We asked people in Britain about how they deal with sickness and feeling unwell. Surprisingly, we seem to be a nation of worriers.
health worries
More than 30 per cent of people polled convince themselves they are seriously ill when feeling under the weather, and 61 per cent turn to the World Wide Web for medical information when feeling unwell.
In fact, just over half of those we polled admit they consult the internet as a first port of call when feeling ill, prior to visiting a doctor. Forty six per cent of people are worried about getting a terminal illness, and many convince themselves that everyday symptoms are indicative of serious ill health.
10 commonly mis-diagnosed health concerns
| actual complaint |
fear of |
|
| tummy upset |
food poisoning |
43 per cent |
| common cold |
flu |
38 per cent |
| headache |
migraine |
35 per cent |
| lower abdominal pain |
appendicitis |
28 per cent |
| stiff joints |
arthritis |
28 per cent |
| indigestion |
heart attack |
19 per cent |
| hung over |
food poisoning/
something eaten
|
18 per cent |
| migraine |
brain tumour |
16 per cent
|
| shortness of breath |
lung disease |
15 per cent |
| lower back ache |
kidney disease |
16 per cent |
While the internet can be a great information resource, it is always best to see a doctor when ill. A medical professional can put your mind at rest, check out all the symptoms and tell you what the matter really is.
healthy attitude
Survey respondents admitted to having felt embarrassed when they realised their symptoms were not connected to anything serious. And 11 per cent have been advised by a doctor that they were slightly over-reacting.
It is important to keep things in proportion. Not least because over worrying, and high stress levels can have a negative impact on our health.
Take action to stay as healthy as you can with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. And bear in mind that research on the internet is not a substitute for consulting a health professional.
