I was excited when I came across the site Online Health Resources, but when I clicked on ADD and ADHD products, much to my surprise, it took me to links for voyeuristic sites and sites for cycle brands! I clicked on some other product/service categories, and they seemed to be okay, but after my initial experience, I’m not sure I want to use this site again.
I’m sure my story is not a new one. More and more North Americans are looking online to find their answers, especially when it comes to health-related issues. In fact, in a survey entitled The Social Life Of Health Information (2009), by PEW Charitable Trusts’ Internet and American Life Project, it was found that 61 percent of adults look online for health resources. Yet very often, it’s a struggle to get the right information.
Why go online to get your facts? Primarily because a lot of adults have access to the internet and information is so easily available. Another reason may be that the queues to get health information via traditional methods (a doctor’s office or health care center) are growing bigger and the wait time is increasing. By contrast, click on a Yahoo or Google search and you’ll have instant access to all you want to know, and some you don’t.
Going online allows you to do some or all of the following:
- Get medical and health advice from qualified practitioners
- Ask specific questions
- View videos and photographs related to your query
- Visit forums and participate in online surveys
- Read other patients’ first hand experiences
- Read blogs and sites by consumers and patients
- Read reviews on health care products and services
Two sites which offer excellent, updated information from medically recognized sources include WebMD and MayoClinic.
Mental illnesses come in a variety of forms just as physical illness do. The sad part about them is that they are often feared, misunderstood, and worse still, misdiagnosed. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental condition, it’s important to get professional help immediately. But once you do, browsing online sites to get a further understanding can be quite helpful, and in certain instances, provide the support and relief you need.
The sites listed below provide a comprehensive understanding on mental disorders:
- MentalHelp.net
- Athealth.com/Consumer/Disorders
- Noah-health.org/en/mental
- Minddisorders.com
- Mentalhealth.com/p20-grp.html
We know that preventive care can be cost-effective. But if you don’t completely understand what good health is all about, how can you maximize your own wellbeing? The following are some excellent links to guide you on health and wellness issues:
Some sites also offer a complete guide to medical and health issues. From these sites, you can download articles, buy books and subscribe to videos and e-newsletters.
- Prevention
- National Institute of Health
- Health Resources Online
- EHealthSites - Covers North America, so you’ll find useful information about health and wellness in Canada too.
- HealthLinks - Worldwide resource for medical and healthcare practitioners and subscribers too. Includes job sites, classifieds, research library, FAQ’s etc.
- HealthFinder
- KidsHealth - Also has sections for parents and for teens.
