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Health information on the net
Don't believe everything you see
Many of us use the Internet everyday to connect with family and friends, as part of the job, or just for entertainment. It is also a great source of information. Valuable and accurate information on almost any topic can be found in minutes by anyone with Internet access. Unfortunately, the Internet also rapidly spreads false or misleading information. How can you decide if the health information you find on the Internet is reliable? Consider the following when you are looking on the Internet.
Who is responsible for the website?
- Check the ‘about’ page to see who runs the website. Sites run by government, health departments, universities, hospitals or non-profit organizations usually have helpful and trustworthy information.
- Find out how the site is funded. The site sponsor should be obvious. Keep in mind that content can be affected by the goals of sponsors.
- Contact information for the organization or web master should be listed.
Recommended diabetes websites
Canadian Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.ca
Information on risks for diabetes, diabetes facts, and diabetes management (including medications, nutrition, physical activity
and prevention of complications).
Public Health Agency of Canada
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
A diabetes section includes programs and services available toCanadians with diabetes. The site has links to Canada’s Food Guide and Canada’s Physical Activity Guide.
Dietitians of Canada
www.dietitians.ca
Information on healthy nutrition and how to find a registered dietitian.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada
www.jdrf.ca
Information on managing diabetes for children and teens, including how to manage diabetes at school or college, and while travelling.
National Aboriginal Diabetes Association
www.nada.ca
Includes diabetes overview, Pathway to Wellness handbook, and links to other diabetes resources.
American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org
Extensive information on diabetes, nutrition, meal planning and fitness.
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
Diabetes resources from the U. S. National Institutes of Health.
Canada Safeway
www.safeway.ca
The Wellness Centre on the home page contains more than 125 articles from previous Managing Diabetes issues. These can also be found in the Pharmacy section, listed under Diabetes tools. The grocery section includes a list of gluten-free products available at Canada Safeway. A weekly flyer is also available for your city with current specials on diabetes supplies.
Where does the information come from?
- Is the person or organization qualified to provide this type of information? For instance, is a health professional giving the advice?
- If the group responsible for the site did not write the material, the original author or source should be clearly identified.
Is the information current?
- Websites should be reviewed and updated regularly, as medical information changes often.
- Web pages should be dated or list a date when last reviewed.
Does the information sound too good to be true?
- Never believe claims of miracle cures, ‘breakthroughs’, ‘secret ingredients’ or remedies that can cure a variety of illnesses.
- Beware of sites that use technical jargon rather than simple language.
- Get a second opinion by checking other sites and talking with your health care team.
Does the site have a privacy policy?
- If you provide personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, or credit card number, what is done with this information?
- Be aware that some sites may sell your information to others or share your e-mail address.
By looking for these features on health related websites, it is more likely that what you find online will be reliable. Your family doctor, pharmacist and other health care team members are available to help you decide if the material you have gathered is accurate. Happy surfing!
FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of |
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FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of |
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