Many doctors will tell you that “Dr. Google" is a big problem. Patients either think they have something they don't or they ignore serious health issues because they don't think it's a big deal. Diagnosing the cause of a
headache, for example, can be difficult.
There's an old expression that lawyers use: A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client. The same thing can be said for medical advice.
The Pew Research Center says 59 percent of adults who use the Internet have searched for health information in the past year, and 35 percent say they've gone online trying to figure out what medical condition they or someone else might have.
The trick is not to become fixated on it. Obsessing over such information is actually a condition that experts call "cyberchondria."
However, you can find the right balance between being an informed consumer and being obsessed about your own health. You can find information online, but you still need to be willing to talk to your doctor and take his advice seriously. Bringing in a list of questions based on your online research can help both you and your health provider discuss your ailment productively.
Where can you find reliable health information?
Some medical sites are more reputable than others, and provide helpful information for consumers. Sites that are institution- or government-based, such as the Mayo Clinic, WebMD, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are generally more reliable.
If you're experiencing health issues and need reliable information, please give us a call and let us, help you!
Snyder Chiropractic & Acupuncture
918-749-7772
