The document provides guidelines for evaluating health information on the internet, emphasizing the importance of assessing the site's credibility, purpose, sources, and information accuracy. It encourages critical thinking about the content and suggests reputable health websites for reliable information. Key factors to consider include the site's domain, information documentation, peer review status, and user interaction policies.

1. Healthy Living in a Changing Society
Evaluating Health Information on the Internet

2. ASK YOURSELF THESE
QUESTIONS…
Before accepting any site as the gospel truth,

3. WHO runs the site?
Good
• .gov, .edu, .org
Use caution
• .com, .net

4. WHAT is the purpose of the site
Spread information on
health
Money or products

5. WHAT is the SOURCE of
information on site
Medical and scientific
journals
General magazines

6. HOW is information
documented?
Uses references and
citations
Opinions and general
facts

7. HOW is information REVIEWED
before posting?
Peer reviewed No peer review

8. HOW CURRENT is the
information?
Current copyright dates
and accreditation
notes
Older copyright and/or
no accreditation notes

9. HOW does site choose LINKS to
other sites
Strict code Easy to link with site

10. WHAT information about
VISITORS does site collect?
Little or none Must join to access site

11. HOW does site manage
INTERACTIONS
Well defined policy for
forums and chats
Vague policies and/or
not moderated

12. CAN ACCURACY in e-mail be
verified?
How can you check authenticity?

13. IS information in CHAT rooms
accurate?
When in doubt, consult SNOPES or other FACT
CHECKING site

14. Some reputable health websites
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.health.gov
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
https://www.kaiserpermanente.org/
http://www.healthnet.org/

15. Or check authenticity on HON
http://www.hon.ch/pat.html

16. Your Health is Important
Know your sources…Research the credentials…Decide with facts