Health information on the Internet has been a double-edged sword. While providing a previously unavailable resource, the accuracy on the information is often questioned. Knowing how to find appropriate and accurate health information is a critical part of the process.
Difficulty Level: average Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
- Discuss with your doctor. Never rely entirely on the Internet. Print out what you find, take it to your next appointment, and see what your doctor thinks.
- Avoid sellers. Some sites have advertising, which is fine. But if they're trying to sell you a medication, supplement, or something of this nature, then their information is probably not objective.
- Read the credits. Is the information you have found supported by research? Good patient summary articles will site the resources used to compile the information.
- Avoid testimonials. This is a bad way to make a treatment decision. One report does nothing to support or reject a particular treatment--look for reports of large studies.
- Avoid "secret cures." There are theories, unknown treatments, and new research, but these are not secrets. Steer clear of individuals who want to sell you a secret cure.
- Avoid products that treat everything. Products that cure everything seem too good to be true,
and probably are.
- Never make a medical decision based solely on information found on the Internet.
- Discuss what you find with your doctor!
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