Paging Dr. Google

by Rob Wilkins

I’ve had a number of calls and e-mails commenting on my last column. For those of you who missed it (hard to believe, but it could happen), I wrote about the senior driver test changes that are hopefully taking place in the not-so-distant future. Thanks very much for the feedback. We’ll make sure any changes to the current testing are reported on these pages as well as on our Web site, Trucknews.com. Stay tuned.

Speaking of aging, it’s amazing how many little aches and pains start creeping into our lives once we hit middle age. When these things happen, our newfound G.P. “Dr. Google” is always there to lend a helping hand. Got a newfound bump on your person? Go ahead and Google it. You’ll find dozens or more sites devoted to helping you find out what that problem is.

Some are excellent sources of information, others…well, most of them are suspect to say the least. Especially the ones that are made up of peoples’ blogs. I’m sure these people mean well, but please don’t put faith in their answers.

If something’s not right, make an appointment with your family doctor. He or she is the only qualified person that can make a diagnosis. Joe Blow, whose cousin’s boyfriend’s ex-father-in-law who had the same thing shouldn’t be telling anyone that the bump you have is cancer. They don’t know you, your family, or your medical history. Do yourself a favour and point your steer tires in the opposite direction of these Web sites.

Here are a few examples I grabbed from a medical blog Web site. I Googled “sore bump on shoulder.” Here are some responses for your enjoyment: cancer; ‘It’s Ganglion. I got one on my wrist and the doctor cured it by hitting it with a book; ‘Hmm…could be malignant melanoma’; ‘It’s Fibritas or Fibrosis or something like that’; and ‘I don’t know anything about that but I hope you get better.’

As I said, I’m sure the first four responses are from well-meaning people. They are, after all, just trying to lend a helping hand. But I wonder if they realize how many sleepless nights their responses have caused people? I picture a sweet old lady as number five’s source – just a nice person offering up a nice get-well message. It’s probably the most useful blog of the bunch.

So, the next time your health takes a turn, just remember Dr. Google isn’t an alternative to the real deal. Make that call and get an educated diagnosis.


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