This week I heard a new phrase, cyberchondria. What the heck is it?
The definition of this word varies depending on who you ask. But one of the definitions fits me perfectly. I use the Internet to research health-related questions. (That’s good.) Then I assume the worst case. (That’s bad.)
A case in point happened a few years ago. I had a mystery skin problem. I carefully researched all my symptoms and decided I might have MS. How in the world could I go from an unexplained rash to MS? You had to be there. It made sense at the time.
A year ago Microsoft did a study on the subject of cyberchondria. It turns out that I’m not alone in jumping to the worst conclusion on a medical issue.
Brylcreem used to have a slogan, “A little dab’ll do ya.” I think that’s the route I’m going to go with my own medical research in the future.
