Show I 0 0 1 ' 1 I C Check the creator IT GOT YOU 111110 THIS SITUATION I Web sites ending in mgova (for government) or "edult (for an educational institution) are the most reliable I I Look for credentials r IT CAN GET YOU OUT i 1 Make sure the author or the site's medical advisory board has the appropriate medical or health credentials 1 t i I Read the references 1 Web documents should indude references for data and advice Check for a date to make sure the information is recent r - r I I I Watch out for bias I Many "health" Web sites are merely disguised advertisements Read headings carefully to distinguish between facts and hype I I s'"ole'""-'- 1 dr 'v I a I are going online to make appointments refill prescriptions or view electronic medical records t 1 kaamodita4waatanwhooftwilikadikak 1 Sites of Comfort '' 4' A new medical diagnosis can be scary but thousands of online com- i 4 munities offer support to those coping with everything from Aspergees syndrome to MS not to mention the hundreds of sites devoted to weight loss Authoritative Web sites also can help allay worries "A cancer patient's biggest fear is of the unknown" says Follow the 5 A's: ASK your doctor about I ACCEPT ay potential risks the weight control plan that's right tor you - AGREE on treatment goals a support system of friends family and health professionals ACCUMULATE Ruth Fritskey an oncology nurse at the Cleveland Clinic who created wwwthemocarecom to provide information about chemotherapy and its I ' follow-up- s with your doctor throughout the process ARRANGE 4 41 side effects "We also have survivor stories and message boards where people can talk to each other" says Fritskey "The general theme is 'I did it You can PEOPLE WHO TALK WITH DIEIR DOCTOR ARE MUCH MORE MOTIVATED TO LOSE WEIGHT THAN THOSE WHO DON'T 44 - 21 too" - ' —By Dianne Hales ' United Health Foundation we believe that the more you know the healthier you will be Which Is why we partnered with the US AGENCY AND QUALITY (AHRO) to bring you FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH these important health tips We encourage you to get more involved in your care to seek out information and to always make sure that the source information you use comes from a reliable evidence-base- d To find out more on this and other Important topics visit UliFtipsorg At 1 i For linics to the sites most often recommended by doctors visit wwwparadecom on the Web PARADE SEPTEMBER 19 2004 ei i - ' - ' '1' - ' ") - ''""6""i3 wq lif iktite(11 K''''Thr""i KW 4 ty P4It Litt ! United Health Foundation PAGE 9 164410 ia iltacoase&oaat44 -- 64 2 4tbaM atumbato4441rdamodudoamaim |