Diabetes is very common in India. As a result, most patients and their loved ones now seem to think that they know everything about it. Such overfamiliarity leads to myths that are not backed by scientific evidence. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Prabhakaran Dorairaj as we tackle some of these myths, understand the practices a diabetic patient should actually follow, and share ideas for a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the diabetes epidemic in the country. Dr. Prabhakaran Dorairaj is the Vice President of Research and Policy, and Director at the Centre for Control of Chronic Conditions, Public Health Foundation of India.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources:
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru
The world knows that tobacco consumption is dangerous and health experts have been telling us that the habit needs to be kicked. So, in this episode, we look at the way forward on this problem that has its tentacles hooked deep in all parts of the country. Senior Public Health expert Dr Sonu Goel joins us on this episode.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources:
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru
Tobacco consumption in the twenty-first century is a puzzling thing. There is enough science to tell us it is a bad thing and yet, people continue to use it in large numbers. So, in this episode, we look at the myths around tobacco usage that make it so attractive, examine the law around it in India, and understand some of the effects it has on its users.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources:
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru
Mental health is a complex topic where real issues are ignored but false assumptions and misinformation are paraded as the truth. In this episode, we look at some of these myths and their effects and get an expert view on the mental health situation in India and the way forward. Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Debanjan Banerjee joins us on this episode.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources:
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru and Suresh Dharavath
From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, misinformation has been hand-in-hand with authentic information. In this episode, we do a deep dive into who the stakeholders in COVID-19 communication are, how they are connected to one another, and possible solutions to coming out of this infodemic. Joining us in this episode is Professor K. Vishwanath.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources:
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru and Suresh Dharavath
Early diagnosis and a scientific treatment plan are the most important tools in the fight against cancer, followed by faith and a positive attitude. In part two of two on Un-Viral's cancer special, we listen to senior oncologists Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath and Dr. Vinay Deshmane take us through each of these aspects of cancer treatment and the way forward in cancer research.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources:
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru and Suresh Dharavath
The word 'cancer' strikes a deep fear in educated and uneducated people alike, probably because it is seen as an unbeatable disease that always leads to death. But senior oncologists Dr. Vinay Deshmane and Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath quash this and other myths about cancer in the first part of Un-Viral's cancer episode.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources:
1. Understanding the Basics of Cancer
2. Understanding Cancer: Cancer Factsheet in India
3. Busting the Myths about Cancer
4. Types and Symptoms of Cancer: Here and here
5. Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment of Cancer
6. Myths about Biopsy
7. Chemotherapeutic Potential of Cow Urine: A Review and Survey
8. Complementary and Alternative Treatment for Cancer
9. Fact-checks on Home-made Remedies as Cures for Cancer: Here and here
10. Case Study of Malayalam Actor Jishnu Raghavan on Alternative Therapy for Cancer
11. Dr. Geeta Kadaprath
12. Indian Cancer Society
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru and Suresh Dharavath
As a society, we tend to look at sex as a procedure followed by a married man and woman to have a child. But seeing sex in this narrow light means that unmarried people of all sexual orientations get left in the dark. And it means poor contraception leading to unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted infections. Time to lose the stigma and talk about sex openly, making way for better sexual health for all. Joining us in 'Episode 5' are Sydney-based dermatologist and venereologist, Dr. Niveditha Manokaran and certified sexuality educator, Ms. Karishma Swarup
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru and Suresh Dharavath
Episode 4 is all about maternal health. Is the first breast fluid a mother produces good or harmful for the baby? Is it normal for a new mother to not be immediately emotionally attached to her baby? We are joined by obstetrician-gynaecologist, Dr Ankesh Sahetya, as we talk about these and several other issues on this edition of Un-Viral.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru
Episode 3 is all about the importance of talking about menstrual health. Removing the stigma around periods by breaking down the walls of misinformation around it is the surest way to normalise menstruation. We do this with inputs from physician, Dr. Tanaya Narendra and the founder of Paint It Red, Ms. Ananya Chhaochharia.
Un-Viral is a podcast where we at Factly tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Resources
1. Myths and Misconceptions about Menstruation: Study, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada
2. Menstrual Cost to the Environment and Period Poverty
3. Taboos Drive Unhygienic Menstrual Practices
4. Spot On!: Improving Menstrual Management in India
5. The Tale of Waterwives in Drought States
6. Guide to Using Menstrual Cups
7. The Virginity Myth: TED Talk by Nina Dølvik Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl
8. Paint It Red: website
9. Dr. Tanaya Narendra a.k.a. Dr. Cuterus: Instagram
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru
Un-Viral is a podcast where we at Factly tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.
Episode 2 is all about nutrition, covering obesity, malnutrition, and what lies in between. Joining us on the show is Dr. GM Subbarao, Scientist-E of Health Communication at the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition.
Resources
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru
Episode 1 is all about immunisation—COVID-19 and beyond. Joining us on the show is Dr Shimna Azeez, who has been the face of the campaign against anti-vaccine fake news in Malappuram, Kerala.
Resources
1. Misinformation blamed for a slow start to India vaccine drive
2. A comprehensive view by The Guardian on vaccine scepticism
3. Vaccine misinformation management field guide
4. This Kerala doctor injected herself to convince reluctant parents about the MR vaccine
5. Anticipating the Unintended's newsletter on the vaccine question
Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru