Especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important to understand how to assess health information, and what to flat out avoid.
First off: What’s your health question?
This is the most important steps in searching and interpreting health information. For example, if your healthcare provider tells you that your blood pressure is high and tells you to adjust your lifestyle and diet, what does that mean? Furthermore, where should you look? (In this case, we would suggest first researching hypertension and how it’s diagnosed and managed, and then check reputable books or websites focused on nutrition for patients with hypertension.)
How to search: where you get your information matters
Online and Social Media The Internet has made information accessible to so many more people, which is great for patient consumers. However, we know that everything online isn’t based on facts. Always confirm the reliability of a website, even before you start reading. Make sure the author of the website has the appropriate training and expertise to make comments on the health topic in the first place. Websites that cite their sources, or tell you exactly where they are getting the data to make their claims are more credible than those that cannot, or don’t bother to. Also, consider the publication date; especially with Covid-19, new health information is released often. We have listed some trustworthy websites below.
Talking with experts and friends It can certainly help to talk with others about our health questions, especially when we trust them or value their opinion. Talking can also help us to feel less alone. Still, make sure the information you’re getting is credible and will help you to make the best decisions about your health for you. A friend’s personal experience with a holistic practice or a certain medication does not mean you will have the same experience. Never implement any major changes to your health practice without talking with your healthcare provider and understanding all the opportunities and risks to you.
What your cousin forwarded on WhatsApp Ignore these, unless the information meets the criteria described above. People mean well; sharing that conspiracy video or screenshot of an alleged letter someone wrote, or whatever, is some people’s way of looking out. However, these types of information should be considered with the utmost scrutiny, if considered at all. Frequently, what is shared in a screenshot or a meme represents only a small portion of the truth, presented without context to tell a very specific story or push a certain agenda. Said another way, this “information” is usually meant to bring about an urgent emotional response and encourage a specific – sometimes dangerous – health behavior. Don’t let it confuse you.
Here are some websites that SBRC recommends:
