10 Things to Know About Evaluating Medical Resources on the Web

1. Who runs the site?
    √  A good health-related web site makes it easy to see WHO is responsible for
        the site. 
    √  Ex: www.cancer.gov (NCI) has “NCI” clearly posted on every main page
        with a link to the site’s home page.

2.  Who pays for the site?
    √  It costs money to run a website.  The source of funding can affect what
        content is presented, how the content is presented and what the owners
        want to accomplish with the website. The type of website sponsor can be
        indicated by the ending of the website, as shown in the following table:

Government  .gov 
Educational Institutes  .edu 
Non-Profit/Non-Commercial  .org 
Commercial  .com 
3. What is the purpose of the site?
    √  Does the site want you to learn new information or buy their product? The
        link "About This Site" appears on many web pages and can be helpful in
        determining this information.
4. Where does the information come from?
    √  If the creator of the sire did not create the information, the original source
        should be clearly labeled. 

5. What is the basis of the information?
    √  Medical facts and figures should have references. Opinions or advice should
        be clearly set apart from information that is based on research.

6. How is the information selected?
    √  Is there an editorial board? Is the information reviewed before it is posted?

7. How current is the information?
    √  Website information should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
        The review/update should be clearly posted. 

8. How does the site choose links to other sites?
    √  Reputable sites are particular about what other sites are linked to their page
        and require them to meet a certain criteria. 

9. What information about you does this site collect, and why?
    √  If the site asks for you to become a "member" or "subscribe", it should clearly
        state why they are asking you to do so and what they will or will not do with
        your personal information. 

10. How does the site manage interactions with visitors?
    √  There should always be a way to contact the site owner if you have
        questions, feedback, or run into a problem when using the site. 

 

"RED FLAGS of Junk Science"

Be careful if:
  • The product promises a quick fix
  • There are dire warnings on the packages
  • A product lists "good" and "bad" foods
  • Recommendations are based on a single study
  • It sounds too good to be true
A healthy lifestyle is all about healthy habit changes over time and not quick fixes.