LONDON<$> — Stress, sexually transmitted diseases and embarrassing ailments are among the nation’s top health concerns, NHS Direct said yesterday. Of the 20 most frequent topics searched on NHS Direct’s websiteover the past six months, chicken pox is the greatest worry, followed by pregnancy.

Thrush, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, ringworm, depression and chlamydia are also on the list. “Chlamydia, ringworm or even depression could be in the top 20 because people may be too embarrassed to approach their doctor,” said BBC Radio 1’s Dr Mark Hamilton. NHS Direct receives more than 1.5 million visits a month while its telephone service deals with 25,000 calls a day.