The truth behind the headlines: Thinking critically about healthcare advice

Does bacon really cause cancer? Can vitamin C cure the common cold? Every day we are bombarded through the media with advice on the latest treatments and how best to stay healthy. These claims may be biased, unsubstantiated or inaccurate, and making sense of them can be difficult. At best, a health decision made on the basis of misleading information is a waste of time and money. At worst, it can be harmful. Cochrane UK delivers interactive workshops designed to encourage students to think critically about what they read in the media concerning their health. Aimed at students in years 9–13 (ages 14–19), the workshops explore the importance of evidence in making healthcare decisions, encourage healthy scepticism and signpost students to reliable sources of evidence-based information.