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:

1.  International Diabetes Federation facts and figures
2.  Understanding Type 1, Type 2 & gestational diabetes
3.  Diabetes myths debunked here, here, and here
4.  Why are Indians more prone to diabetes?
5.  ICMR guidelines for the management of Type 2 diabetes in India | Dr. Mohan's diabetes diet 
6.  Indian Diabetes Prevention Program (IDPP)- Lifestyle modification and metformin to significantly reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes
7.  Beware of the quacks: A case study of 'Dr.' Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury; fact-check
8.  Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed? 
9.  Understanding genetics and diabetes
10.  Celebrities and diabetes: Managing lifestyles
11.  Diabetes resources: RSSDI, Indian Medical Association on preventing diabetic blindness, American Diabetes Association guidelines
12.  Smoking/Tobacco consumption and diabetes: A CDC overview
13.  Campaigns to prevent and manage diabetes in India: RSSDI campaign and Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program 
14. The Health Misinformation Report

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:

1. Understanding National Tobacco Control Programme NTCP and the COTPA Act
2. Report on Tobacco Control Law in India – Origins and Proposed Reforms released by NLSIU
3. Innovative approaches to implement MPOWER policies in low-resource settings: A significant reduction in tobacco use (21.2%–16.1%) since Global Adult Tobacco Survey-1 in Himachal Pradesh, India
4. National guidelines for tobacco cessation 
5. Quit Tobacco: National Health Portal of India | Quitting Smoking & Tobacco Use: CDC Guide
6. Tobacco labelling regulations in India
7. Delhi Government Health Department issues show-cause notice to Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan over endorsing a Pan Masala brand
8. Tobacco causes 1 death every 8 seconds in India: Report
9. India loses 1% of its GDP to diseases and early deaths from tobacco use, finds WHO study
10. Economic Burden of Tobacco-Related Diseases in India: Report
11. Tobacco Institute of India: Factsheet  
12.  Impact of Tobacco Cultivation on Farmers 
13. Centre drafts law to increase the legal age of smoking to 21 years

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:

1. Understanding the COTPA Act 
2. Systemic review report on tobacco products and health issues in India 
3. Common myths and misconceptions about tobacco: here, here, and here
4. Myths on safer alternatives: Hookah
5. Understanding herbal tobacco products
6. Why E-cigarettes need to remain banned in India
7. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control | MPOWER measures
8. WHO report calls for addressing 'New and Emerging Products': Factly
9. Impact of tobacco products on the environment
10. ICAR-CTRI Resources
11. Tobacco dependence treatment guidelines in India | Quit tobacco: cessation programme
    
    

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:

1. Mental health consequences of COVID-19 media coverage: the need for effective crisis communication practices 
2. A study of Patients attending Mehendipur Balaji Temple: Psychiatric and psychodynamic aspects
3. India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people: How telemedicine can bridge the gap between health experts and patients?
4. Mental health implications of COVID-19 pandemic and its response in India
5. National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16
6. Indian mental health statistics on World Economic Forum
7. WHO Resources on Mental Health, India
8. Myths and misconceptions on Mental Health: UNICEF, NCBI
9. Mental Health programs in schools: WHO Framework
10. Mental Health Resources/Tips: MoHFW, The Indian Express
11. List of verified resources/mental health helplines: Vogue, Ticketfairy, Grazia

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:

1. About Professor K. Vishwanath
2. COVID-19 Mythbusters
3. The COVID-19 social media infodemic
4. Social media & COVID-19: A global study of digital crisis interaction among Gen Z and Millennials
5. Need to monitor any vaccine-escaping COVID-19 variants, says ICMR study in Odisha on breakthrough infections
6. Improving vaccination coverage in India: Lessons from Intensified Mission Indradhanush
7. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: 12 Things You Need to Know
8. Fact -Checking and Information in the Age of Covid

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:

1. Breast Cancer Resources: Early Diagnosis, Self Breast Examination
2. Cancer Patient Aid Association, Online Support Group for Hindi-speaking Breast Cancer Patients
3. Breast Self Examination in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam
4. Cervical Cancer Resources: Here and here 
5. Types of Cancers
6. Promoting Cancer Early Diagnosis
7. Importance of Positive Attitude while Battling Cancer
8. Cancer Support Groups: Here and here
9. Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath
10. Indian Cancer Society

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

1. Understanding the disadvantages of the pull-out/withdrawal method
2. CDC guide on the right way to use an external condom 
3. Safe sex: How condoms can help prevent STIs 
4. Choosing the right contraception
5. Understanding Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUDs) in India 
6. Guidelines for safe sex practices here and here
7. Handbook on medical methods of abortion in India 
8. Everything you need to know on abortion in India
9. WHO guidelines for the management of Sexually Transmitted Infections
10. Why India needs to impart comprehensive sexuality education in its schools now more than ever  
11. Comprehensive sexuality education brief

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

1. Pregnancy Myths and misconceptions in the Indian context
2. 6 in 10 women in India face the risk of anaemia
3. Targeting underlying factors to accelerate the anaemia reduction among pregnant women in India
4. The onus of contraception in India 
5. Social beliefs, customs, and superstitions associated with the care of mother and newborn baby: a case study from Bundelkhand region in central India
6. The incidence of abortion and unintended pregnancy in India, 2015
7. Notes on postpartum depression

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

1. WHO COVID-19 advice for the public: Mythbusters
2. Right to Protein Initiative: Protein Paradox study
3. NFHS 5 Phase I data
4. Nutrition warriors: the prevalent malpractice of Daagna
5. Guava with an institutional supplementary meal improves the iron status of preschoolers
6. National Institute of Nutrition: My Plate For The Day Report

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