Find Healthy Information on the World Wide Web

By: Stephen L. Clancy, MLS, AHIP
Health Sciences Research Librarian
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Suppose that you have just come from a visit to the doctor and your physician was concerned about the results from your recent physical. The doctor suggested a few additional lab tests to rule out a potential health problem. You boot up your laptop and head to Google™. You type in a few keywords, and see "Results 1 - 10 of about 82,400,000." You type in the name of a lab test -- "Results 1 - 10 of about 3,050,000!" Which Web site do you pick? Which one is reliable? Which one is easy to understand?

There are many places on the Web that are gold mines of health-related information. They are easy to understand, reliable and comprehensive. Government agencies, professional medical associations, coalitions of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, and many other organizations provide these as a public service.

MedlinePlus
This is the first stop for authoritative, comprehensive healthcare information. Maintained by the National Library of Medicine, other government agencies, and health-related organizations, MedlinePlus leads the user to extensive information about medical conditions, drugs, interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news. All information is also available in Spanish.

Familydoctor.org
This Web site provides health information for the entire family. A service of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), all of the information has been written and reviewed by physicians and patient education professionals.

Health A to Z
HealthAtoZ.com is a comprehensive, integrated health and medical resource developed by health care professionals. HealthAtoZ.com aims to improve health care by empowering consumers with the online health programs, information, and technology that help them make healthy lifestyle changes for themselves and their families. Medical professionals review all information.

Kidshealth For Kids
This site provides doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence. KidsHealth.org provides families with accurate, up-to-date, and jargon-free health information they can use. There is a separate area for kids, teens, and parents - each with its own design, age-appropriate content, and tone. There are many in-depth features, articles, animations, games, and resources available. Medical professionals review all information.

Lab Tests Online
Lab Tests Online has been designed to help individuals better understand the many clinical lab tests that are part of routine healthcare as well as diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of conditions and diseases. Step-by-step information is provided for common lab tests that include how the test sample is obtained, what the results mean, and includes answers to commonly asked questions. Current medical news is also available. An editorial board of health professionals reviews information provided on the Web site.

MayoClinic.com Drug Information
From the renowned Mayo Clinic, this resource contains descriptions, precautions, side effects, and proper use for more than 8,000 prescription and over-the-counter medications are available. Information can also be found on herb, vitamin and other supplements.