A new study has found that Dorset residents are turning to the internet with health questions more than anywhere else in the UK.

Health experts at NowPatient have looked at Google search data for general health, skincare advice, and dental concerns to reveal the health topics that UK residents are most interested in. 

A total of 13,270 health related searches were made by residents in Dorset from February 2023 to January 2024.

Dorset has come out top as the most health-curious region in the country, with 3,480 searches per 100,000 people. 

General health questions were searched 8,370 times, making Dorset the county with the most searches in this category with 2,195 per 100,000 people.

Skincare related queries where searched  3,680 times, again putting Dorset top of the list with 965 per 100,000 people.

When it comes to dental care,  Dorset came second to Newcastle with , with 320 searches per 100,000 people.

In comparison to the previous year, Dorset has seen a rise 15.69 percent in searches, the ninth highest increase across counties in the UK.

In light of the results from the study, Navin Khosla, a pharmacist at NowPatient, has shared the following for three frequently asked health questions and provided expert answers.

How can I lower my blood pressure?

 “High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, among others, so keeping it at an average rate is essential. Symptoms of high blood pressure can include headaches or heart palpitations, and the risk of this condition increases with age. You can make lifestyle changes to reduce your blood pressure and prevent it from becoming a problem in the future. These changes include adopting a diet with a reduced salt intake, exercising regularly, and reducing caffeine.”

Why can’t I sleep?

“Some of the most common causes of insomnia or difficulty sleeping include stress or anxiety, recreational drugs, and caffeine.

Every adult is different, but if you are struggling to get your 7 to 9 hours of sleep, there are some things you can try. According to research, the perfect sleeping conditions include a quiet room between 15.6 and 19.4°C, including physical activity as part of your daily routine, or practising meditation before bed to help clear your mind.”

Why do I feel sick after eating?

“Nausea, or feeling sick, can cause lots of short-term discomfort but can also indicate a more serious health condition. Suppose the uneasiness in your stomach goes away without vomiting. In that case, you shouldn’t necessarily discount it, as it could be a sign of a food intolerance or allergy or an underlying health condition such as kidney or liver disease.

"Avoiding anything that you can identify as a trigger should help to keep nausea at bay, but anti-motion sickness medication can also help to alleviate symptoms. However, if the post-meal nausea is accompanied by blood in your vomit or stool, then you should consider seeking medical attention.”

The full report  can be found here: https://nowpatient.com/health-news/doctor-google-mapped-uk