YouTube Shares Health Advice

Popular video sharing site, YouTube has recently got onboard a series of videos on medical training. Presented by informal trainers, these videos range from first aid to self examination for breast cancer. They aim to spread awareness about diseases, their prevention and cure, by using forms of pop culture, such as hip hop music and local celebrities, to spread the message.

Although the initiative was taken by Non medico groups from Canada and Netherlands not all of YouTube's medical clips come from non-medicos. A government-funded clinic in Builth Wells, Wales, has posted videos of nurses showing how to sample blood sugar levels and use an inhaler, on YouTube.

According to supporters of the videos, the visual element of YouTube makes it easier to explain treatments and interventions that are difficult to describe in other Web-based formats such as discussion groups. However, medical experts have warned against using YouTube as a replacement for professional guidance.

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