Your family doesn’t have to rely on “Dr. Google!”

My son punctured his lung with his own rib. I had a tumor growing in my nose. The rash from a new laundry detergent showed all signs of being scurvy, I was sure the pain in my chest was a heart attack and what turned out to be a need for bi-focals…was self-diagnosed as the beginning signs of a stroke.

I have officially stopped referring to “Dr. Google” for my medical recommendations.

One…because the sites I was going to were definitely freaking me

Two…because any thought of my being a healthcare professional officially ended when I barely passed Grade 10 chemistry.

Three…because the punctured lung turned out to be a bruised rib, the nose tumor was a sinus infection, and the supposed heart attack was happening on the wrong side of my chest!

The internet has made it quite easy for us “wanna-be” doctors to think we know what’s wrong with us when the reality is…it scares the bazoobies out of us. No matter what you look up…it turns out to be horrible and either leaves you running to the doctor for a confirmed diagnosis, or hiding beneath the covers waiting for it all to end.

So, why do we google our symptoms?

Well, for one, we all want instant answers as we live in a world where information is at our fingertips. Two, we’re busy…planning to fit in a doctor’s appointment when you can just google your symptoms seems like a waste of time!

However, there’s another way to find out answers WITHOUT using the internet OR booking a doctor’s appointment a few weeks down the road!

Here’s the thing:

When minor ailments hit, it can be a struggle to figure out how to best treat them.  Conditions like eczema, cold sores, and seasonal allergies can have a big impact on our day-to-day lives, but they may not seem serious enough to see a doctor about. IF you have a doctor to begin with. Fitting in an appointment when you don’t have time, heading to the walk-in clinic to wait for hours…all of these things have us referring to the internet.

In Nova Scotia, we live in one of the lucky provinces where pharmacists can actually assess our conditions, and if appropriate, write a prescription to help you to feel better faster!

I’m not kidding! All you need to do is head to your local Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist for more information and treatment advice to deal with minor ailments…they’ll treat what they can, and if you need further advice, will advise you to see your doctor. BUT…point is, before you hit the internet and plug in your symptoms to discover you have some rare disease that has you quickly going through your bucket list items…drop into Shoppers FIRST and ask for a little advice.

Have you ever googled an ailment and been scared into thinking it was something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than what it turned out to be?

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post. However, opinions and stories, as always, are my own.