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| You may want to research a knee replacement or other medical problem you have. |
Whenever our doctors tell my husband or me about a new health problem, the first thing we do is ask the doctor to give us as much information about it as possible. However, in a short office visit, we are limited in the amount of time they can spend with us, and we do not always remember everything they tell us. Occasionally, they will have a brochure which contains additional information.
In most cases, we leave the doctor's office unsatisfied with what we have learned. That's when we turn to the internet. Unfortunately, the internet is full of both correct and incorrect information about nearly every health condition imaginable. Relying solely on the internet is a little like relying solely on your GPS, and ending up driving into a river or lake. Sometimes the information you get on the internet is wrong, and it can even kill you!
Finding Reputable Medical Sources
The AARP Bulletin in May, 2020 listed several sources that are reliable and based on documented research and medical standards. These include:
National Institute on Aging at nia.nih.gov
American Geriatric Society at healthinaging.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov
National Institutes of Health at nih.gov
American Academy of Family Physicians at familydoctor.org
Mayo Clinic at mayoclinic.org
I have also found it useful to use the website from the hospital or doctor's practice in my HMO. This is especially important if I want to know what to expect when they treat my illness. This is where I can find answers to questions such as the types of treatment I can expect, how long the treatment will take, and the normal length of hospital stays and physical therapy. At the very least, the sites are a good place to start when asking specific questions of my doctor.
In addition to the other sites mentioned above, I also like to review medical information at:
WebMD at webmd.com
The Cleveland Clinic at clevelandclinic.org
You will also want to check the information on the national organizations for your particular health problem, such as the National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association. These websites often contain the most current information about their particular health topic, including recently approved medications.
When You Should Be Skeptical of So-Called Medical Sites
When it comes to researching health symptoms and treatments, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's important to understand that not all sources of information are created equal. Some sources may be more reliable and trustworthy than others, and it's crucial to be able to differentiate between the two.
If you type the name of your illness or your symptoms into a search engine, the top searches will be for sponsored or advertised sites. The companies have paid large amounts of money to be placed at the top of your search page. They may represent an advocacy group which is pushing a particular agenda. They may be promoting products or treatments which are dangerous, risky or not backed by scientific research. It is far better to rely on trustworthy sources and avoid these questionable sites.
Another factor to consider is the funding source of the research. Some studies may be funded by companies or organizations with a vested interest in the outcome, which could bias the results. It's important to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest and to look for studies which are independently funded.
How to Find Trustworthy Medical Sites
One of the most important things you can do when researching health symptoms and treatments is to consult reputable sources of information. This might include medical journals, academic studies, and professional medical organizations. These sources are likely to provide accurate, up-to-date information on the latest research and best practices in the field.One of the best places to start your research is with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is the largest biomedical research agency in the world, and it is responsible for funding and conducting research on a wide range of health topics. Their website, PubMed, is a database of more than 32 million citations for biomedical literature, making it an excellent resource for finding scholarly articles and studies on various health conditions and treatments. PubMed is a free resource and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.
Another great resource is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is a national public health institute that is dedicated to protecting and promoting public health in the United States. Their website is a wealth of information on a variety of health topics, including infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and injury prevention. The CDC also provides guidance on vaccines, screenings, and other preventive measures.
What Medical Treatment is Right for You?
When researching health symptoms and treatments, it's important to keep in mind that not all treatments will work for everyone. The effectiveness of a treatment can depend on a variety of factors, including the individual's age, overall health, and medical history. It's also important to note that some treatments may have side effects or risks, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
By the time you have done your research and received answers to you questions, you should have a good idea what to expect in the coming weeks and months while dealing with a new health diagnosis.
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Photo credits: Knee x-ray and the author's Etsy store.
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