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Do you find yourself struggling to find reliable information about your health condition on the internet? Not sure where to go, what to search for or whom to trust? Here are some questions to ask yourself when you find health information on the web to determine if it is reliable.

1. Who publishes the website and what is the purpose of the site? On any website, there should be a link to the “about us” section, which will give you details regarding who is running the site and what the purpose of the site is. For example, with SeekWellness, the “about us” page states that SeekWellness.com is owned by a group of professional health care providers and consumers. It further explains the purpose and mission as well as how the site is funded.
   
   
2. Where is the information coming from and how is it selected? It is important to find details about the articles you are reading. Check for an author. Does the author have credentials that qualify him/her to be writing such an article? Make sure to check for references. Any articles including statistics or facts should be backed up by references. At SeekWellness, the majority of our articles are written by our expert staff and we carefully select contributors who are experts in their field. For example, Diane K Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP, FAAN has been an incontinence nurse for over 20 years and is the director of our incontinence center. She has contributed several articles to SeekWellness.com, all of which are clearly marked directly underneath the title of the article, and references are listed at the end of each page.
   
   
3. How easily can you contact someone from the website? There should always be a way for you to contact the site owner if you come across any questions or concerns. There should be a “contact us” section with a way to email or contact the site owner. Additionally, if the website has forums or chat rooms, you should find out if they are moderated and if so by whom. Always use caution when using discussion boards. In most cases, forum messages are contributed by individuals writing of their own personal experiences and may not include expert advice. It is important to discuss information you learn with your doctor.
   
   
4. How to determine if a site is unreliable. A good rule of thumb: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are other cues that a site may not be reliable:
   • Sites promising quick, dramatic results.
   • Sites claiming that their product/pill can cure a variety of illnesses.
   • Sites relying on secret ingredients.
   • Sites that use a lot of exclamation points to emphasize their point.

Although the web can be a great source for information, there are many websites that are not reliable and present half-truths and myths. Make sure you do your research to ensure the information you are finding is accurate. SeekWellness.com is a great example of websites presenting reliable information to their audiences. And always remember that information you find on the Internet does not replace your doctor’s advice. Your doctor knows your medical history and is offering advice based on your own personal health. No website can do that.

References:
National Institute of Health, US Department of Health & Human Services, “Ten Things to Know About Evaluating Medical Resources on the Web”

US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), “How to Evaluate Health Information on the Internet” 2005.

American Academy of Family Physicians, “Health Information on the Web: Finding Reliable Information” 2008

Go to SeekWellness.com to find reliable health information on your condition.
For product information, visit the SeekWellness Store.