Opinion | Long COVID Persists as a Mass Disabling Event
Bonuck is a pediatric health researcher and a professor of family and social medicine. The latest CDC data on long COVID in U.S. adults and an alarming World Health Organization (WHO) statement about its long-term impact underscore the pandemic’s lingering and debilitating effects. Like the satirical film “Don’t Look Up,” in which scientists couldn’t focus […]
Threads May Not Replace Twitter in Medicine — Yet
Despite a promising launch, Threads — the social media app that hopes to unseat Twitter as a dominant space for online medical networking and communication — may not be ready to win over the medical community. Threads, a networking platform created by Meta, launched on July 6 and appears to mimic Twitter’s short-form messaging style. […]
The Ugly Truth About Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop
[embedded content] In this video, Mikhail Varshavski, DO — who goes by “Dr. Mike” on social media — breaks down the science (or lack thereof) behind Goop’s products and their claims. Following is a partial transcript of the video (note that errors are possible): Varshavski: Since the launch of Goop in 2008, Gwyneth Paltrow has […]
Doctor Reacts to Mind-Blowing Medical Conditions
[embedded content] In this video, Mikhail Varshavski, DO — who goes by “Dr. Mike” on social media — takes a look at rare and extreme medical conditions. Following is a partial transcript of the video (note that errors are possible): Varshavski: Let’s get started. Narrator: Deesa is a small agricultural town in Northwest India. Thirteen-year-old […]
10 Body Parts You Can (Legally) Sell
[embedded content] In this video, Mikhail Varshavski, DO — who goes by “Dr. Mike” on social media — reviews an alternative source of income: body parts. Following is a transcript of the video (note that errors are possible): Varshavski: Here’s how you can make money right now with no education or training, using only what’s […]
How Much Did Celebrities Influence Public Opinion on COVID?
Through the use of social media, celebrities and other people in the public eye helped to shape the public discourse and opinions on the COVID-19 pandemic and public health efforts, according to an analysis of over 45,000 tweets posted from January 2020 to March 2022. While there were small differences in sentiment observed, a “broadly […]
Opinion | Gaslighting and Dismissal: The Consequences of Invalidating Patients’ Concerns
Social media has really exposed the trauma caused by gaslighting, dismissal, and misogyny by medical professionals. Chronic illness groups are rife with posts recounting the poor treatment they suffered at the hands of doctors. Imagine presenting with extreme fatigue, intermittent balance problems, and tingling in your hands and, after a cursory exam, being told your […]
TikToks Only a Doctor Can Explain
[embedded content] In this video, Mikhail Varshavski, DO — who goes by “Dr. Mike” on social media — reacts to medical-related TikTok videos. Following is a partial transcript of the video (note that errors are possible): Varshavski: Show me your statistic before you make wild statistics! “Day 33 of kicking trees till I get shins […]
Habitually Checking Social Media May Be Linked to Preteen Brain Changes
Habitually checking social media may be associated with changes in the brain’s sensitivity to social rewards and punishments in preteens, according to an imaging-based study. Young adolescents who checked in to Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat at least 15 times per day also showed distinct longitudinal changes in their functional brain development, reported Eva H. Telzer, […]
This Is The Best Week To Take A Social Media Hiatus
Social media can be toxic at any time of year. Throw in the stressful and hectic nature of the holidays and it’s no wonder platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter can feel particularly annoying. People tend to post the good moments online, which means your feed likely has been a stream of holiday parties, cookie […]