I don't know if it is because my group of friends and acquaintances have grown so much over the past 10 years (thanks to our frequent moving) or if uncommon diseases and disorders have become more common. Maybe it is both. Or maybe with the increase of awareness and the excellent use of technological resources (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc.) we all really do know someone who (or maybe we are suffering ourselves) suffers from a disease(s).
Just as technology has allowed us to connect to one another and become aware of each others' life struggles. It has also permitted us to perform self "Internet" diagnosis' before we visit our primary care doctors.
I don't know about you, but I have typed in my symptoms before. (My latest search said I could have uterine cancer... I freaked out. A little. Okay, a lot. But don't worry. I am fine...)
I think it is great that I can type in my list of symptoms and get unlimited results to the possible causes of my ailments. In most cases, it is pretty awesome.
After all, the more you know, the more you can control, learn, and grow. The more you know, the more opportunity you have to make the best choices about your life and your health. Being informed allows us to be more cognizant of our reality.
However, like all good things (e.g., coke-a-cola, chocolate, and sweet tea) too much of a good can lead to a bad (e.g. weight gain, headaches, etc). You don't believe me? Google it.
Admittedly, there have been multiple times when I've found myself consumed with WebMD. Who hasn't?! (Tell me I am not alone... I. am. NOT. alone, right?!) There have been times that I have worried myself sick over the results of a search (e.g. Uterine cancer) and other times I don't sweat the small stuff and remain calm, collected and confident.
I came across this article from the NY Times recently and I will keep it in my mental data base the next time I search for causes of my ailments.
NY Times: A Prescription for Fear
Okay... now to type in: moody, hungry, tired, and headache...
My results: You need to EAT something! Walk away from the computer. Geesh! ;)
