Online health information is now a worldwide phenomenon, with more than 20,000 medical sites in America, Europe and Asia. Although most people visit these sites only in the event of illness or when they are diagnosed with a disease or other adverse health condition, some people actually become addicted to them. These cybercondriacs, as they are sometimes called, can visit online health sites several times a week or more.
One thing is certain: if you use medical sites for self-diagnosis or as an excuse to avoid your doctor, you are definitely heading for trouble.
Despite this abuse, online health information resources can be empowered, giving you an effective tool for maintaining good health.
But how do you know the information you get correctly? Here are some recommendations agreed by most experts.
- Find out who is the sponsor or owner of the site. Some sites are mostly commercial. Others are supported by special interest groups that support the agenda. For more information, see the About Us section of the website.
- What are the powers of the authors of the medical site? Is it scientifically based or produced by medical specialists? Does the site cure a miracle? Visit Quackwatch.com for current information on fraud and myths.
- Is the information timely? This is especially important if you are studying medical tests, technology or treatment options. Always look for the dates published regarding when the changes were made.
- Look for sites with the “HON” stamp, pointing to a promise to uphold the standards set by the Health in the Network Foundation. Also note that many of the major online health information sites are participating in the accreditation program called HiEthics, run by the American Accreditation Commission, which is subject to verification through its website.
Health websites in the Big Three
Below are three major, reputable online health information sites - there are no charlatans, quacks or snake oil vendors.
WebMD.com
This is a site that you have probably already heard about and may have already used. Last year, WebMD earned nearly $ 300 million in revenue, almost all from advertising. It is currently the largest online information site on the Internet on the Internet and receives more than 12% of all health information traffic. This is a great starting point for your research on virtually any health topic. For example, the “Disease and Conditions” section allows you to focus on a specific health problem. Or you can search for topics through channels such as Health and Wellness, New Diagnosis, or Living with a Disease. However, as you read, note that some sections are sponsored and may be commercially inclined.
MayoClinic.com
This site, linked to the world-famous Mayo clique, is the second most popular health website on the Internet. Here you will find hundreds of detailed and authoritative articles, a disease index, a variety of condition centers (for example, Alzheimer's disease) and centers for a healthy lifestyle (for example, women's health)). For research on specific medical tests and treatments, refer to the healthcare solution guide. Mayo Clinic specialists provide most of the content for this huge site.
RevolutionHealth.com
Founded by Steve Case, who previously founded America Online, Revolution Health is an amazingly comprehensive source of health information on the Internet. Registration is required, but it sincerely requires that you provide your email address and set a password. For this small investment in time, you will have the tools to search and evaluate doctors, hospital comparative rating charts, disease / drug / treatment research tools, health risk assessment, exercise tracking tools, a 6-week healthy lifestyle program, many free newsletters and a lot more. You can also subscribe to a premium membership (for a fee) that a “health assistant and lawyer” provides to help you solve almost any issue or health problem, from finding training options for working with your health insurance provider.
Other high-quality health information websites
As mentioned above, thousands of health web sites on the Internet can spend weeks trying to research them all. The following are some of the best - sites that are often cited or recommended in authoritative health and wellness newsletters and reference sites.
Medlineplus.gov — maintained by the National Library of Medicine, you can get information about more than 400 diseases and conditions, a guide to pharmaceuticals, links to NIH clearing centers, and many other useful resources.
Healthfinder - This US Department of Health and Human Services site provides the gateway to more than 1,800 health agencies and organizations. An excellent resource for the initial study of specific medical problems, conditions, diseases, etc.
Kidshealth.com - Comprehensive library of children's products.
WomensHealth.gov - Provides valuable sections of a special category, such as disabled women and minority women.
