TheHEALTH September/October 2025 | Page 3

September-October. 2025 | The HEALTH
CONTENTS

03

The HEALTH says...

Misinformation endangers lives

P20 Behind the label Generic medicines are not inferior; they contain the same active ingredient and deliver the same therapeutic effects as originator drugs
P22 Vape is less harmful? Think again! One in five people in emergencies struggles with mental health conditions, yet support is often seen as optional
P23 Science of ego depletion As the brain gets tired, especially the prefrontal cortex, our ability to perform at a high level diminishes- a phenomenon known as ego depletion
P24 Conditioning and prevention Conditioning is about preparing the body to handle the demands of sport. Strong muscles, joints, and ligaments help prevent common injuries, such as sprains and strains
P25 Ageing biomarkers and longevity Healthy Longevity Medicine focuses not just on living longer but on extending the years lived in good health by targeting the biological processes of ageing
P26-27 The surprising science behind fitness Exercise triggers beneficial changes across every system in the body— strengthening the heart, sharpening the brain, and even influencing gene expression for longevity and resilience
10
Recent comments from U. S. President Donald Trump about Tylenol( paracetamol) and its safety for pregnant women have caused a lot of debate. His claim that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol because it might be linked to autism is not supported by science and could harm public health.
In today ' s world, where false information spreads quickly, public figures need to share accurate health information. Trump ' s claims repeat old theories that have been proven wrong about acetaminophen and autism.
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration( FDA) has made it clear that, while some studies suggest a possible link between acetaminophen use and autism, no direct cause-and-effect relationship has been found. The FDA states that paracetamol is still the safest option for treating pain and fever in pregnant women, which health officials in countries like the UK also support.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia( MOH) has also responded, saying that autism has many possible causes and is not directly linked to medications like Tylenol or vaccines. Research shows there is no connection between vaccines and autism. The MOH reminds us that spreading false claims can lead to misunderstandings and poor health outcomes.
Trump ' s statements create fear instead of encouraging informed choices. When he tells pregnant women to " fight like hell " against taking Tylenol, it could lead to unnecessary pain and complications. High fever during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and baby, and an untreated fever can cause serious problems. By discouraging the use of a safe treatment, we risk harming those we want to protect.
Additionally, promoting leucovorin as a possible treatment for autism, based on early and unclear research, adds to the confusion. While exploring treatment options is essential, jumping to conclusions without strong evidence can mislead parents searching for practical solutions. The MOH rightly points out that we need more large studies before any treatment can be considered safe and effective.
By prioritising political and economic gain over public health, leaders like Trump risk the well-being of countless individuals. Such statements can lead to harmful choices and undermine trust in medical advice, which is vital for a healthy society.
Clear and accurate health information is crucial for making informed choices. As the MOH advises, pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before taking any medication. This advice applies not just to Tylenol but to all health decisions.
We should promote clear, evidence-based messages that put people ' s health first. Health authorities and professionals must work to counter misinformation with clear and caring communication, helping the public make informed choices.
Health-related messages carry significant weight. As we deal with health information in public discussions, we need to focus on accuracy rather than sensational claims. Misinformed statements can lead to real-world consequences, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women.