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Related Health Links

The Internet can serve as an enormous resource for finding valuable health information, and it is all at your fingertips... just surf the Net. Consumers need to use caution, however, when accessing the vast amount of information on the Internet. The Mayo Clinic Health Letter suggests that consumers exercise good judgement about the legitimacy of various web sites, and always consult your physician if you have questions. Here is what to look for in your evaluation:

• Where does the information come from? If the source is an established medical institution like a hospital, university or government organization, information is more likely to be legitimate.

• How often is the information updated? If the site hasn't been modified in several months, it could be outdated. Updates should occur at least once a month.

• Who are the authors and contributors? Their credentials and affiliations should be clearly presented, If they are not, consumer beware.

• Does the site promote products or procedures? Be cautious about sites that push specific products or procedures or use testimonials. Also be wary of sites that dismiss mainstream science, or offer diagnoses by modem.

  The Internet can serve as your own personal health information library and offers you access to health sciences and medical libraries at some of the most distinguished universities and medical centers in the world. Here are some quality Internet web sites for on-line information:

• National Library of Medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov

• American Health Network: http://www.ahn.com

• Laurus Health Alliance: http://www.laurus.com

• US Department of Health and Human Services http://www.dhhs.gov/

• Iowa Department of Public Health http://www.idph.state.ia.us/

• USA Hospitals: http://neuro-www2.mgh.harvard.edu/hospitalwebusa.html

• Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayo.edu

• YAHOO Health: http://yahoo.com/health

• America OnLine Health: http://www.aol.com/webcenters/health/home.adp

• Healthgate: http://www.healthgate.com

• Mayo Health Oasis: http://www.mayohealth.org

• University of Iowa's Virtual Hospital: http://vh.radiology.uiowa.edu

• Columbia University Home Medical Guide: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/guide/toc/all.html

• MedHelp: http://www.medhelp.org

• First to Know Medical Bulletin: http://www.ivanhoe.com

• Achoo: http://www.achoo.com

• Netwellness: http://www.netwellness.org

• MediConsult: http://www.mediconsult.com

• Healthworld Online: http://www.healthy.net

• Cyberspace Telemedical Office: http://www.telemedical.com

• Healthfinder: http://www.healthfinder.gov