Aren’t we all guilty of running symptoms by Dr. Google every now and again? Not the most highly recommended method for diagnosing anything – but – when we have the twisted knowledge of the universe at our fingertips at all times, how can we not use it??
Health care staffing company Soliant Health has used Google search data to find out what residents of each state are Googling the most when it comes to their health.
Below, I’ll not only give you the 4 health questions Massachusetts residents are asking Google the most – but – since they’re the most Googled questions, why don’t we just answer them here as well? I have my research cap on and I’m ready! First, let’s look at the health questions plaguing our New England neighbors.
New Hampshire’s top question is “What causes kidney stones?” In Vermont residents want to know “What is pneumonia?” Maine’s main question for Google when it comes to health is “How to relieve sinus pressure?” Connecticut’s most Googles medical question is “What does monkey pox look like?” And in Rhode Island they’re burning up Google to find out “What causes hiccups?”
Currently the most Googled health question in all of America is “Is bronchitis contagious?” The study found that we as a nation Google that question 135,000 a month!! Coming in second place nationally is “How much water should you drink a day?” which gets around 105,000 searches a month.
And now for Massachusetts. These are the 4 most searched for medical questions on Google. We’ll give you the four questions… and we’ll also give you the answers (after doing some due diligence when it comes to a little research). So hopefully this article can come in handy for you in the future!
Here we go! These are the 4 most Googled health questions in Massachusetts… and the answers to those questions!
Is it bad to crack your back?
ANSWER: Cracking your back occasionally is considered safe for most people and can provide temporary relief from stiffness or discomfort. But excessive or forceful cracking may potentially strain muscles or ligaments and could contribute to spinal instability over time. If you’re unsure or have concerns about cracking your back, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before partaking in the cracking.
What causes high cholesterol?
ANSWER: High cholesterol can be caused by a handful of factors including genetics, diet, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions. Genetics play a significant role as some people inherit genes that cause their bodies to produce too much cholesterol or have difficulty processing it efficiently. Unhealthy dietary habits including consuming high levels of saturated and trans fats, can also raise cholesterol levels. Lack of physical activity, smoking, habitually drinking alcohol, and being overweight or obese are lifestyle factors that can contribute to high cholesterol as well. Certain medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can affect cholesterol levels.
How to prevent shin splints?
ANSWER: To prevent shin splints it’s considered essential to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts, to wear proper footwear with adequate support, and incorporate strength training exercises for the lower legs. Also ensure that you’re running or exercising on even surfaces and consider using orthotic inserts if needed. Proper warm-up and cool-down routines as well as stretching and foam rolling exercises for the calf muscles can also help prevent shin splints.
How to prevent pneumonia?
ANSWER: To prevent pneumonia it’s important to maintain good overall health. It’s trecommended that you practice proper hand hygiene, get vaccinated against common causes of pneumonia such as the flu and pneumococcus bacteria, and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and other respiratory irritants. Practicing good respiratory hygiene, like covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and seeking prompt medical attention for respiratory infections can help reduce the risk of pneumonia as well.
