In this week’s reading, Lewis (2006, 522-525) explores the development of online health information, advice and even live diagnosis for illness. Kyla Bridge took it a step further and admits, or rather boasts that she looks online for medical advice, takes it to heart but would never make any serious decisions without consulting a doctor in the flesh.
This is the problem with online medical advice! Any slight ailment has a cure. A cough, runny nose, paper-cut and bruise can be researched, diagnosed and medication prescribed. Sure the medicine may fix the problem fast but ultimately you will be worse. The human body is a fighter. It is made to fight sickness and recover from illness and injury. A couple of days in bed while we shake off the swine flu/bird flu/mad cow disease will mean next time the latest “super-virus” comes around your immune system is on its toes in the red corner ready to swing the knock-out blow.
Popping pills at every sniffle makes you a target for disease as the immune system has become the kid at high-school whose mummy still tucks him into bed every night. The doctors’ surgery being slightly out of reach is a health benefit as the inconvenience of getting there; waiting for hours and answering potentially embarrassing questions is enough of a turn-off for most to stay in bed and tough it out. Stay away from the people online pretending to be doctors, drink a glass of water and go outside to the sun and fresh air rather than adhering to their advice. Researching diseases causes illness, rather than stopping them.
Trust me, I’m a doctor.
Reference List
Lewis, Tania. 2006. “Seeking health information on the internet: Lifestyle choice or bad attack of cyberchondria?” Media, culture & society, 28 (4): 521-539. Accessed April 11, 2011.
Bridge, Kyla. 2011. "Hi Everybody - Hi Dr Nick!" New Media Blog April 11. Accessed April 11, 2011 from: http://kyla-newmediablog.blogspot.com/2011/04/this-weeks-topic-has-so-far-been-my.html
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