When it comes to health information and concerns, everyone, including older folk frequently turn to the Internet to seek answers. Unfortunately not everything on the internet is credible, which means that people may find it difficult to access reliable information. It’s critical to assess what you find on the web because on the Internet, anyone can publish information. Computer software or artificial intelligence chooses the search engine results and because some websites are sponsored by companies that offer items, they may not provide objective information. There are many medical practice websites that do not provide credible information as well, so it is important to assess the best sites that are available today.
Looking for credible health information may sound like a difficult task but this article seeks to provide answers to frequently asked queries as well as pointers on how to find reliable health information on the Internet. Read more to find out. Consider the following while looking for health information on the internet from less well-known sources:
- Understand who is providing the content by looking at the source of the information. The site’s ‘About us’ page will inform you who operates it – it might be a reputable health organization or a single person (such as someone who has had experience with the illness and wants to share what they have learned).
- Is there an editorial board on the site for quality control? Is the information double-checked by specialists before it is published? This info should be on the ‘About us’ page or something similar.
- If something sounds too good to be true, it most often is. Is it promising fast and simple results? ‘Secret ingredient,’ for example, should raise warning flags. If the provider is sincere, they will be forthcoming with information regarding their services. Check to see if their assertions are backed up by many websites.
- Look for credible medical evidence to support claims. Do not believe testimonials from strangers; they may have been paid to advocate a product (or given free products or services).
- Is the information accurate and up to date? – Look up when the material was last updated or when it was posted
- Be cautious of prejudice — who is paying for the website? What is the point of it? Take this into account if the site is supported by a corporation that solely promotes its own items. Check to see whether it has a philosophical bent that influences its recommendations.
- Is your personal information secure? – Personal health information should be kept private. Be wary of websites that request personal information or distribute your information without your permission. Most reputable websites make their privacy policies available on their websites.
- Check various trustworthy sources for health claims that are based on personal testimony. Online support groups, forums, and blogs are excellent places to share experiences and information, but they should not be relied upon for health or medical advice.
- Examine the validity of the health claims made. A health claim based on a single small study, for example, is not as powerful as one based on the findings of numerous large scale studies. Visit the US Cochrane Center(link is external) or the e-Source for Behavioral and Social Science Research to learn more about evidence-based research.
