While it might not be one of our proudest moments, we've all faked feeling sick to get out of something.  Whether it was a test we didn't study for, a date we didn't want to go on, or a family event we simply had no desire to attend, we've all used the thermometer under hot water trick or forced a hacking fit to make ourselves sound so sick there's no possible way we can get out of bed.

But we knew once the people were gone we're back to being healthy again.  Perhaps you've up-played a pulled muscle or headache, full well knowing you were fine.  We all get those aches and pains, but we know that we're healthy.

Imagine what it would be like if, at the slightest twitch of a limb or baby of a cough, you automatically assumed you had some deadly disease.  A hiccup becomes a sign for cancer.  Coughing means you've got leukemia.  And you don't even want to know what a fever means.

While it may seem like overreacting to you, millions of people suffer from this line of thinking everyday; they're called hypochondriacs.  They have an unhealthy obsession with their physical health and an irrational thought that they have a disease every time a headache comes their way.  They take real symptoms and overanalyze them so they mean something much more serious than what they really are.

Luckily there is treatment available for this disorder, but it takes time and patience to work out.  So the next time your friend thinks she has lime disease in the middle of winter because there's a red bump on her arm, just let it go.  You know it's not possible, but she can't help herself unless she gets some help first.