Some health web sites
that look legitimate are
not what they seem, and
their information may
not be accurate. When
you're starting out, you'll
need a few guidelines
to help sort out the safe
from the dangerous.
Who's the sponsor?
The sponsor is the first
thing you should look
for upon entering a new
site. Adopt a healthy
skepticism. You'll find
non-profit (academic,
government, association
and institutional) and
commercial (business and
company) sites. Credible
information can be found
on both non-profit and
commercial sites, but
it is important to understand
the intention of the sponsor
as you browse.
What about sites
set up by individuals?
Individuals' sites often
provide excellent support,
information and links,
but you still have to
be wary. Individuals who
set up sites on their
own or even at established
organizations or universities
may or may not have a
sufficient medical background
to provide the best information
on your topic. Personal
opinions may get in the
way of fact. Look for
disclaimers on individuals'
sites, as they can be
an indicator of the responsibility
a person is taking in
spreading information.
But beware, not all sites
have disclaimers...and
not all disclaimers are
valid.
Can you trust
information that originates
outside the United States?
While organizations worldwide
may offer credible information,
health information found
on U.S. sites will be
more in line with U.S.
regulations and treatment
guidelines. Some prescription
medicines used in Europe
are not FDA-approved,
and are not available
in the United States.
