Wellness and Health in the Public Eye as Perceived in Newsletters

Health

 Everywhere people are talking about health and wellbeing.  Many now look to websites and internet resources for guidance.  Newsletters are one frequent means by which people receive this counsel.  Often included in these emails are health advice, product recommendations, or the newest wellness trends.  Often mentioned in these publications is Dr. Mercola, famed for promoting natural health concepts.  But how much do these newsletters influence people’s perceptions of their health?

 Building Trust by Means of Consistent Information

 People begin to anticipate receiving a newsletter from a website when it is routinely sent out.  With time, readers grow increasingly linked to the sender.  Even if they don’t always verify other sources, people might start to believe the health recommendations provided.  This confidence influences their perspective on health risks, diets, supplements, or wellbeing.

 Simplifying Health Trends

 Many newsletters take difficult-to-understand research and distill it into brief, easy advice.  For instance, they could say why sleep is crucial or how a particular diet benefits the body.  Readers may easily learn without being overrun.  People who grasp things better are more inclined to experiment with new practices or goods.

Dr. Mercola

 Emphasizing Some Experts or Opinions

 Newsletters usually emphasize particular health professionals or concepts.  Should one website continue to highlight someone like Dr. Mercola, people would consider him a leading voice in wellness.  Eventually, this might cause people to follow his recommendations almost unquestioningly.  It also implies that the newsletter significantly influences which health opinions individuals focus on.

 Restating Important Messages

 Readers are more likely to think those things are significant when a newsletter repeatedly discussing the same health issues—like detoxifying, fasting, or avoiding particular foods.  Though it omits other useful concepts, this unrelenting messaging creates a particular perspective of what health is.

 Mentioned frequently in newsletters, Dr. Mercola is one of several names that can influence perceptions of health. A website’s newsletter can influence people’s thoughts, emotions, and actions around their health more than simply provide advice.  These newsletters can significantly influence public opinion by means of trusted speakers, reiteration of important concepts, and straightforward explanations of health.

How to Tell if Health Claims Made Online Are Real

Health

A lot more people are looking for health information online.  A lot of people share health tips, special meals, and new treatments on social media.  There may be people here who aren’t doctors and people who are doctors.  You may see the name Dr. Mercola a lot because he is a well-known online health guide.  But how do you know which claims are true?

 Check out what they can do

 If someone gives you health tips, make sure they have real medical training before you trust them.  Are they a qualified doctor or professional in health?  You can look up their name on medical or government health websites to see if they are on the list.  It’s better not to accept someone’s advice if they don’t have any real credentials.

 Check where the information came from

 Any health claims you make should be backed up by studies or the views of experts.  If someone says a vitamin can heal a sickness, they need to show proof from a real science or medical magazine.  If they only say vague things like “research shows” without referring to the real research, you should be wary.

Dr. Mercola

 Be wary of claims that seem too good to be true

 It’s likely true if something sounds too good to be true.  Watch out for claims like “cure all diseases” or “works right away.”  It may take time for real health solutions to work for everyone.  Also, don’t follow advice that says you should stop taking your normal medicine without first talking to your doctor.

 See what experts have to say

 Check out health websites that you can trust, like the World Health Organization, the Mayo Clinic, or WebMD.  It’s more likely to be true if a lot of pros say it.  People like Mercola may have given advice that is different from what your doctor tells you, so you can also look into whether doctors or scientists have argued with them.

 Look for information that is fair

 A real doctor will talk about both the pros and cons of a treatment.  It’s a bad sign when someone only talks about the good things and not the risks.  People you can trust will tell you the truth so you can make smart decisions.

 Most of the time, Dr. Mercola and other health supporters share good ideas that help a lot of people.  But before you try something new, you should make sure you know the facts.  Your health is too important to depend on information that hasn’t been proven.

 Always check who is giving you help, what proof they have, and what experts you trust say to stay safe.  Before you do anything you read online, talk to your doctor.  You can protect your health and make the best decisions if you are careful.