Mohammad Sulaiman Al-Ehaidib

Okaz

There are have been major developments in the channels of communication in the past few years. Information has become very accessible today. However, we have not yet realized the importance of double-checking information and ensuring that it is true and from a reliable source. We are making a big mistake if we do not scrutinize the avalanche of information we receive and see on a daily basis.

Some people do not really care, they believe everything they read and never double-check anything. Recently, there has been a huge amount of health information circulated on social media websites in addition to all types of products that are being promoted. The organizations and people promoting this information pretend to care about public health but all they care about is promoting their products. We all receive such information on our cell phones, and via WhatsApp, email, Twitter and Facebook. I urge readers to always double-check information and consult authentic sources of information that are trustworthy and only publish scientifically proven information.

It is sad that some radio stations, satellite TV channels and even newspapers publish and broadcast wrong information that misleads viewers and readers. Much of this information relates to health. Unfortunately, media channels sometimes broadcast information that is clearly untrue.

I was listening to a radio station the other day and a plastic surgeon spoke about Botox, saying that it could be used for different purposes including stopping sweat for four to six months. The surgeon stressed that it was safe for men to use Botox and that there were no side effects. How could a medical product that prevents perspiration and the secretion of bodily toxins not have any side effects? This does not make sense. There must be side effects but the surgeon probably does not want to talk about them or does not know about them in the very first place.