A multitude of information is available at our fingertips on the World Wide Web. The Internet can be an excellent source of health-related information. In fact, seeking health information is the third most common reason people go online. According to Pew Internet, a research organization, 87% of online Americans say the web helps them learn new things, and 72% say it improves their ability to share ideas. Most enjoy having access to more information, rather than feel overloaded by it.
Forums
There are a number of forums for receiving health information on the web:
- Health web sites: Provide information on a specific health-related topic, or provide general health information on a number of topics
- Bulletin boards: Threaded discussions that involve health-related postings from participants
- List serves*: A compilation of postings that are forwarded to subscribed participants
- Social media*: Twitter feeds or Facebook pages where people convene to share information
- Chat rooms and Forums*: Live discussion among participants, usually related to a medically specific topics. These forums can provide a wealth of helpful information, ideas and support. However, be wary of the information that is generated. Some information might be based on personal opinions, or even worse, for the sole purpose of selling a product.
*Posts to these sites would be subject to verification as medical experts usually do not oversee or comment on these sites. Dr. Stephen Barrett, retired psychiatrist and owner of Quackwatch.com, a non-profit corporation that combats health fraud, says, “There is a tremendous amount of information out there, but what is missing is an accuracy or reliability filter.”
Warning Signs
In order to identify fraudulent information, note the following warning signs when considering a form of treatment or therapy:
- The treatment or therapy makes glowing claims about its successes, as in promising to cure an illness(es) or disease(s).
- The treatment or therapy relies solely on personal testimonials rather than research findings reported in a reputable medical or scientific journal.
- The treatment or therapy claims to “do it all” and to “do it quickly.”
It is important to educate yourself and carefully assess the content of web sites. To evaluate the validity of a health web site, look for these important characteristics:
- The purpose of the web site should be clearly stated.
- The authors of the material must be identified. Look for the authors’ credentials. Is the author a physician, nurse or other health care professional?
- The owner of the web site and the organization with which the author is affiliated should be identified with contact information.
- Beware of health web sites that appear to be trying to sell something.
- If the web site quotes material from another source, the appropriate credit should be given.
- The date of publication should be clearly posted. Make sure the information you are reading is current.
- The web site should have a clearly stated privacy and security policy, especially if you are disclosing personal information.
Below is a selection of interesting and reputable health-related web sites. *
- The ALS Association – www.als.org
- WebMD – www.webmd.com
- Healthfinder – www.healthfinder.gov
- MayoClinic – www.mayoclinic.com
- Health on the Net Foundation – http://www.hon.ch/
- ALS Untangled http://www.alsuntangled.com/
The Internet has become a valuable tool to give and receive information. As long as you can balance what you hear with the regular consultation of your physician or other medical professional, you can increase your knowledge with both efficiency and confidence.
*The ALS Association provides these links for informational purposes only. The Association does not endorse these web sites, nor any product or physician represented on these sites.
Disclaimer
This information has been written by ALS health care professionals and/or copied from various sources, (the Internet, newsletters, articles, etc.).
The information is intended to be general in nature and is not to be relied upon as medical advice. Before any action is taken relative to your specific situation, you should check with your physician.
The information contained on this web site is protected by copyright and may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authorization of The ALS Association.
Updated December 2014
