You use the Internet to pay your bills, shop for real estate, get a job and perhaps even find a spouse.
Chances are, you -- like millions of Canadians -- also use it to learn about your health.
Finding reliable health information on the web means paying careful attention to who runs a site. Other things to consider: Who, if anyone, reviews the information on the site? Are the site's sources cited? Is the information on the site provided by a health professional or a web surfer? Does the site sell products?
Keeping those precautions in mind, check out these useful health websites:
www.innerbody.com
A fun-to-use interactive website that takes users on a journey inside the human body. Contains detailed and colourful drawings of various human systems, including the skeletal, lymphatic and cardiovascular systems. Click your cursor on a particular body part to get a description of how it works.
www.healthfinder.gov
This reliable web portal is run by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and links to health information from more than 1,500 organizations, including universities, not-for-profits and news sources. Because the site does not advertise or endorse products, you don't have to worry about being forced to read pop-up ads for the latest diet pill. Contains a health library, the latest health news stories and several free e-mail newsletters for which you can sign up.
www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm
This site was organized by the New York-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the world's oldest and largest private cancer facility. The "Herbs, Botanicals and Other Products" section of the website provides objective information on hundreds of herbs and botanicals, including what each is and how it works, adverse effects and potential benefits. Also explains each herb's application in cancer treatment and possible adverse reactions with conventional drugs and treatments.
www.cps.ca
The website of the Canadian Paediatric Society, a national professional association of pediatricians. Use the site to get CPS position statements regarding various controversial issues such as neonatal circumcision and immunization. The site links to the more parent-friendly www.caringforkids.cps.ca ?-- check out the kids' nutrition section to find out about such issues as how to feed a vegetarian child and how to deal with fussy eaters.
www.cspinet.org
Founded by three scientists in the 1970s, the Centre for Science in the Public Interest is a Washington D.C.-based consumer advocacy group/watchdog that pressures food industry and government to improve food nutrition and safety, get rid of unrealistic claims, etc. The organization's website links to the Canadian branch of the organization. Log on to either of the CSPI sites to find out what the group's latest criticisms against food industry are and what it is doing to get their message heard. Currently on the Canadian CSPI site: A letter to Health Canada requesting that the federal government department simplify food nutrition labels.
www.thecaloriecounter.com
When you want to know exactly what you're eating, visit this comprehensive site that allows you to find the nutritional information on just about every food available. Search by food or food group. You'll also be able to find the same food portioned different ways. Want to find out what's in an apple with skin? An apple without skin? A cup of apple chopped into quarters? It's on the site. You'll also find the nutritional facts of several brand-name foods -- such as cereal and packaged cookies. Lists portion size, calories, fat, total carbohydrate and cholesterol. While it's not clear who runs this site, the information appears accurate.
Have an interesting story idea you'd like Shamona to write about? Contact her at shamona.harnett@freepress.mb.ca
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