Health & Wellness Resources

Evaluating Health Information Online

When looking for reliable health information online, consider these tips to ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of the content:

• Seek information from reputable sources like government (.gov) websites, well-known medical schools, and large professional organizations​ (NIH News in Health).
• Verify the information by comparing it with other reputable sites to ensure consistency​ (MedlinePlus)​.
• Look for scientific references, such as professional journals like the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the New England Journal of Medicine, as they are good indicators of reliable content​.
• Check the date of the information, as health advice can change. Ideally, the content should not be more than 2 to 3 years old​.
• Beware of promises of quick fixes or miracle cures, and remember that personal stories, while valuable, are not scientific evidence​​.

General Health and Wellness Information

• MedlinePlus: A service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), offering information on health topics, drugs & supplements, genetics, medical tests, and more.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): The nation’s medical research agency, making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. This site links to various NIH institutes covering a wide range of health topics.

Cancer Information

• National Cancer Institute (NCI): The nation’s leading source for cancer information.
• American Cancer Society (ACS): Offers information, support, and a 24/7 helpline for those affected by cancer.
• Macmillan Cancer Support: Provides support and resources for people living with cancer in the UK.
• Cancer.Net: Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Offers global cancer statistics and information on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Health Testing Information

• Testing.com: Offers public resources on clinical lab testing, explaining various types of tests and how they work.

Quality and Patient Safety

• Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ): Provides data and information on health care quality and patient safety topics.

Pediatric & Family Health

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Extensive resources on children’s health from the leading professional association for pediatricians.
• FamilyDoctor.org: Supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians, this site offers health information for the entire family.
• MCH Library at Georgetown University: A digital library on maternal and child health topics.

Specific Health Conditions

• HIVinfo: Administered by the NIH, providing information about HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and research.
• National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases: Scientific resources for allergic, immunologic, and infectious diseases.
• National Center on Deaf-Blindness: Resources to support the educational needs and development of individuals with deaf-blindness.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Resources on substance abuse and mental health treatment and prevention.