We all know that celebrities can say the daftest of things. But misleading medical or scientific claims shouldn't be one of them, says Sense About Science.
However, according to the charity, things have improved over the last year – thanks, possibly, to agents briefing their celebrity clients more effectively and more journalists questioning what celebrities say, rather than reporting their comments without checking first. But some could do better, most notably Sarah Beeney, Stella McCartney, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman and Gillian McKeith.
Sarah and Stella were singled out for talking out of turn about chemicals in make-up and skincare, claims that are untrue, say Sense About Science experts. Meanwhile Gwyneth was blasted for claiming that her macrobiotic diet could help her avoid cancer, which runs in her family, and Nicole was criticised for her support for the Nintendo-based Dr Kawashima's Brain Training game, which, say Sense About Science experts, has not been proved to improve cognitive function.
Gillian McKeith, on the other hand, came under fire for more than one misleading remark. But it's not just celebrities who make the odd misleading health claim. Many trained health experts often make contradicting claims, plus there's a wealth of questionable information masquerading as sound health advice on the internet.
Fact or Hype?
So how on earth is the ordinary man on the street to make sense of it all?
Smart Health Choices is an essential guide to making sense of health advice. It arms the reader with a healthy scepticism as well as the tools for evaluating the messages they're confronted with on a regular basis – whether those messages come from a specialist, general practitioner, naturopath, the media, the internet or a well-intentioned friend or family member. Or celebrity. Smart Health Choices highlights why some health advice may be misleading and offers ways to identify meaningful health claims and research, and explains why it can sometimes be unwise to rely on the opinions of experts (let alone non-medically-trained celebs). Where your health is concerned, isn't it essential to know the facts before making any kind of decision, no matter how small? Smart Health Choices shows how to get to those facts rather than be overwhelmed by information that may, at best, be unreliable.
Smart Health Choices is by Professor Les Irwig, Judy Irwig, Dr Lyndal Trevena and Melissa Sweet and published by Hammersmith Press
About the authors:
Les Irwig is Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Sydney, Australia, and an internationally renowned authority on evidence-based medicine who is widely published in international medical journals. He has also run courses to help journalists and the public understand how to interpret and use health information.
Judy Irwig, wife of Professor Irwig, represents the healthcare consumer. Her non-medical background allows her to explain ideas in layman's language and avoid technical jargon or assumptions that can come from years of medical training.
Lyndal Trevena is a general practitioner and senior lecturer in the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney. For more information about her work visit www.medfac.usyd.edu.au/people/academics/profiles/lyndalt.php
Melissa Sweet is an Australian writer and journalist who has been reporting on health and medical issues for more than 15 years.
Back to Other HEALTH FEATURES |
Why Eye Tests For Children Are Important
