Is it wise to research health matters online

Asks edwinstar

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If you wish to research a disease or ailment lots of sites will explain diseases, causes and effects, treatments etc. but it is easy to get scared by too much information so it is best to consult a doctor first.

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If you want some insurance that a health site is reputable you can access it through an evaluated gateway site - which is basically a portal for sites that have been checked and verified by health professionals. One such site is Medicine Plus� it is very good at providing information on illnesses, but it is US-focused so all the add-on information�such as support groups etc. are no good for UK customers. The NHS equivalent in the UK NHS Direct� isn't half as comprehensive although it does have a good section on checking symptoms, if you don't have much luck with this, Patients UK is another gateway to good health information, with lots of information on support groups.

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Other good ways of checking the quality of a health website is to check and see whether the site is sponsored by any group or medical company, and if it is, it is unlikely that it will carry independent and unbiased information. Other safety valves are to check that any research quoted can be traced, the author is reputable and that the information you are reading is current.

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Q What types are health websites are there

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Another type of health site is that offered by a support group, these are usually run by a charity or recognised organisation - these are very easy to use and often provide a lot of support to those suffering from a disease or illness, and their families. Most support groups can be found using a search engine or you can access them via the following health portals: www.healthcentre.org.uk, www.patient.co.uk or www.self-help.org,uk.

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Addiction sites are a type of support group site that some people may also find useful - and often help kick addictions or indeed let you know where you can find help.

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Q. Can you recommend any good health sites

A. Some good health sites include the following:

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Patients UK��- as noted above this site is a great portal to other health related sites, but at the same time it provides lots of valuable information on health topics. It is refreshing in that it does not carry loads of advertising so it is quick and easy to use.

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NHS Direct is the NHS's official site, which has a great section on common symptoms to illnesses and is very user friendly. You should scan its frequently asked questions section first as your question�may have been asked already.

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Net Doctor - offers health advice and a medical encyclopaedia, plus a great 'Ask the Doctor' facility via email.

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MedicDirect - although this site is targeted at doctors and health professionals in general it does have a good database of health information.

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BBC Health - this site is full of health information and is great on current topics and topical issues, it has a good ask the doctor facility too.

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Health in Focus is a great site in that it is very comprehensive and easy to use, while at the same time offering links to support groups and offers tips on what to do before you see your GP.

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Surgery Door is a good site for background information on illnesses, which is run by a GP. It answers questions via email.

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Q. What types of addict sites are there

A. Websites for addicts are usually run by support groups and all list phone numbers where you can get personal help and advice. Some of the main ones are:

Alcoholics Anonymous - www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Cocaine Anonymous - www.ca.org

Rnet Health (for smoking, drug and food addictions)�- www.rnethealth.com

Give up Smoking - www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

Centre for Recovery (gives background information on the nature of addiction) - www.recovery.org.uk

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On a lighter note if you think you� 're addicted to the Internet check out the centre for online addiction at www.netaddiction.com

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If you have any other Internet & Technology related questions, please click here

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By Karen Anderson