Beware of Misinformation

June 30, 2023: Episode 97

There is extensive misinformation floating around, in our minds, on the internet, in written, typed & spoken words. Some people spread harmful mistruths while others blindly accept them as fact.

People utilize social media platforms to seek medical advice pertaining to themselves, their children or pets.These groups aren't exclusive to pediatricians or veterinarians. They are a mix of typical people who aren't qualified to answer these queries.

These are the posts that I came across within 5 minutes of being on Facebook: A person stated that coffee grounds are safe around pets. Another said that their human child had a serious head injury & asked if they should seek medical attention. Yet another asked if a suspicious mass on their dog's body was cancerous. Yes, the internet holds a wealth of information. Yet, we shouldn't blindly accept everything we read as factual, especially when it pertains to the health of our loved ones. They are trusting that we love them enough to make informed, well researched decisions. When in doubt, seek medical care.

Please do your due diligence prior to making decisions that affect the health of your children or pets. Converse with your pediatrician or veterinarian. Get second or third opinions if you desire. Take a reputable course online, or read books, if time allows. Hypothesize, but then seek the answers. Don't rely on social media to diagnose medical conditions. Don't trust words as fact simply because they've been posted online. Your life & the lives of your loved ones are important & deserving of safe acts.

Nakala Matthews, Lover of Animals & People, Safety Advocate, Proponent of Research & Due Diligence