Solutions Insurance Agencies
Prevention Newsletter …for the health and wellbeing of you and your family.
The Internet offers endless
Health Care Information on the Web
useful information and
Determining the Validity of an Internet Site When trying to determine if an Internet site is a valid place for getting your health care information, consider the following:
entertainment. However, it is also full of misinformation, biased accounts and
1. Is the name of the author listed on the page? 2. Is there contact information for the author other than an email address?
information that is simply untrue. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the information provided is valid. In order to protect yourself when looking for health
3. Does the author provide a place to find further information and/or the research that was used so you can verify the facts that are discussed? 4. Are there charts, graphs or other visuals to support the author’s claims? 5. Is the information written with objectivity or is the author bias throughout it?
information, you need to evaluate each website for content accuracy prior to
6. Do the advertisements promote the author or company opinion?
relying on it.
7. Do the advertisements relate to the topic or subject?
Website information should never replace your physician’s advice. Always consult your
8. How recently was the page written, published or last updated? 9. Can you verify the information or conclusions through other credible websites?
health care professional before making lifestyle changes.
S u r f t h e W e b w i t h a c a u t i o u s a n d c r i t i c a l e y e !
5629 Grand Ave # 1 Duluth MN 55807 ▪ Phone: (218) 302-7201
Health Care Information on the Web
Valid websites where you can find information about professional associations: American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org A nationwide, communitybased voluntary health organization and official site of the American Cancer Society.
American Heart Association: www. heart.org The official site of the American Heart Association, which provides information on how to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
American Institute for Preventive Medicine: www.healthylife.com
The official site of the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, dedicated to correcting poor health habits stepbystep.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA): www.aafa.org The AAFA’s official site dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies and their caregivers through education, advocacy and research.
National Arthritis Foundation: www.arthritis.org
The official site of the National Arthritis Foundation, the only national nonprofit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions with advocacy programs, services and research.
Mental Health America: www.nmha.org
The official site of Mental Health America, formerly known as the National Mental Health Association, an organization with over 320 affiliates nationwide. It promotes mental health for the wellbeing of the nation.
National Safe Kids Campaign: www.safekids.org
The official site of the National Safe Kids Campaign, whose goal is to keep kids safe by providing parents and expecting parents a site full of safety tips and programs.
Valid websites where you can find information about general health: Health Finder: www.healthfinder.gov General health information from A to Z. WebMD: www.webmd.com Provides services that help physicians, consumers, providers and health plans navigate the complexity of the health care system.
HealthCentral: www.healthcentral.com
Provides health care and medication information on numerous health care topics.
MEDLINEplus: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine. There are also lists of hospitals and physicians, a medical encyclopedia and medical dictionary, health information in Spanish, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, health information from the media and links to thousands of clinical trials.
Healthy People 2020: www.healthypeople.gov
The Healthy People 2020 site challenges individuals, communities and professionals to take specific steps to ensure that good health and long life are enjoyed by all.
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com Provides uptodate information and tools to answer your healthrelated questions. Gives you access to the experience and knowledge of more than 2,000 physicians and scientists of the Mayo Clinic.
Health Care Information on the Web
Valid websites where you can find information about nutrition, weight and fitness: Nutrition.gov: www.nutrition.gov A service of the National Agricultural Library, USDA, this site provides consumers with easy online access to government information on food and human nutrition.
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: www.cnpp.usda.gov
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the USDA, was established in 1994 to promote the nutrition and wellbeing of all Americans.
Food and Nutrition Information Center: www.fnic.nal.usda.gov A leader in online global nutrition information, the FNIC website contains over 2,000 links to current and reliable nutrition information.
The American Society for Nutrition: www.nutrition.org
A premier research society dedicated to improving the quality of life through the science of nutrition.
American Dietetic Association (ADA): www.eatright.org With nearly 70,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and wellbeing.
Healthy Weight Network: www.healthyweight.net Authoritative, scientific research on dieting, the failure of weight loss programs, eating disorders, obesity, size acceptance and diet.
National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF): www.physicalfitness.org
The official site of the National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF), a nonprofit organization that strives to improve the quality of life for individuals in the United States through the promotion of physical fitness, sports and healthy lifestyles.
President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition: www,fitness.gov
This site is the product of an advisory committee of 20 volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services about physical activity, fitness and sports in America. The Council serves as a catalyst to promote health, fitness and enjoyment for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through participation in physical activity.
Health Care Information on the Web
Valid websites where you can find information about sports medicine: National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA): www.NATA.org
This site helps to better the quality of health care for athletes and those engaged in physical activity as well as advance the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of injuries.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): www.ACSM.org
ACSM advances and integrates scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM): www.AMSSM.org Provides a quality educational resource for AMSSM members, other sports medicine professionals and the general public.
American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM): www.AOASM.org Dedicated to the art and science of sports medicine, emphasizing osteopathic principles in the practice of comprehensive health care.
Valid websites where you can find information about sports supplements: Key Supplements: www.keysupplements.com/articles/infoarticles.htm
Information to aid in making sound, informed decisions about dietary supplements.
Nutritional Supplements: www.nutritional-supplement-info.com A guide to the most popular nutritional and dietary supplements . Remember that dietary supplements do NOT require FDA approval before they come on the market, so make sure to educate yourself on all the possible side effects of taking a supplement. Before taking any supplements, you should discuss them with your physician to determine any possible effects relating to your health and other medications you take.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as professional advice. © 20072011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.