Finding Reliable Health Information Online
The Internet is the source of a wealth of information, and it's
getting easier and easier to by-pass the usual authorities and
locate information on your own. But if you want to find reliable
health information online, how much of this information can you
trust? And when what you need to know is as important as your
health how do you know which information is reliable and which
information is best ignored?
The problems of self-diagnosis The answer is not simple. Anyone
using the Internet to get information about health is taking a
risk, because self-diagnosis is dangerous. It is always best to
see a professional when it comes to your health. But, if you
want some background information, then by all means search the
Internet but learn how to decipher the good and reliable from
the bad and unreliable.
You can't believe everything you see Anyone can post information
on the Internet. The people behind the information can be a
serious expert or a wacky profiteer. How can you tell the
difference?
Always start by being sceptical. If you come across someone who
is suggesting you stop taking your prescribed medication and
start taking his very expensive cure, then think twice before
you buy. Read through the website carefully. Ask the opinions of
friends and professionals. Search the Internet for similar
suggestions. Search the Internet for stories of other sufferers
who may be using the same "miracle cure." If you can, contact
some other people who have tried the "miracle cure."
Start with government agencies When you come across a health
site try to understand who is behind it. If you don't recognize
the URL, then try to find the "About" or "Contact" page. If you
still aren't sure, try to make contact with them and ask them
who they are.
In all cases it is recommended to begin with the most legitimate
providers of reliable health and medical information, such as
government agencies or university bodies. Most of these offer
informational pamphlets and brochures.
Here is a list of legitimate American health sites:
American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/ American Heart
Association: http://www.americanheart.org/ American Medical
Association: http://www.ama-assn.org/ Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ Department of Health
and Human Services: http://www.hhs.gov/ Food and Drug
Administration: http://www.fda.gov/ Healthfinder:
http://www.healthfinder.gov/ National Cancer Institute:
http://www.nci.nih.gov/ National Institutes of Health:
http://www.nih.gov/
About the author:
Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He
is the owner and co-editor of http://www.healthcenterpoint.com
on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this
article.
Other Related Articles
Teaching the Body Health
Quantum physics continues to make believers out of scientists
and informs spirituality.
Most of us grew up believing what scientists believed. We "knew"
that a cell's nucleus contained its DNA, that DNA contains
genetic material, and that the nucleus of a cell therefore
functioned as its...
A Canadian Pharmacy is a Lifesaver for Some Americans
The FDA states that it is illegal to import any prescription drugs from overseas. Anything found at the United States border will be seized. But this shouldn't include a Canadian pharmacy. Canada isn't even overseas... right? That's what many Americans say who frequently cross over the American...
Caregiving across the Miles—Tips for Successful Long Distance Caregiving
Caring for a parent or a loved one is a difficult job. Your duties as a caregiver become increasingly difficult as the miles increase between you and your loved one. The following are a few helpful tips in order to plan ahead in the event your loved one needs your help, as well as ideas on how...
Teaching the Body Health
Quantum physics continues to make believers out of scientists and informs spirituality. Most of us grew up believing what scientists believed. We "knew" that a cell's nucleus contained its DNA, that DNA contains genetic material, and that the nucleus of a cell therefore functioned as its...
A Canadian Pharmacy is a Lifesaver for Some Americans
The FDA states that it is illegal to import any prescription drugs from overseas. Anything found at the United States border will be seized. But this shouldn't include a Canadian pharmacy. Canada isn't even overseas... right? That's what many Americans say who frequently cross over the American...
Caregiving across the Miles—Tips for Successful Long Distance Caregiving
Caring for a parent or a loved one is a difficult job. Your duties as a caregiver become increasingly difficult as the miles increase between you and your loved one. The following are a few helpful tips in order to plan ahead in the event your loved one needs your help, as well as ideas on how...