The Drawbacks of Consulting Dr. Google
Not always the most reliable second opinion
At a certain age, I believe we start to be increasingly attentive and concerned about signs of illness and decrepitude. After all, we know that our time is limited, and age has a way of reminding us by changes in our bodies, unmistakable proof that gravity is winning, and aches and pains that gradually slow us down. Strange growths sometimes appear on our skin, hair usually turns gray or white, some hair appears in the wrong places, stamina and flexibility are not what they used to be. We are like cars. Things start to happen after a certain number of miles.
And if we find ourselves older than the current life expectancy for females in the U.S. (which is 82.23 — I’m 85) or males (76.33), we know that we’ve beat the odds and, to my way of thinking, are getting a bonus of time. Ideally with a minimum of discomfort, basic needs met, and a capacity for joy.
These days, rather than rely completely on the authority of their physicians, patients are informed about their health by getting results from lab tests. In the past it was only the deified doctor who would get these results and convey the good or bad news to the patient. Sometimes, it was considered a kindness to keep “bad” news from a patient and only consult with family members.
