4 things to know before googling health issues
Before you start asking Google about that mole or persistent cough, remember that not all health content online is created equal.
Remember that the content doesn’t know you personally
Don’t let your own digging warrant ignoring an actual doctor.
Keep skepticism alive and well
“Pay attention to the following:
- What are the primary sources?
- Who is being quoted?
- Where is the data coming from?
Are these legitimate sources?”
Know that we only know the latest research
Consider certain sources with more confidence than others
“For people who want simpler, verified descriptions of health information:
- Check nonprofit academic and medical centers that are focused on education and research, such as the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic
- Refer to university hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, that tend to have patient education pages.
- Turn to hospitals that have clinics built around specific diseases and conditions, which will usually have educational resources.
For people who want more technical descriptions from reputable sources:
- Try Google Scholar, PubMed, and other databases where research is published after a rigorous peer-review process.
- You can also go to resources such as UpToDate and The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which offer updated and technical information, though often there are subscription costs.”
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