"They miss the golden window for treatment, misuse functional foods, engage in extreme detoxes, or try unscientific therapies based on self-diagnosis from social media, forums, and short videos," stated Doctor Truong Hong Son, Associate Secretary General of the Vietnam Medical Association, at the launch of the Center for Communication and Community Healthcare office on 22/5.

Today, the development of the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) has made health information more accessible than ever. However, this environment has a significant weakness: search engines and AI platforms cannot yet distinguish between accurate and false information.

"Google or AI primarily rely on the frequency of information's appearance to generate results. This means content that is heavily advertised and widely circulated is more likely to appear, even if it is not official or scientifically sound information," Doctor Son explained.

Doctor Truong Hong Son, Associate Secretary General of the Vietnam Medical Association. Photo: Nhat Minh

In reality, advertisements for products, functional foods, and folk remedies are prevalent online. Many people tend to believe claims such as 'drinking lemon cures diabetes', 'body detoxification', 'super-nutritious foods dissolve tumors', or products advertised as treatments without clear scientific basis.

Consider the trend of high-dose lemon consumption. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, an essential micronutrient for the body. However, consuming too much lemon juice, especially on an empty stomach, can cause stomach irritation, affect digestion, and alter nutrient absorption.

"The danger is that many people believe this method miraculously cures diseases or enhances health without scientific evidence," Doctor Son stated.

Master Nguyen Chinh Nghia, Director of the Center for Communication and Community Healthcare, also noted that beyond trusting 'doctor Google', many people adopt a 'wait until sick then treat' mentality, only seeking medical attention when their condition is severe. Numerous individuals silently endure unusual symptoms such as prolonged insomnia, hypertension, chest pain, fatigue, or high blood sugar, only seeking hospitalization when complications arise.

Therefore, with a strategic direction towards 2030, the Center will prioritize communication and community health education as its core pillar, aiming to build a culture of proactive healthcare among the public.

A traditional medicine pill a patient bought online led to poisoning. Photo: Hanoi Medical University Hospital

At the event, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Xuyen, President of the Vietnam Medical Association, stated that about half a century ago, most deaths were due to infectious diseases. However, this pattern has shifted, with non-communicable diseases now posing the greatest burden on the healthcare system and individual families.

"The mortality rate from chronic non-communicable diseases in Vietnam currently accounts for approximately 80%, indicating a significant shift in disease patterns from infectious diseases to lifestyle-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension," Ms. Xuyen said.

Modern medicine needs to shift its focus to prevention, early detection, and disease risk management at the community level, according to experts. Proactive healthcare is not merely about regular check-ups but requires comprehensive daily lifestyle changes. The major risk factors for chronic diseases include smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, an unbalanced diet, chronic stress, and lack of sleep.

Le Nga