WEEDING THROUGH THE WEB

WEEDING THROUGH THE WEB


Many patients get information about their health from the Internet. But how do you know if you are getting accurate information? This educational sheet is designed to help you weed through the volumes of information that are on the Web.


Make sure the information is current. Check when the Web site was posted and when it was last updated. Many sites are made and not maintained. Old information may be worse than no information at all.


Who created the Web site? Was it a reputable institution (such as the American Cancer Society [ACS] or National Cancer institute [NCI])? Was it an individual with the health problem? Was it a pharmaceutical company trying to sell a particular drug? What are the credentials of the author of this Web site? Be sure that the author of the Web site is someone you would trust getting information from.


What is the goal of the Web site? Is the Web site trying to sell a product or service? Is the author trying to deliver a message? Are there a lot of advertisements or “pop-ups” on the site? You will want to know what the goal is because this can influence the information you are getting.


Where is the Web site getting its information? What sources or references are posted? Are they clearly identified? Are the sources from reputable studies? Remember that just because it is on the Internet does not mean it is true.


Can you understand the information you are getting? Most Web sites are written at a 12th grade level or above. This is difficult for the average American to understand. Ask a health care professional to help you understand the information if needed.



HELPFUL AND RELIABLE WEB SITES




General


National Institutes of Health: www.nih.gov American Dietetic Association: www.eatright.com Center for Patient Advocacy: www.patientadvocacy.org



Breast Cancer


Living with it.org: www.livingwithit.org Share: www.sharecancersupport.org American Breast Cancer Foundation: www.abcf.org Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation:


www.breastcancerinfo.com Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization: www.y-me.org Breast Cancer Answers: www.medsch.wisc.edu/bca National Lymphedema Network: www.lymphnet.org Johns Hopkins Breast Center:


www.med.jhu.edu/breastcenter SusanLoveMD.com: www.susanlovemd.com

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Mar 1, 2017 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on WEEDING THROUGH THE WEB

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