Looking at Google Search trends is an easy way to find the hottest topics in the field of medicine at any given time. We can see what’s on people’s minds, how that changes over time and with new information, and watch the rise and fall of the population’s interest in different subjects. We can even narrow it down in terms of time and location.
Knowledge of what people are searching for online is not only valuable for marketing but also shows us some interesting information about the lives and struggles of the general population. Here’s a look at what medical topics were the most searched in Google in 2019:
1) How to lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is a significant concern for many Americans – one in three, to be precise. Just under half of those people have the condition under control. Risks and outcomes associated with having high blood pressure include dementia, kidney failure, heart failure, a stroke, or an aneurysm, so it’s no wonder that people are looking for ways to lower their blood pressure readings.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to lower blood pressure beyond using medication. Steps like exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, cutting down on sodium intake, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, and reducing stress can all help to lower blood pressure.
2) What is keto?
In January 2019, keto skyrocketed in popularity. Most conversations on diet and health would see Keto get a mention and even celebrities got on board, with Kourtney Kardashian, Halle Berry, and Alicia Vikander all eating according to the keto principles.
So what is keto? Keto refers to the ketogenic diet, which was developed in the 1920s by Rollin Turner Woodyatt and Dr. Russell Morse Wilder. The premise of Keto is that it’s a low-carb diet, intending to send your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns protein and fat (instead of sugar and carbs) for energy.
Is it effective? Well, many people have certainly found success following the Keto diet to quickly lose weight and manage medical conditions like epilepsy. However, it’s often argued that it shouldn’t be adopted as a long-term lifestyle, but rather a short-term diet for weight loss, etc. Research suggests that most diets are not effective in the long run. For long-term results, it’s important to look at healthy eating as a lifestyle change and to consult with your doctor or nutritionist on the best way to achieve that for yourself.
3) How to get rid of hiccups/what causes hiccups
The age-old question with a million different answers. Getting the hiccups is uncomfortable and frustrating, and people naturally look for ways to get rid of them as soon as they start. Methods range from drinking a glass of water upside down, to being startled, to pressing a certain point in the palm.
What works? It’s different for everyone, but slowly taking a deep breath, holding it a few seconds, and slowly breathing all the way out is probably one of the simplest solutions. Repeating that a few times should make the hiccups go away.
Close behind wondering how to get rid of hiccups is wanting to know what causes them. Hiccups occur when your diaphragm – the muscle that moves your lungs – starts to spasm, causing a quick inhalation of air.
4) How long does the flu last?
The flu, often confused with the common cold, is a painful way to get sick. Symptoms such as fever, aches, and fatigue make for a horrible experience, so it’s natural to want to know how long you’ll be dealing with it. According to Harvard Medical school, the flu usually lasts around 5-7 days. Flu shots can help reduce your risk.
5) What causes kidney stones?
Notoriously painful, it’s estimated that “one in ten people will have a kidney stone at some time in their lives”, according to the National Kidney Foundation. They are caused by a build-up of chemicals in the urine that crystallizes and forms hard stones.
6) What is HPV?
Everyone loves acronyms, especially in the medical field, where words are often long and Latin-based, making them difficult to remember. It’s very common to use acronyms without hearing or knowing what they represent (eg. DNA).
In this case, the acronym HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is a very common group of sexually transmitted viruses that often presents no symptoms but can cause some nasty warts or sometimes create changes in cells that can turn into cancer.
7) How to lower cholesterol
High cholesterol and high blood pressure go hand-in-hand, with the former often contributing to the latter. Cholesterol plaque can cause arteries to become hardened and narrow, which can strain your heart and cause other health problems. Avoiding certain fats can help lower cholesterol, but it’s best to discuss cholesterol management with your doctor.
8) How many calories should I eat a day?
Calorie counting has been around since the 1920s and is at the heart of many diet programs. Because society now looks at calories and their direct association with weight gain and weight loss, consuming the ‘right’ number of calories has become a high priority for many people.
As for the answer to the question itself, how many calories should you eat per day? Well, that varies person-to-person and lifestyle-to-lifestyle. Most doctors and nutritionists recommend a focus not on calories but on eating a balanced diet of nutritious food complemented by regular exercise.
9) How long does alcohol stay in your system?
The Washington Post reported that 30% of American adults consume less than one drink per week. Alcohol affects everyone a little differently. Even if you no longer feel the effects of alcohol, it may still be found in your system and you could be charged with a DUI if caught driving. In Florida, for instance, you can be fined between $500 and $2000 with up to 1-year license suspension.
So how long does alcohol stay in your system? Different factors play a role but on average, according to American Addiction Centers, alcohol can stay in your blood for up to 6 hours and in your breath 12-24 hours.
What Are the Most Searched Keywords in Cosmetic Surgery?
When considering effective keyword selection for cosmetic surgery, it’s crucial to identify the most searched keywords. Commonly searched terms include cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. Being aware of these popular search terms can help cosmetic surgeons optimize their online presence and reach a broader audience seeking their expertise. Remember, understanding and utilizing these keywords can significantly enhance the visibility and reach of cosmetic surgery practices online.
What AI-Powered Tools can Help with Analyzing Popular Medical Topics Searched on Google?
AI-powered tools are a game-changer for analyzing popular medical topics searched on Google. They enhance your medical content writing by providing data-driven insights, identifying trends, and offering a comprehensive analysis. These tools take the guesswork out of understanding what users are searching for, enabling you to create targeted and informative content. Stay ahead of the curve and leverage AI to deepen your understanding and deliver valuable medical information to your audience.
What Will 2020 Bring?
Those were the most-searched medical topics on Google in 2019. Looking back at the lists from previous years it’s clear that some things never change. Generally, it’s the age-old questions that get searched year after year. Still, there are some recent topics that could emerge on the list for next year. It’s very likely that COVID-19 will make the list for 2020, but only time will tell.
Want to leverage popular topics for medical marketing? At Surgeon’s Advisor, we understand effective digital marketing and work with your practice to maximize your ROI. We specialize in the medical field, so contact us today to talk about how we can boost your plastic surgery’s ranking in Google searches.
