Dr Ridhima holds a BHMS, MD (Homoeopathy), and PGNAHI (Nagpur), with 5 years of experience. She is currently self-employed and also serves as an Assistant Professor in Homoeopathic Materia Medica at LMHMC&H, Ludhiana.
In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Ridhima empahsised the fact that health literacy is important for prevention of many unavoidable diseases. Read more…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One of the most common mistakes people make while communicating with doctors is struggling to express their actual symptoms, often relying on information they’ve picked up from Internet. They may mention disease names but fail to clearly describe what they’re truly experiencing.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
To me, health literacy means having a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy that every individual should possess. It’s essential for people to know—and more importantly, follow—the key principles of maintaining good health. Health literacy plays a crucial role in preventing many otherwise avoidable diseases.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
If a patient knows the basics about health, it’s easier to explain serious conditions to them—whether it’s about their own health or a loved one’s. It also helps in keeping them calm when they’re feeling unwell.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation affects treatment by causing patients to doubt their doctor. Instead of starting treatment, they often spend valuable time seeking multiple opinions, which delays care and can slow down their recovery.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
One of the most common myths people fall for is the excessive reliance on home remedies promoted by YouTubers and social media influencers. While some remedies may offer temporary relief, many lack scientific backing and can even delay proper medical treatment. This trend often leads people to self-diagnose and self-treat, sometimes worsening their condition before they finally seek professional help.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give is: trust your doctor, not Internet. In times of need, it’s your doctor who will be there to help—not an Internet search.
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