worst, she finds her puppy nestled between the couch and the pillows undisturbed, napping like a little angel all on her own. "Daisy's first time home alone outside of the crate for over an hour and this is what we come home to … A sweet sleepy princess," the caption says. Pet MD says that bulldogs aren't known for being very active, or for showing naughty behaviors such as excessive barking or digging. However, when they get bored, they may experience destructive behaviors, like all other pups. Destructive behavior in dogs can often be treated by identifying the root cause and implementing a consistent training and lifestyle adjustments. Treatment typically focuses on modifying the dog's environment and behavior, such as providing stimulating toys, reducing unsupervised time, and increasing physical activity and socialization. Dogs showing signs of separation anxiety may benefit from gradual desensitization to being alone and learning to dissociate cues like jingling keys from being left alone. It is important to discourage attention-seeking behaviors by only giving attention when the dog is calm. In severe cases, veterinarians may recommend medication for anxiety. Punishment is highly discouraged. Stock image: A bulldog lays on the couch on top of a brown blanket. Stock image: A bulldog lays on the couch on top of a brown blanket. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 223,000 views and almost 15,000 likes on the platform. One user, commented: "This happened to us too. If I forget something or come back early, she looks at me like, 'Why are you here?'" Kelliebiggins posted: "One day a week my bulldog stays home alone 8am-4pm … I honestly think it's her favorite day … She's exhausted from us all being home in the days prior and goes on a snooze marathon!" Angelabananangela added: "Why they always messing up the pillows though?!?" Newsweek reached out to @ for comment via Instagram messages. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Heartbreak as Mom Describes Giving Birth to Her Stillborn Daughter
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A grieving mom from New York has opened up about the heartbreaking experience of delivering a stillborn baby. Tiffany Paltauf (@thatvegancowgirl) posted a reel about the physical, emotional and psychological toll of losing a child at birth. "I wish that I had more time with Bella," the 28-year-old told Newsweek. "I had almost 40 weeks with her and I had an amazing pregnancy." Tiffany Paltauf, in a cherry-print headband and pink shirt, speaks to camera for her Instagram reel. Tiffany Paltauf, in a cherry-print headband and pink shirt, speaks to camera for her Instagram reel. @thatvegancowgirl Living on their animal sanctuary in Granville, Paltauf and husband, Joe Bonitatebus, 32, had already built memories with Bella before her birth. "Her and I had amazing memories of walking around the farm, eating good food and listening to music," Paltauf said. Bella passed away during a planned home birth but was delivered at the hospital at almost 40 weeks, weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces. Stillbirth remains a largely unspoken grief, affecting around 1 in 175 pregnancies in the United States each year, according to the CDC. But the physical aftermath is often overlooked. Paltauf explained how her body responded as if Bella had lived—her breast milk came in days later. "I seriously did not expect my milk to come in for some reason," Paltauf said. "I just assumed I would be cut some slack. I remember stuffing cold cabbage leaves in my bra and avoiding any and all stimulation to avoid my milk coming in any further." Tiffany also shared that there is "nothing more painful" than giving birth to a baby that comes out silent. "I wish I was prepared more for what it would be like to give birth to Bella sound asleep, but truly nobody can prepare a mom for that," Paltauf said. "When I was pushing, my husband and I were holding each other's hands so tight and praying she would come out screaming, and she didn't." Support from medical professionals was mixed. While Tiffany praised the kindness of her midwifes and hospital staff, she recounted a painful encounter with a bereavement specialist. Paltauf said: "She and I got into an argument because I wanted to leave the hospital because I was in complete shock; she told me I wasn't a good mom. It was awful." To help someone support grieving parents, Paltauf added: "I wish more people knew how important and powerful it is to simply say, 'I am so sorry, I am thinking of you and Bella,' instead of, 'Everything happens for a reason.'" If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work and your story could be featured on Newsweek's "What Should I Do? section.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Petition to 'Release Trump's FULL Medical Records' Grows
