Online Health Information

What can you trust?

Every day more people turn to the Internet for financial advice, news, shopping, diet and exercise tips and the latest health breakthroughs. With so much information available at the touch of a few keystrokes, how can you find information you can trust?

“When searching the Web for medical information, always consider the source’s bias and standing in the medical community,” said Jonathan Wilding, M.D., internal medicine. “It is best to harvest medical information from several reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Medical Association, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.”

Avoid sites that sell products, pharmaceuticals or promote trendy diet plans. Also be wary of sites that contain a great deal of online advertising.

Once you find sites you trust, always validate the information you find by checking with your doctor. Procedures, medicines and treatments change rapidly, and it is important that you work with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

“Medical information from authoritative sites should be consistent with your physician’s health care plan and treatment,” Dr. Wilding said.

Remember: It is unwise and sometimes dangerous to “self-diagnose” based on Internet information. Together with your doctor, you can take charge of your health and have confidence in your planning.

–Carrie Lewellen

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