Health Team

Pros and cons: More people are seeking medical advice online

A recent survey shows many Americans now turn to technology for everything from scheduling a doctor's appointment to discovering new diets. Health experts say the practice has benefits and risks.

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By
Renee Chou, anchor/reporter,
and
Rick Armstrong, producer
RALEIGH, N.C. — A recent survey shows many Americans now turn to technology for everything from scheduling a doctor's appointment to discovering new diets. Health experts say the practice has benefits and risks.
More than 40 percent of Americans follow health and fitness advice from social media, the Cleveland Clinic study found.

"There could be a lot of false health claims out there," said Mark Hyman from the Cleveland Clinic. "There can be a lot of issues, but it can also be very inspiring. You'll see people's stories of them changing their diet -- losing weight, getting healthy -- so I think it's an awesome way to inspire and connect people."

The study also shows people are socializing less in-person and that more than half of respondents would rather send a text than talk on the phone. Another 30 percent spend more time on social media than they do with their friends.

Online, virtual doctor visits are also more comfortable for some. Experts say that can be a fine option, but check everything with your own primary care physician.

"There's online coaching," Hyman said. "There's all sorts of ways to actually engage with your health and healthcare that's actually more efficient and more effective."
The survey shows 58 percent of participants don't track their time spent staring at a computer or smartphone, but too much screen time can impact your health.

Hyman says the best advice when it comes to the digital world is to use common sense when faced with health information and ads for health products.

"The amount of stuff coming through our phones and through social media and through the news is overwhelming," Hyman said. "I think we don't realize the effect it has on us and how free and happy we could be if we just took a digital detox."

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