A popular personality with over 4 lakh followers on Instagram, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Manan Vora’s book ‘But What Does Science Say?’, which was recently lauched at the Pune Book Festival held at Fergusson College Ground, debunks 101 health myths prevalent in India. From rebutting widely claimed benefits of ashwagandha and turmeric to emphasising the safety of microwave ovens and whey protein, the book covers important everyday topics.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr Vora talked about his journey as a doctor, making content on social media and health misinformation in India.
Speaking about what motivated him to start making videos on Instagram, Dr Vora said, “I did COVID duty in the first wave but not in the second wave, so I had more time on my hands. I saw so many random people make videos about health and about coronavirus, which got me thinking that if people with no credibility and qualification can, why are doctors not doing it? So that’s when I put out my first video.”
When asked about his take on online misinformation originating from alternative medicine, Dr Vora said, “This topic is very controversial as modern medicine practitioners can at anytime try to comment on it. It gets misconstrued as them trying to sell their services or wanting people to fall sick so that they can make more money. It has been fed to people that ayurveda or homeopathy is natural, and modern medicine is artificial. At the end of the day, it should be about what is scientific and what is not scientific, and not about what is herbal or natural.”
Regarding social media influencers who make emotional appeals to viewers on medical topics without having the qualification to do so, he said, “You really can’t counter it because social media has given everyone a platform. Some influencers are not doctors but speak froma place of good research and science. Some are doctors but talk about a lot of misleading stuff. Some have understood that going anti-healthcare industry or anti-pill and trying to give natural solutions to everything is a smarter way to gain views. So, everything is agenda driven.”
1. Cracking knuckles causes arthritis.
No. The sound is gas bubbles bursting due to pressure.
2. Microwave radiation destroys vitamins in food or causes cancer.
Heating food in a microwave is harmless and does not cause cancer.
3. Immunity boosters are necessary to be healthy.
The immune system is already led by white blood cells. Immunity boosters are like ‘bringing sand to the beach’.
4. Detox products help clean the body of toxins.
There is little evidence that detox products work. Our liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and digestive system deal with toxins well.
5. Sunscreen just prevents sunburns
Sunscreen prevents not just sunburns but also premature ageing and skin cancer.
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
