Navigating Health Information Online: A Guide from the ND Department of Health
The internet offers plenty of information on health and wellness. But, with so much data available, it can be hard to determine what’s genuine and what’s not. The North Dakota Department of Health has stepped up to assist residents with navigating health information online.
Introduction
Accessing health information online can be a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. From medical journal articles to advice from experts, the internet is a vast repository of healthcare knowledge. However, it’s necessary to approach online information with a dose of caution. With so much information available, it can be overwhelming to identify what’s accurate, relevant, and most importantly, trustworthy.
In partnership with healthcare specialists, the North Dakota Department of Health has created guidelines for individuals interested in navigating health information online. Below are a few of the main recommendations:
Know Your Sources
It is critical to verify the credibility of the sources you consult for health information. Look for sources that are reliable, trustworthy, unbiased, and free from propaganda. The sources you use should have a medical professional or expert name attached to them, be recognized by the health industry, and have legal and ethical compliance with medical practice standards.
Explore Trusted Websites
The internet has an abundance of online health resources. Though some online platforms offer many reliable details on ailments, therapies or studies, others may be inaccurate, intent on frauds, or be spreading false information. Conducting research on a few websites that have reputable health information is a better strategy than surfing through many.
Visit government websites and academic health institutions, especially for the latest and most accurate scientific research-based information. You may also visit online medical libraries and health-focused social media and health forums that are managed by trustworthy experts.
Use Search Engines Smartly
Once you decide to use a search engine to find information related to healthcare, use it effectively. Enter your search terms carefully, using relevant words that reflect what you want to know or to learn, and avoid general searches without a specific aim. Use Boolean phrases or limiters (such as quotation marks, “and,” “not,” etc.) to narrow down your results.
Learn and Navigate Medical Terminology
Medical words and phrases can be tough to decipher, even to trained professionals, and do not always follow common language use. Invest time in understanding the meaning of medical jargon and the context where they may be used. For instance, knowing the difference between “diagnosed with”, “suffering from”, or “afflicted by” can change the sense of the data you read. When doing research on medical topics, resourcefully seek out the proper definitions to get a clear understanding of the information.
Ensure Online Privacy
Protection of personal information is more important today more than ever. Consequently, it’s recommended to remain cautious of sharing private medical data on unknown or untrusted websites. Ensure that your details are secure from cyber criminals by being vigilant with the sites you visit and providing data only in cases where the site is legitimate and with security protocols.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the web has changed the way people can access health information. With the internet, people can find key insights by experts all around the world. However, it’s crucial to learn how to identify credible sources and understand the terminology used in the healthcare field to ensure that you access the right information. By an individual applying the above measures, it’ll be simpler to navigate health information online and gain beneficial health and wellness insights that can be applied to enhance quality of life.
