As it’s about time to say Goodbye to 2019, I feel like I must say thank you to all the people who helped me this year, especially my dearest doctors. And if I can hold an award ceremony and present “the hardest working doctor” prize, the prize must go to...
TA-DA! Dr. Google!
Living in a digital world, millions of Americans turn to the internet to search for health information just like me. And Dr. Google just announced the top questions we asked this year along with the answers. Let’s see this year’s health trends and do some planning for our health!
1. How to lower blood pressure?
Last year, the question “What causes high blood pressure?” only ranked 10 in the list of most-searched health-related questions on Google in 2018. This year, we are surprised to see the “blood pressure” issue topped the list. What’s the reason behind it?
According to the CDC, about 1 in 3 US adults have high blood pressure and only half of the people have it under control. What alarming statistics! Guys, if you are one of them, you should really pay attention to your blood pressure.
To lower your blood pressure, you should eat a healthy diet with less sodium and more potassium, lose weight, exercise more and deal with your stress.
2. What is keto?
Keto, or ketogenic diet, is a low-carb and high-fat diet aiming to put the body into "ketosis." It breaks down ingested and stored body fat into ketones and used it as energy in order to help you lose weight.
This year, I’ve seen droves of celebrities credited the keto diet as the best diet for keeping them in shape, however, I must alert you to one thing: US News and World Report ranked it LAST on its list of best diets.
The keto diet is just not sustainable over the long term, according to many nutritionists. And it may not be suitable for you. If you want to give it a try, remember to consult a professional first. Or, check these four Keto mistakes many people are making!
3. How to get rid of hiccups?
I hate hiccups.
I’m sure I don’t know enough English words that can appropriately express just how much I HATE HICCUPS. Though in most cases, hiccups go away on their own after a few minutes, they suck. The best way I’ve found to get rid of them is to drink plain water or hold the breath and relax the body at the same time.
4. How long does the flu last?
Normally, the flu lasts one to two weeks. You can just let your immune system to fight the flu off. And preventing the flu is as important as treating it.
Vaccination is the first prevention choice for anyone older than 6 months. Handwashing goes next. Avoid touching nose, mouth and eyes.
The flu season is between mid of Nov to Mar. We’re now in the middle of the season. So, get yourself prepared!
5. What causes hiccups?
Again, hiccups marked the mark in this list. Con -hic- gratu -hic- la -hic- tions! Grrrrrrrr!
Hiccups occur when the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen contract. When you eat too quickly, eat too much or drink too much, the “-hic-” devil may come by your side. Look out!
6. What causes kidney stones?
Our professional doctors have prepared you with all the things you need to know. Just click Kidney Stones: Types, Symptoms, Treatment to see the answers!
7. What is HPV?
Again, the answer is just one step away from you. Go to Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments to have a look.
8. How to lower cholesterol?
Cholesterol levels link to your heart health. First things first, use the Cholesterol Checker to see whether your cholesterol level is normal or not.
If you are unlucky to have high cholesterol, don’t worry. Here are some natural supplements that are best in lowering cholesterol.
9. How many calories should I eat a day?
The daily calories need varies from person to person. Check our Calories Calculator to see your answer.
10. How long does alcohol stay in your system?
Blood: Up to 6 hours
Breath, saliva and urine: 12-24 Hours
Hair: 90 Days
Let me guess, you are a drinker, but you hate hangover so much that you’ve been away from alcohol for a long time? Come on it’s Christmas season. You have the right to enjoy some nights out in this greatest season! Just make sure you read this post about the cure of hangover first.
With an “answer to a health problem” just a click away, more and more people are asking health questions in Google. Of course, it’s a good thing that you are paying attention to your health, however, self-diagnose and Dr. Google can sometimes do you more harm than good. A runny nose may become cancer if you google the answer. LOL
But here in HTQ, our professional doctors can give you professional answers. The only thing you need to do is — ASK.
