Internet Information and Your Health

Health information once obtained from bought or borrowed hard copy books, magazines, and papers is now available on your computer in seconds. Many studies have shown that the Internet is rapidly becoming the main source of health information for patients and health care providers around the world.  This has made it a tool of preventive medicine individually and globally.  Many are able to "pre-diagnose" themselves and maintain wellness by the time they seek medical care.  This makes for a shorter differential diagnosis dilemma for your doctor; thereby, shortening the time for correct diagnosis and treatment.

Health literacy on line also includes abundant applications for your smart phone and computer, interactive social media, and websites from health providers and institutions.  One of the most interactive and informative is Twitter.  Lists such as these for doctors,  http://bit.ly/2XWKw29 and medical/health http://bit.ly/2GWkbvH  contain lots of information that links directly to sources. Most of these include websites as well as individual snippets of information called "tweets".  Searches for specific health information can also be done using the internal search box.

While the Internet may help diagnose, it far from replaces your doctor's advice. Use it as a health literacy tool to educate yourself.   Check out "What the Internet Does for You and Your Health" http://bit.ly/a3RAjw for more health literacy lessons. Best health!