Have you ever wondered what is wrong with you medically and turned to the Internet for the answer? According to a CBS News report, 35 percent of U.S. adults have used the Internet to self-diagnose a medical condition or knew of someone else who had.
These latest findings were revealed in a Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project that was published Jan. 15. It also revealed that 81 percent of U.S. adults used the Internet, and 59 percent of the adult population looked up health information online, but 39 percent of the searches were for someone else. Women were more likely to search the Internet for a health-related issue pertaining to them as were younger people and white adults. Less than half, however, said a doctor confirmed the diagnosis, 35 percent did not seek a professional opinion and 18 percent said a professional disputed the online findings pertaining to their condition.
Have you ever used the Internet to research a medical condition for yourself or somebody else?
I don't necessarily "diagnose", but I do check for symptoms to see if It might be something to be concerned about and whether I should go to the Dr. I have to admit, I go on webmd quite often just ot browse. it's so interesting!
I have noticed, through the loss of my father and from observing friends with medical troubles, that very often doctors have no idea what they are doing. Looking on the internet and using common sense have steered many a patient in the right direction when their own doctor drops the ball. My buddy's wife fell and broke her wrist. The "specialist" she went see said she would require $30,000 in reconstructive surgery. She went for a second opinion to a GP, who set it in a cast and fixed her right up. 60 days later, she has full use of her wrist and has had no negative effects. Never forget, everyone is a salesman.