Online Health Information Could Be Hazardous To Your Health

from the well,-duh dept

Just in case you forgot, here are a few more reasons why you shouldn't trust health information you find online. A study in Australia found that most online health information resources failed to meet basic standards, gave out misleading information, and were potentially hazardous to your health. Many of the sites, of course, were commercially driven, but don't often make that clear. Meanwhile, in the US, those of you who surf the net to learn about "herbal supplements" are also being misled by online information. Many sites talking about herbal remedies make unproven claims and leave out potential information about dangers associated with the products. I imagine they also leave out the fact that many of the pills may be contaminated with all sorts of crap (literally) that probably isn't on the ingredient label.
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  • identicon
    AMetamorphosis, 17 Sep 2003 @ 12:02pm

    Drug Education

    I am an avid internet user prior to taking ANY medication prescribed to me. By visiting both the commercial sites ( promoting the medicine ) as well as other sites ( many of which have user comments posted ) I am a MUCH better informed consumer before using a medicine. I am better aware of potential problems, side occurrences & drug interactions that could occur. Overall, I think that medical sites are an excellent way to educate yourself.

    link to this | view in chronology ]


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