Today in our program, we’ll be talking about a caution on using AI for health advice.
Next, could tap water be a better option than bottled water?
And for our last piece, an uplifting story on how a nine-year-old’s idea is bringing joy and strength to children battling cancer.
Welcome to Health Channel News.
So to start, a recent article in the New York Times reveals how Americans are increasingly turning to AI for their health information. The article cites a recent survey that revealed nearly one in six adults refer to chatbots at least once a month to get medical advice. In adults younger than 30, the number rose to one in four.
The author notes that many are using chatbots like ChatGPT to explain new symptoms and explore treatment options. People are not always replacing doctors with chatbots. Instead, they’re using AI to double-check the diagnosis provided by their own healthcare practitioners.
A bioethicist and neurologist at Yale School of Medicine observed that AI can help patients research their condition but warns of the potential drawbacks. This includes wrong or incomplete medical information and one other key problem. Chatbots answer questions with an air of authority.
He said it can be a lot more persuasive and appear a lot more complete to patients than the spotty fragments that they may find by Googling. The article noted that this can give patients misplaced confidence.
Just how confident are users in their ability to discern between AI’s true and false information? While the cited survey revealed that less than 10% of respondents felt very confident that they could tell the difference, one patient advocate commented that all chatbot answers needed to be treated with skepticism. He cautioned, these are powerful tools to help advance your thinking. We don’t want people to think that this gives instant answers so that they don’t have to think anymore.
Our next story, many people think bottled water is safer and healthier than tap water, but recent findings suggest otherwise.
According to a new report from the Environmental Working Group, tap water in the United States is subject to stricter safety regulations than bottled water. Tap water is tested frequently for contaminants and must meet specific safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In contrast, bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has less stringent testing requirements and only tests bottled water once a year.
The report highlighted that some bottled water brands may contain microplastics, chemicals, and other contaminants. Moreover, bottled water can also contain pollutants from its plastic containers, especially if the bottles are exposed to heat or sunlight. Experts recommend that if you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, using a home water filter can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
The article concludes that in many cases, tap water can be just as safe, if not safer, than bottled water, and that reducing bottled water use can help decrease plastic waste, which is a growing environmental concern.
And now, for our final story, a nine-year-old girl named Emma has brought a unique source of comfort and happiness to children battling cancer. Emma’s idea began when she saw her cousin undergoing chemotherapy and noticed how lonely and scared he felt. Wanting to help, Emma started a project called “Chemo Buddies,” where she donates handmade dolls to children going through cancer treatment.
Each doll is made with love and includes a personal note from Emma. The dolls are soft, comforting, and come in different colors and designs. They’ve become a source of comfort for young patients, helping them feel less alone and reminding them that someone is thinking of them. Emma’s project has gained widespread attention, and she’s received donations and support from people across the country, allowing her to make and deliver even more dolls to hospitals.
Emma says her goal is simple: to bring a smile to kids who are going through tough times and let them know that they have a friend by their side. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of how one person, regardless of age, can make a positive impact in the lives of others.
