Healthy Living in a Changing Society
Evaluating Health Information on the Internet
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS…
Before accepting any site as the gospel truth,
WHO runs the site?
Good
• .gov, .edu, .org
Use caution
• .com, .net
WHAT is the purpose of the site
Spread information on health
Money or products
WHAT is the SOURCE of information on site
Medical and scientific journals
General magazines
HOW is information documented?
Uses references and citations
Opinions and general facts
HOW is information REVIEWED before posting?
Peer reviewed No peer review
HOW CURRENT is the information?
Current copyright dates and accreditation
notes
Older copyright and/or no accreditation notes
HOW does site choose LINKS to other sites
Strict code Easy to link with site
WHAT information about VISITORS does site collect?
Little or none Must join to access site
HOW does site manage INTERACTIONS
Well defined policy for forums and chats
Vague policies and/or not moderated
CAN ACCURACY in e-mail be verified?
How can you check authenticity?
IS information in CHAT rooms accurate?
When in doubt, consult SNOPES or other FACT CHECKING site
Some reputable health websites
http://www.webmd.com/http://www.health.gov
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/http://www.mayoclinic.com/
https://www.kaiserpermanente.org/http://www.healthnet.org/
Or check authenticity on HON
http://www.hon.ch/pat.html
Your Health is Important
Know your sources…Research the credentials…Decide with facts
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