Internet addiction

And you think it isn't true...

(SA Doc says: Where your world meets mine!). Har. Har.

Check it out...

I do like the bit about seduction:

The Internet itself is a neutral device originally designed to facilitate research among academic and military agencies. How some people have come to use this medium, however, has created a stir among the mental health community by great discussion of Internet addiction. Addictive use of the Internet is a new phenomenon which many practitioners are unaware of and subsequently unprepared to treat. Some therapists are unfamiliar with the Internet, making its seduction difficult to understand.

Manto's Liver

Spotted on a Times blog...

“The Medical Association of South Africa (MASA) herewith informs the Minister of Health, the Honourable Manto Tshabala-Msimang, that should she resign, now, with her 11 Cabinet colleagues, she would not be obliged to return her liver.”

Some humour following the chaos in South Africa today...

Cyberchondria...

Have you got it? Excerpt from Associated Content...

Consider this; the Internet is a pure informational gold mind! You can look up practically anything and get immediate gratification to satisfy curiosities or calm suspicions. But what if you have an abnormal anxiety regarding your health? Commonly known as Hypochondriasis or Hypochondria, the Internet has paved the way for its twenty-first century counterpart - Cyberchondria!

The availability of health information plastered all over the Internet has made it easier for those who worry over illnesses or tend to exaggerate symptoms to justify their fears. A common headache now becomes a brain tumor or a simple upset stomach becomes un-curable cancer! Hypochondria and Cyberchondria are devastating obsessions causing obvious distress to those who suffer from it.

These people are not fakers or malingerers – they honestly believe they suffer from life-threatening diseases or disorders! The trouble starts with the amount of information found on the Net, which provides no scientific validity! Cyberchondriacs view any source of information, from old wives tales to comments from a friend or relative to articles posted on the Internet by complete strangers with no medical background as legitimate, regardless of the lack of medical proof. Frequently a symptom of an anxiety disorder or depression, anyone can be stricken with Cyberchondrosis.

Normally it develops in the twenties or thirties and often follows the illness of a close family member or friend however, an illness in the family is not a prerequisite. This obsession of serious medical problems begins to interfere with daily routines. And the quest for justification cost millions in unnecessary medical tests and treatments every year! This disorder causes its sufferers to become obsessively aware of common sensations most people often ignore. These complaints become a central part of their personalities, as he/she honestly believes they are always a serious threat to their overall well-being. Cyberchondriacs tend to concentrate on hard-to-diagnose, vague symptoms, such as fatigue, general muscle aches and strange physical sensations. And surfing the Net provides validation, especially when his/her primary physician may dismiss worries or simply not supply a diagnosis that soothes the anxiety.

We've told you before.. Google Health just ain't, well, good for your health.

Medical Cartoon #4

From WrongDiagnosis.com. Har har!

UK. Aphthous Fever. Bah.

The bloody brits... What will they chain-letter next :)

---snip---

Department of Health
Minister for Health
Victoria Quay
Walsgrave Hospital
Coventry

COVENTRY, July 23, 2008

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PHYSICIANS AND NURSES

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject : New contamination possible in most Towns

Recent studies conducted on "aphthous fever" (for which we have just received conclusive results) indicate that in certain cases this can be transmitted to humans. We foresee a possible contamination in most Health Board areas. Cases have been reported in Norwich, Stevenage, York, Birmingham, Barrow-in-Furness, and more recently in Leicester, Durham and Nottingham.

It was observed that the subjects examined were regular consumers of wine and spirits. Most (97.6%) of the subjects would encounter serious problems with their vision when having gone without alcohol for 1 to 2 days on average.

Extended periods without alcohol would seriously affect the individuals reading capabilities. The subjects would also feel a trembling sensation. In extreme cases, individuals would start to hallucinate and see coloured specks when staring at an object for extended periods.

If you encounter any such patients having these symptoms, please contact the Crisis Centre in Coventry immediately.

Our research to date has resulted in a cure, consumption of alcohol every day for 3 months!!!