Famous People and Bad Medical Advice

Introduction

A new study shows that many people use wrong medicines because famous people tell them to on the internet.

Main Body

In January 2025, actor Mel Gibson spoke on a popular podcast. He said two medicines, ivermectin and fenbendazole, helped his friends with cancer. These medicines are not for cancer. After this, more people asked doctors for these drugs. The number of prescriptions doubled in seven months. Cancer patients used them much more. Many men and people in the South USA did this. These people listen to the podcast. These medicines are for animals or parasites, not for cancer. Now, many young people get health news from influencers. This is dangerous. Some patients stop their real medical treatments to try these wrong medicines.

Conclusion

People trust internet stars more than doctors. This leads them to use medicines that do not work.

Learning

🚩 The "Wrong" Pattern

In the text, we see a few times that something is not correct. To reach A2, you must know how to say something is incorrect or opposite.

Look at these pairs:

  • Real treatments \rightarrow Wrong medicines
  • Doctors \rightarrow Internet stars

How to use "Not for..." When a medicine is for a specific problem, we use for. When it is the wrong medicine, we add not:

"These medicines are not for cancer."

Simple Rule: Subject + be + not for + thing.

Example: This key is not for this door. Example: This book is not for children.

Vocabulary Learning

study (n.)
A detailed examination of something to learn about it.
Example:The study showed that many people take the wrong medicines.
medicine (n.)
A substance used to treat illness.
Example:Doctors give medicine to help patients feel better.
internet (n.)
A global computer network that connects people.
Example:Many people read health news on the internet.
podcast (n.)
A series of audio programs that people can listen to online.
Example:The actor talked about medicines on a popular podcast.
doctor (n.)
A person who helps people stay healthy.
Example:Patients ask doctors for advice about medicines.
prescription (n.)
A written order from a doctor to buy medicine.
Example:The number of prescriptions doubled in seven months.
dangerous (adj.)
Causing harm or risk.
Example:The medicines can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.