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The Internet is a great way to get information about health. It’s one of the main reasons that people use the Internet. Good information can help you make decisions about your health and health care.
But don't trust everything you read! Remember, anyone can post information on the Internet. This includes health information.
There are people more than willing to take advantage of those who are ill or to promote their own interests. Protect yourself. Become an educated searcher and find the information that you need, as you need it.
Remember: You should not act upon any information without first seeing your doctor or nurse.
Evaluating Information
The Internet is getting bigger and more Web sites with health information appear every day. There is no magical way of finding good information from the many Web sites that exist. You will always need to be very cautious when you use the Internet to find health information. The Internet should never replace the relationship that you have with your health-care provider.
The good news is there are some simple ways to improve your chances of finding good quality information. Look for Web sites by:
| • | Government health agencies like Health Canada or the Canadian Health Network |
| • | Universities |
| • | Professional associations such as the Canadian Public Health Association or the Canadian Pharmacists Association . |
| • | Organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Diabetes Association. |
Look for Web sites that tell you where the information comes from. Here are some questions to think of:
| • | Is the information based on research? How can you tell? |
| • | How old is the information? How do you know? |
| • | Who wrote it? What are their qualifications? Are they a health-care professional? |
Be very careful with information on Web sites that are trying to sell you something or where a person is simply providing a personal opinion.
If you find reliable information, it might be hard to understand. Ask your health-care provider if there are things you do not understand. Keep in mind, the information may not apply to your situation. Check with your health-care provider.
For more information on how to evaluate health information on the Web, visit:
| • | How to Review the Health Information You Find on the Web |
| • | Is this health information good for me? Article by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine providing guidelines for evaluating health information. |
