Man loses life to Youtube’s ‘quick fix’ toothache remedy
26-year-old man Ajay Mahto lost his life after ingesting large amount of Kaner (oleander) seeds. He had watched YouTube videos suggesting the seeds could alleviate severe toothache.
The impact of social media on our lives is undeniable, but two recent incidents from Jharkhand and Bihar highlight the deadly consequences of using it unwisely. In Jharkhand’s Hazaribag district, a young man named Ajay Mahto tragically lost his life after seeking a home remedy for severe toothache from YouTube. Ignoring medical advice, he consumed a large quantity of Kaner (oleander) seeds, which led to a rapid deterioration of his health and ultimately resulted in his death.
Ajay, a hardworking 26-year-old preparing for competitive exams, trusted the advice he found on YouTube over consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Little did he know that Kaner seeds are highly dangerous and can be life-threatening if ingested in large amounts. Hazaribag’s civil surgeon, S P Singh, issued a warning about the potential hazards of such practices.
In a similar unfortunate incident in Bihar’s Siwan district, a 25-year-old man named Vipin Kumar lost his life in a food challenge influenced by social media. Vipin and his friends engaged in a competition at a momo stall, daring each other to consume as many momos as possible for a bet of Rs 1,000. Tragically, Vipin collapsed and lost consciousness after eating 150 momos. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival.
These heart-breaking incidents serve as a reminder of the dangers of blindly following advice from unverified sources on social media. Both cases highlight the critical need for responsible use and critical thinking when it comes to information shared online. Seeking guidance from qualified professionals, especially in matters related to health, is essential to prevent such devastating outcomes.
