Physicians and other healthcare professionals educate the public from a place of solid credibility and expertise. But it’s no surprise that celebrities make a big impact on healthcare knowledge with their expansive reach and connection to the media.
Some celebrities in particular have made it part of their mission to spread the word about certain diseases and conditions. Some have admirably increased awareness, especially the ones who are simply sharing about what they are going through personally. Others have misinformed and even arguably caused harm. Studies have pointed out the risks involved with celebrities disseminating healthcare opinions. But when it’s helpful and inspiring, that’s a different story.
Here are five standouts, both good and bad:
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Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Angelina Jolie: Two years ago, Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy because of her increased risk of breast cancer based on family history. More specifically, risk due to a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which can increase the chances of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer by some 50 percent. This then led the actress just last month to have her ovaries removed for the same preventative reason. She has been extremely open and vocal about her decisions and the genetic aspect of why surgery was the answer for her. And the positive responses to her transparent announcements have been vast. Many women might not consider having preventative surgery, but Jolie has set an example of a very brave, proactive option for how to approach genetic health risks.
Jenny McCarthy: We are in the midst of a lot of anti-vaxxer buzz as measles has reemerged from eradication due to parents not vaccinating their children. McCarthy was essentially the face of the anti-vaxxer movement when she spent a lot of time and energy sending out the message that vaccines can cause autism (her son was diagnosed with autism). This theory has been proven to be false time and time again at this point, but because she was a public figure, some people inevitably listened. She is now stepping out to say that she’s not anti-vaccine, just “pro-safe vaccine.” Perhaps that’s true, but it might be safe to say that the damage is already done.
Tom Hanks: Back in 2013, Hanks announced that he has Type 2 diabetes. This news seemed surprising for many considering he is not obese. (Alternatively, the news from Paula Deen wasn’t exactly shocking.) But with Hanks, he attributes it to his weight fluctuating significantly for roles, which affected his blood sugar levels in drastic ways. For example, he gained a good amount of weight to play coach Jimmy Dugan in “A League of Their Own” back in 1992. Then in 2000 he lost more than 50 pounds for “Cast Away.” He provides an example of awareness that just because someone isn’t significantly overweight, there is sill a risk depending on other lifestyle choices, and monitoring blood sugar levels with doctor visits is a good idea.
Michael J. Fox: Since his diagnosis back in 1991, Fox has been the face of the debilitating Parkinson’s disease. Not only did he allow his symptoms to become physically apparent and public, increasing awareness, he has also made it his mission to help others afflicted with the condition and promote continuing research efforts with his foundation. One really notable aspect about Fox’s transparency is that he acknowledges that the process one goes through diagnosis isn’t easy, and it’s different for everyone. For those going through that process, it’s likely comforting to know that it’s OK to accept the fact that it can be a real struggle. But that doesn’t mean you stop there. On the foundation’s website, he’s quoted as saying, “Our challenges don’t define us. Our actions do.” If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Dr. Oz: So yes, he’s a real doctor. But at this point he’s known much more as a celebrity as the host of his daytime talk show. He’s been the subject of a good amount of criticism for plugging products or health advice that don’t have legitimate scientific basis – snake oil, green coffee beans for weight loss, etc. As of late, things have heated up even more as a group of doctors sent a letter to Columbia University (where Oz is on faculty) protesting his standing at the institution and calling him out for rejecting genetically modified foods. As a result, he will be responding this week on his show and is expected to point out that some members of the group aren’t credible due to a supposed affiliation with the GMO industry. He definitely has good intentions in some ways on his show, it seems. But the fact that so many of his segments seem to be at least somewhat about promotion for financial gain than providing factual information to the public make him someone who might sometimes be doing more harm than good.
