Things to Remember

The Internet is the gateway to endless amounts of information. It’s easy-to-use, accessible and finds what you’re looking for in a matter of seconds. With this in mind, it is no surprise that more and more people are tossing books aside and using the Internet as their main source of information. The Internet is a public domain, which means anyone can create a Web site regardless of their credibility. Keep these things in mind as you search the Web:

Use reputable sources – Start with MedlinePlus. (www.medlineplus.gov)
MedLinePlus has information that is reliable, current, accurate, multilingual, and written by health professionals. It’s free and accessible from any computer with an Internet connection.

Do not search the entire Internet.
There are billions of Web sites on the Internet. The sites contained in this brochure are reliable sites. Many will also link you to additional sites.

Beware of commercial sites.
Sites with “.com” at the end of their address are commercial sites whose primary goal is to make a profit, and not necessarily to provide reliable information.

Check to see if the information is current and accurate.
Web sites can be created by anyone. Be sure the information you obtain is written by a health-care professional. Look for credentials (i.e., M.D., Ph.D., CRNP, D.D.S., RN). Check all information for a date. Information more than five years old is considered outdated.

It is also important to remember that information on Web sites, even the ones listed in “Reliable Health Information on the Internet,” should not take the place of your physician. Be sure to discuss any information you find with your primary health care provider.