Health topics are some of the most widely searched items on the web today. Yet, the staggering amount of information available can be an obstacle to finding the information you need. Here are some interesting and helpful health-related websites to get you started. Remember, online information is no substitute for your doctor. Be sure to consult your own health care provider for advice.
General Health Information
www.webmd.com
This website has become the first destination for many people with general health questions. One unique feature is WebMD’s interactive “Symptom Checker,” which asks you a series of questions to help you determine what your symptoms might mean. Overall, WebMD is an excellent site to visit for general information about a wide variety of health issues.
www.healthfinder.gov
Finding accurate, detailed information on a specific health topic can be challenging. Healthfinder.gov searches over 1,800 government and non-profit health organizations for information that is carefully selected to be reliable. When you need more details about a particular health question, Healthfinder.gov can help you find appropriate resources.
For Healthy Kids
www.aap.org
The website of the American Academy of Pediatrics offers parents a wide variety of resources for raising children - everything from promoting healthy pregnancies to helping college-bound children and their parents manage the stress of choosing a college. A pediatrician-finder feature, tips for holiday safety, and a bookstore stocked with useful books are also available on the site.
Wellness Information
www.shapeup.org
Shape Up America! is a non-profit organization devoted to addressing obesity as a health issue and providing information on leading a healthy, fit lifestyle. The “Cyberkitchen” helps you identify your daily calorie needs and offers meal plan options to help you meet those goals. The site also provides fitness information for “real life” – when demands of work and family leave no room for exercise.
www.realage.com
All used cars are not the same – some have been better maintained than others. People’s bodies are the same way! RealAge.com asks you a series of questions about your everyday habits and activities that helps you estimate the “biological age” of your body, based on how well you maintain it.
Specific Disease Resources
www.diabetes.org
With an estimated 20.8 million Americans living with the disease, diabetes has become a hot topic in health care. The American Diabetes Association’s goal is to help people learn more about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease. This website provides helpful information about the disease, and how to manage it with a healthy lifestyle.
www.americanheart.org
Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke? The website of the American Heart Association contains information about warning signs, stories from survivors of heart disease, and tips for reducing risk of heart disease through healthy eating and fitness habits. The site offers a free cookbook if you take a quiz to learn your risk for heart disease!
www.cancer.gov The National Cancer Institute provides information and support for individuals or families of individuals with cancer via a website that has won several awards for its clarity, ease of use, and helpful content. Topics include information on screenings and reducing risk of cancer, over 500 cancer-treating drugs, and common and uncommon types of cancer. The site also details the NCI’s Challenge Goal – to eliminate the suffering and death due to cancer by 2015.
