I turn to the Web to find answers on almost any topic these days, and typically advise others some tips along the same lines–except in one area…

You know when you are aware of something for awhile, but then a news story appears that confirms what you already know. Today that happened as I read today’s Times‘ article on “Medical Web Searches and Escalating Fears”: Microsoft Finds Top Results Lead to Anxiety.

I always brace myself when a family member or friend has some unexplained ailment and says they are going to try to figure out what’s wrong by checking online. If that person has the least bit of hypochondria or general prone to worry, they are bound to zero in on the worst possible potential causes, no matter how remote, as to why they are suffering from that sore throat, rash, tiredness etc.

Of course we all know that the Web is an unbelievably fantastic resource for all sorts of do it yourself kind of research and figuring out whatever you’re grappling with, including health and medical related information in general. And there are countless stories of discoveries made online that have empowered all of us with invaluable medical information. But when we are not feeling well, and add our fears, ignorance of probabilities, and a tendency to zero in on the most dramatic and sensational, then the Web is then not the best place to calmly assess the reasons why you are suffering from that ailment.

So remember–if you’re feeling out of sorts after your Thanksgiving meal, the most likely reasons are from eating too much, being tired from travel, family stresses, and so on– beware of self diagnosis by keying  your symptoms into a search engine!

Happy Thanksgiving….