In this era of digital information, everything seems to be at your fingertips – whether it is opting for an Online degree, learning arithmetic, or seeking information about health online. Interestingly, you can even consult a doctor online through various apps. And that’s precisely where the user and reader get into a dilemma wondering if all the online health information is reliable or not. If you too have had this confusion, check out all the factors that can help you identify a trustworthy Health Website.
To Know Whether the Online Health Information is Reliable, Check for Sources and References
Not all health blogs and health websites are run by doctors. So, in order to know whether what you are reading or seeking is accurate and truthful, always look out for references and sources that the articles are using. If the health information provided has references and links from research articles, research papers, university, and administration studies, you know you are getting the right health information on the Internet.
For instance, Health Views Online provides information about health on various food items such as vegetables, spices, herbs, fruits, and dairy products and offers all its readers a nutritional value per 100g through an authentic source – USDA Food Data Central, it is US Government’s official website that provides nutrient profile data of foods after research done in labs by agriculture service departments.
Besides, for health problems and health issues, symptoms, treatment, causes, and remedies of different health conditions, all the health content and information are taken from research papers, studies, health journals, and scientific studies from ResearchGate, PubMed, Medline, NIH (National Institute of Health), all federal websites and other authentic sources and resources.
Look out For the Purpose of the Health Website
Browse, explore and check out the goal and motive of the website. Why was the health website created? What is the objective of the website? Whether it is to share health content and health information to its readers and audience online? Or to sell products? Market products? Or for affiliate marketing? Analyze the purpose of the health website. For health every day, always go for evidence-based online health information rather than an opinion-based perspective of the author. Also, check out the affiliations and associations of the website.
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Look for Information about Health on Websites that are Updated and Stay Current with Their Health Info
Old info isn’t useless but staying current when it comes to health is better. So, check whether the website, blog or portal is current, and regularly updated. Look for dates as you wouldn’t want to take care of your health based on out-of-date information. Again, check for relevant sources and references. Repeating, because that is so very significant in this digital age where everybody and everywhere seems to be sharing all about health and wellness.
Does the Website Provide One Solution that is Quick or a Miracle Cure is Being Promised to You?
Be watchful and really careful of health articles and health-related websites and pages that talk about one product having the capacity to cure many disorders and illnesses. Look out for the dramatic description and over-the-top writing that claims miraculous cures. You will find quite a few in this category, however, that’s a huge red flag to seeking health info online.
Lastly, remember no matter how reliable or relevant the online health information might be to you, no amount of information can ever replace you seeking a doctor’s advice for your health condition. So, although it is handy to seek information about health online, it shouldn’t be mistaken for health advice. Well, because health websites do not provide health advice, diagnosis or treatment, for that you need to seek a health professional’s advice – and a genuine website will always tell you that through its disclaimer. Watch out.
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