In his monthly column, Dr. Kent Herbert answers your questions related to health care matters. Simply submit your question to deb@newfalconherald.com. It’s your chance to ask the doc.Question: I recently tried to find medical information on the Internet. How do I know what is accurate?Answer: The Internet is a great source of information about medical conditions, diseases and treatments. Many Web sites are updated continuously with information on new medications, over-the-counter and natural therapies, and ways to diagnose symptoms. As good as it is at providing valuable information, however, the Internet is also one of the greatest sources of misinformation. It is sometimes very difficult to determine what information is relevant, up-to-date or true. For this reason, it is important to carefully investigate and evaluate each Web site you use to gather information.The Mayo Clinic recommends using the “Three D’s” to evaluate an Internet source. First, check for the dates of publication. It is important to search for the most recent information available. Reputable Web sites will always cite a date for an article. If no date is posted, or if the date is not recent, the accuracy of the information should be questioned.Second, check for the documentation, or source, of the information on the Web site. Web sites created by major medical centers, universities and government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control, are typically the most credible. Other credible Web sites will display a logo from Health on the Net (HON) Foundation, which regulates the reliability of the information provided. Web sites that show this logo have agreed to abide by their high standards. Most quality Web sites will clearly cite the research or articles that their information comes from and identify a board or panel of qualified professionals who monitor the content. It is best to avoid Web sites that sell a commercial product, present only one point of view or that don’t clearly separate scientific evidence from advertisements.Third, it is important to double-check the information presented on a Web site by checking several sites to see if the information is consistent. If a Web site offers information that can’t be found elsewhere, or claims to be different or unique, it is probably not medically accepted or proven. Valid medical information is shared and repeated, and if a source presents a new idea or treatment, it should be found elsewhere from a different source.Because medical information on the Internet is easily accessible and can be used to sell products, it is often not entirely true. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there are several words or practices to watch out for. Be wary of advertisements or Web sites that include words such as “satisfaction guaranteed,” “miracle cure” or “new discovery.” In medicine, true discoveries and cures are known to doctors and should not have to be found on the Internet; and valid medical treatments are very complex and can never be guaranteed. Be cautious of Web sites that promote products that claim to “purify,” “detoxify” or “energize.” These words sound good, but are not true medical terms and are often used to cover up for a lack of scientific evidence. Avoid products and Web sites that sell products that claim they can treat a wide range of symptoms, or cure or prevent a number of diseases. Finally, avoid Web sites that claim the government or a medical organization is hiding or suppressing information. Good, proven medical information is shared, not suppressed, so it can benefit a large number of people.Medical information on the Internet is best used to better educate oneself on a condition they have been diagnosed with, to research accepted medical treatments and to investigate the qualifications of medical providers and facilities. It is also useful for gaining general medical advice, such as when one should see a doctor or how to care for minor illnesses. It is not appropriate to use Internet information to self-diagnose or to choose a medical treatment for a serious condition without the guidance of a physician. For these issues, it is best to be evaluated by your doctor, or to share information found on the Internet with your doctor. Many people consult the Internet because they don’t have access to or trust their doctor. In this case, I like the words of Jadelr and Cristina Cordova from “Chasing Windmills” – “If you trust Google more than your doctor then maybe it’s time to switch doctors.”Dr. Kent HerbertBoard-Certified Family PhysicianFalcon Family Medicine7641 McLaughlin Rd.Falcon, CO 80831(719) 494-2006(719) 494-8448 faxwww.FalconFamilyMedicine.com
