Health Reality Check

Millions of people get health information from social media. But how do you tell credible information from viral misinformation? Why do myths spread so quickly online? And what makes people trust one voice over another?In this episode of Health Reality Check, host Dr Margarida Santos sits down with Dr Mike Varshavski, family physician and one of the world's most-followed health creators, for a conversation about navigating health information in the digital age. Together they explore how to communicate evidence without losing people's attention, the responsibility that comes with influence, and how curiosity can be a powerful antidote to false information.The host and external guests participate in Health Reality Check as independent contributors. Their participation does not imply WHO support for all their views, opinions or activities.Show notes / linksWHO Regional Office for Europe: https://www.who.int/europe WHO – What we do: https://www.who.int/about/what-we-do Mike’s TED talk in Monte Carlo: The epidemic of the "I Know All" expert | Mikhail (Doctor Mike) Varshavski | TEDxMonteCarlo

Many people know WHO from global emergencies like COVID-19. But what does the World Health Organization actually do the rest of the time? How does WHO develop health recommendations ? Does WHO tell countries what to do? And why does trust matter more than ever?In this special launch episode of Health Reality Check, host Dr Margarida Santos sits down with Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, for a candid conversation about how WHO works behind the scenes, how science becomes public policy, why prevention is often invisible when it succeeds, and the biggest health challenges facing Europe today.---Health Reality Check is a podcast from the World Health Organization that goes beyond the headlines to explore what the evidence says about today’s biggest health questions. Hosted by family doctor Dr Margarida Santos, each episode brings together leading  experts and professionals public health for clear answers to complex questions. From nutrition and cancer to digital health and health inequalities, we put health claims under the microscope. Whether you're making decisions about your own health or trying to make sense of today’s health debates, Health Reality Check gives you the evidence behind the headlines.---Show notes/linksWHO Regional Office for Europe: https://www.who.int/europeHeat-health action plans: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/climate-change-and-health/heat-and-health Second European Programme of Work (EPW2): https://www.who.int/europe/about-us/our-work/second-european-programme-of-work-2026-2030WHO – what we do? https://www.who.int/about/what-we-do/No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our healthMental Health of doctors and nurses https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2025-12709-52483-81031Global Status report on cancer 2026: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240123977