Save any studies or articles you visit, and bring a list of links to the doctor with you so you can discuss them together when you go to see your doctor.Your health care provider should be open to talking to you about any research you bring up.

Keep Track of Any Sources You Find and Want to Discuss

<ul><li>If you are searching for your symptoms and getting really stressed out, reach out to an actual medical professional who can help provide answers.</li><li>As you're searching, do a gut check: Are you making yourself feel stressed or anxious? Are you trying too hard to push away your nagging concerns?</li></ul>

Check on How Your Search Is Making You Feel

Cyberchondria - repeated, compulsive internet searches for medical info that can lead to worry and panic - is a real and troubling phenomenon.Misguided Google searches can also be a deep source of frustration for doctors and other health care providers who say they spend a good chunk of their time with patients tackling inaccurate health advice and self-diagnosis.How to make sure you are using "Dr Google" effectively? Here are five best practices to keep in mind.

90 Percent of Patients Google Their Symptoms Before They Talk to A Doctor

Start your search with well-known, reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the American Academy of Pediatrics.Many hospitals and universities also have websites with evidence-based health information.

Start with The Websites of Major Health Organizations, Universities and Hospitals

<ul>
<li>Nothing beats going to an actual doctor, nurse or health care clinic to get answers to the health questions you have.</li>
<li>Be transparent about the limits of an online search.</li>
<li>Referrals to a doctor or clinic will direct you to the next evaluation you need.</li>
</ul>

When In Doubt, Talk To An Actual Health Care Provider

<ul><li>Look for some basics that can help indicate whether a study holds up</li><li>Was it published in a peer-reviewed journal? That means it has been scrutinized by other experts in the field for quality and accuracy.</li><li>What was the sample size like? What limitations have the study's authors pointed out?</li></ul>

Brush Up Some Study Basics

Here's how to spot bad medical information — and how to stop freaking yourself out as you do your research.