Is the information on the site relevant to you?
Does the site contain enough detail and evidence?
Is the information written clearly and easy to understand?
Does the site remind you to share information with your doctor and/or pharmacist?
Does the site encourage you to find several ways to improve your health? Look
for websites that list the physical, mental and emotional aspects of health.
Is there an e-mail address where you can ask questions?
Does the site ask you to register, and if so, is the reason clear to you?
Does the site sell products?
Is the name of the organization or company clearly stated?
Does the site make claims that are supported by scientific evidence?
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Internet-Information-Tips
Using the Internet is a fast and convenient way to search for health information.
But it's not the only way. When you're looking for information about MS, try
to build a tool-kit from which you can choose among several tools for finding
information. In addition to using the Internet to find health information, try
using the following sources (but remember to be critical!):
Social media networks: Many groups focused on promoting MS awareness and information have social media accounts on sites like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Some will help you to connect with others and to help improve your everyday living with the condition, whereas others might share the latest research advancements. That said, be careful of what you post online to protect yourself from privacy issues.
Digital apps: If you have a smartphone or tablet, you have access to a wide range of apps focused on helping you live better with MS. Digital MS-related apps include features such as connecting with others, tracking your symptoms and triggers, and setting reminders for yourself. That said, digital apps aren't regulated by medical groups. If you come across new information that you feel wary about trusting, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
The library: Most libraries have a health section where you can find
information about medical conditions – their causes, symptoms, treatment options
and prevention tips. If you need more detailed information and live close to
a university or college, visit their medical library. Most medical libraries
contain reputable journals that contain recent studies and articles about current
health issues.
The newspaper: Newspapers and news websites usually present information about recent studies. Make sure that evidence is well supported with references and is unbiased. Are the pros and cons of a "scientific advance" listed? If you rely on the newspaper when searching for health information, shop around and read several sources. Each newspaper may present a recent medical finding in a different light.
Health magazines: Most magazines offer a general overview of health
conditions and medical issues. Make sure that health information takes care
of your physical, emotional and mental needs.
Drugstores: Many drugstores have brochures, pamphlets, and even patient
videos that contain health information. Usually pharmacists are available to
answer questions you might have about any medications you might be taking.
Your doctor and pharmacist: Ask you doctor or pharmacist about information
you find in the sources above. They can help you evaluate the source and make
sure that the information is relevant to you. Always talk to your doctor or
pharmacist about information surrounding any medications you are taking.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Internet-Information-Tips
Check the expiry date
Find out when the information was posted and if it is updated regularly. Health
and medical information should reflect the latest advances and scientific thought
on a specific topic.
So what?
Find out the purpose of the website. This should be clearly stated and should
help you evaluate the motives of the organization that created the site.
The big sell
If a health or medical website tries to sell you products, their motives may
not be completely ethical. Watch out for health websites that sell herbal products
and/or medications. All sponsorship, advertising and commercial funding arrangements
should be clearly stated and separated from editorial content.
Who's the doctor?
Avoid online physicians or pharmacists that propose to diagnose or treat you
without a physical exam and consultation.
That's personal!
Websites sometimes track the paths that visitors take to reach and navigate
their site. However some sites also ask you to subscribe or become a member.
In some cases they might want to collect a fee or select information for you
that's relevant to your concerns. This will give the site personal information
about you.
But credible sites will tell you exactly why they are asking for your information,
and will offer a policy describing how they will and will not use your information.
Make sure that any personal and medical information about you will be strictly
confidential. There should be a privacy policy for the site.
No miracle cures
Most importantly, use your common sense when evaluating sites. Be wary of sites
that offer a "cure-all" for your condition or symptoms. If it sounds
too good to be true, it probably is. And always read the fine print.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Internet-Information-Tips
Start with the experts
Look for health directories that partner with credible organizations. Reputable
organizations are usually the authority on a specific topic. Is your source
reliable?
Check the source
When you search a website, find out who produced it. Credible sites will have
an "about us" section and a list of medical advisors or an editorial
board. There should also be an e-mail address where you can contact the website's
organization or company and ask questions. Try to find a site that is associated
with a person or organization in which you already have confidence.
Get a second opinion
Remember that websites may be biased towards certain opinions or viewpoints.
Look for your information on several websites and in newspapers and magazines
until you find a consistent answer. Reputable websites will offer links to other
websites to help you find more information. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
if you have questions about information found on health websites.
Where's the evidence?
Health information should be supported by scientific studies and should list
both the pros and cons of an issue or medical treatment. Poor sites reflect
only one point of view. You should be able to validate the source of information.
Authors and contributors should be identified. Don't be afraid to be critical
when evaluating information.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Internet-Information-Tips