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. More than 8,000 people have signed a petition calling for President Donald Trump to release all his medical records. On July 17, the White House confirmed Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following growing concerns about visible swelling in the president's legs and bruises on his hands. Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email. Why It Matters Historically, U.S. presidents and presidential candidates have released their medical information to build public trust and reassure voters. The issue has become more urgent as the median age of presidents in the U.S. has risen, with cognitive and physical decline becoming pointed campaign topics. The health of then-President Joe Biden was a major issue before he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, with Trump repeatedly questioning whether he was fit for office. What To Know The author of the Care2 petition titled "Release Trump's FULL Medical Records NOW" wrote: "After everyone with eyes was able to plainly see Trump's swollen legs, discolorations, and other troubling symptoms, the White House FINALLY released a snippet of health information—Trump has 'chronic venous insufficiency.' In tones normally reserved for a hangnail, they said this was no big deal, very common, nothing to see here... "Except that this can indicate a very serious heart condition, possibly life-threatening, along with a range of other very dangerous ailments. But we don't have the full records, so we have to take the word of chronic liars. "Add your name, and demand that ALL Trump's medical records be released, as has been common practice for presidents for decades. "This also must include cognitive, memory, and related tests, given the rapidly worsening symptoms Trump has been showing on that front as well (including an utterly bizarre public rant about the Unabomber and Trump's uncle). "This man has his finger on the nuclear button, which is already frightening. But if he's falling apart physically and mentally, that takes it to a whole other level. And we need to know that, so we can act accordingly." The White House announced Trump's diagnosis in a memo from Sean Barbabella, the president's physician. "The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," the memo said. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said in a news briefing that the president's medical team found "no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease." She said Trump was not in any discomfort with the condition. The diagnosis came after members of the public began questioning photographs showing Trump with heavily swollen ankles. The president's health has long been a subject of public scrutiny, especially given his age. Trump, who turned 79 last month, became the oldest person to be inaugurated president when he began his second term in January. While Trump has released intermittent updates over the years, calls for full transparency have intensified, particularly following then-Vice President Kamala Harris' detailed medical disclosure in October. Trump has shared limited information—including a November 2023 letter from his physician, which describes him as being in "excellent health." The letter cited favorable lab results, weight loss and "exceptional" cognitive performance. However, it lacked specific metrics. The president also scored 30 out of 30 on a Montreal Cognitive Assessment in 2018, according to then-White House physician Ronny Jackson, but no recent cognitive evaluations have been released. His medical history includes high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and a COVID-19 hospitalization in 2020. According to various reports, Trump takes medications for cholesterol, cardiac prevention and rosacea. In 2024, he underwent cataract surgery and a colonoscopy that showed a benign polyp and diverticulitis. President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 18. President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 18. AP What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? CVI is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart. This occurs when the one-way valves inside the leg veins—responsible for keeping blood flowing upward—become damaged or weakened. As a result, blood can pool in the lower extremities, leading to swelling, discomfort and a range of other symptoms. The condition is most often caused by factors such as aging, obesity, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, a history of blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis), or the presence of varicose veins. Over time, the increased pressure from trapped blood can lead to visible changes in the skin and even open sores, particularly around the ankles. Symptoms of CVI include leg swelling, aching or cramping, heaviness, visible varicose veins, skin discoloration, and in more advanced cases, ulcers around the ankles. These symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and improve with leg elevation. President Donald Trump's foot and swollen ankle as he sits with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House on July 16. President Donald Trump's foot and swollen ankle as he sits with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House on July 16. AP What People Are Saying Sean Barbabella, the president's physician, shared the following details from a physical in a memo shown to Newsweek in April: "President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function. His active lifestyle continues to contribute significantly to his well-being. "President Trump's days include participation in multiple meetings, public appearances, press availability, and frequent victories in golf events. President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State." Then-Vice President Kamala Harris said in October: "I put out my medical records. He won't put out his medical records. And you have to ask, why is this staff doing that? And it may be because they think he's just not ready, and [is] unfit and unstable and should not have that level of transparency for the American people." What Happens Next It remains to be seen how the administration will respond to concerns about Trump's health and the ongoing push for transparency.
