OK you hypochondriacs...

We know who you are. We’ve been listening to you for years. Every little grip and whine has been your constant sorrow that we’ve had to share.

Now is the time to get over it.

Hypochondriasis is an excessive and persistent fear or belief that one has a serious illness, despite medical reassurance and lack of diagnostic findings that would warrant the health concern.

If a medical disorder is present, the distress and preoccupation exceed what the patient’s physician considers reasonable.

Illness anxiety disorder, sometimes called hypochondriasis or health anxiety, is worrying excessively that you are or may become seriously ill. ... Or you may believe that normal body sensations or minor symptoms are signs of severe illness, even though a thorough medical exam doesn't reveal a serious medical condition.

“Hypochondriacs become their symptoms. ... “Many of the symptoms that hypochondriacs feel are often physical sensations caused by anxiety or depression that can go along with hypochondria. The constant worrying can release harmful stress hormones and do real physical damage.”

Hypochondria and the heart: why paranoia might be killing you. New research shows that people who have high levels of anxiety about their health are more at risk of heart disease. ... Doctors may have to start taking hypochondriacs more seriously, new research suggests.

“Encourage [the suffering person] to verbalize fears about their health, but don't join in. Be supportive, but don't show too much concern and try to stay neutral in your answers. Express that you understand their struggle, without encouraging their obsessive thoughts,” say experts.

Don’t dwell on illness. Encourage them to verbalize fears about their health, but don't join in. Be supportive, but don't show too much concern and try to stay neutral in your answers. Express that you understand their struggle, without encouraging their obsessive thoughts.

We’ve heard all the chatter. We’ve heard the aches and pains (we all suffer) and even your relatives medical problems. We’ve heard your recommendations for cures of pills and potions and mystical lotions sold by traveling medicine show or infomercials.

We all know what aspirin does for a hangover. We all know how to apply a band-aid. We all know we itch when mosquitoes suck our blood and it hurts to step barefoot on a Lego.

These everyday familiarizes don’t have to be the topic of conversation. If you come across some miracle cure, we might all listen but you are no doctor so why take you recommendation?

Even seeing a ‘real’ doctor, you have to explain your pain and from their experience or Rolodex offer an opinion of a possible solution. If that doesn’t work, come back and try something else.

Even ‘healthy living’ is no insurance to stay away from a car crash or a gunshot. Eat too much, drink too much, abuse drugs, mental distress, etc. can be rational decisions or the roll of the dice.

This ‘life’ thing we take our chances and do the best we can.  Good luck.

“Time to take my temperature again. Yikes! 98.7!! Hello Emergency 911?”