We all know the internet is an endless font of knowledge, and with the proper searches most any information can be found at your fingertips. The downside of this outpouring of facts is that it works two ways, and useless and misleading stories can mislead the reader into believing false information. Here are some tips to help you find the health information you’re looking for:
Look at the source. Check the “About” page of the website and determine whether the author’s credentials are legitimate and accepted by their peers. Just because someone has a medical degree after their name doesn’t make them an expert; they should also have solid experience in their realm of expertise.
Verify the information from another source. Many fad diets are just that, and some can do more damage than good. By cross-checking the information you can find more information on the subject and make an educated decision on the facts in question.
Purchase a few good reference books. While eBooks are very popular, most medical and health reference books are only available in hardcover. If you can’t afford the price of a new volume check a site such as AbeBooks for discounts on used tomes.
Educate yourself. Bookmark reliable information sources once you’ve found them, so you know where to turn to for legitimate information. For example, we’ve all heard of the Mayo Clinic, but did you know they have an extensive online library of informational articles covering both health and nutrition?
Look for studies and compare the numbers. Often a health trend is hailed as the latest important case study, but if there were a low number of test cases the statistics may be skewed. To be valid a survey or study should compare thousands of people of all ages or a wide length of time; there should also be more than one study on the subject.
In short, don’t jump too quick when you see or hear about a new heath fact or trend. Do some research and weigh the facts carefully so you can make an educated and informed decision!
