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You're in charge

 

Tips for Safe Health Information Surfing

 

Keep these tips in mind as you sort the good Internet sites from the bad ones

WOULD YOU follow health advice from a guy handing out leaflets on a street corner?

Unfortunately-as most of us have discovered-a lot of online information isn't much better than that.

The Internet is a rich source of health information, and about 8 million people tap into it every day,

according to research from the Pew Research Center. But, not all sites are created equal.

Of the thousands that offer health information, many are out of date, unreliable or downright deceptive.

 

Do a site inspection

One way to help avoid inaccurate or misleading health information is to check the Web site address. In general, government-sponsored sites-look for ".gov" in the address­ are dependable. Sites run by universities or medical schools­ ".edu" sites-usually are dependable, too. So are ".org" sites maintained by leading organizations that focus on teaching and research, such as the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Other sites that have a ".org" or ".com" address also can be helpful, but take extra care when checking them out.

 

These questions can help you further assess Internet sites:

  • Who runs it? Check the "About Us" link. Choose sites
             developed by health professionals.

  • Do they want your money? Be cautious about sites that
             sell a product or ask for money.

  • Does the information sound too good to be true? Be
             suspicious of promises of quick and dramatic relief,
             secret ingredients and cure-alls.

  • How current is the information? Sites should be reviewed
         an    d updated regularly, with the "last updated" date posted.

  • Do you see a Health on the Net (HON) icon at the site?

  • HON assesses the quality of medical information on the
             Internet. Accredited sites can display the HON icon.

  • Is your privacy protected? If the site asks you for personal
         i    nformation, it should have a privacy statement that explains
             how the information will be used.

  • Can you contact the site owners? There should be a "Contact Us"
             page telling how to ask questions or offer comments.
  • Is there a disclaimer that says material on the site
         sho    uldn't be substituted for advice from your doctor?
         Re    liable online health information has its place, but keep
             yourdoctor in the loop.
 

 Sites worth seeing

Wondering where to start searching for online health information? Here are some dependable sites to start with:

    National Institutes of Health (www.health.nih.gov).  You can search health topics alphabetically or browse by body system, disease, symptom or procedure.

    Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.cdc.gov).  Find information about diseases and conditions, injury prevention, environmental health and more. If you're planning a trip abroad, visit here first for advice, on vaccinations, preventive medication, safe food and water practices, disease outbreaks and where to find emergency health care.

    Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov).

Provides information about anything the FDA regulates, including food, drugs, medical devices, and the safety and labeling of cosmetics. healthfinder.gov (www.healthfinder.gov).  Here you'll find an A-to-Z health library, news, consumer guides, health quizzes and a drug interaction checker.