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Internet Cautions

Privacy on the internet is a great concern.  Support boards can be a great thing, but families are cautioned against revealing too much identifying information that could put them at risk (e.g. addresses, phone numbers, names).  Some support boards can be read publicly, only needing registration if someone wants to post.  It is not unheard for persons involved in legal actions (custody, for example) to use information gleaned from posts on these boards. 

Good information vs. bad information:  What to look for

When searching for health information online, take caution if the site tells you to submit personal information, pay money or buy something. When evaluating a health Web site, see whether:

• It is run by skilled health-care professionals and provides contact information.
• It is sponsored by trusted people or groups, including government institutions, universities, medical schools, hospitals, reputable nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society, and medical or science journals. l It gives details about the author's training.
• It offers up-to-date research that backs up what your doctor has said or what you have read on other reliable sites.
• It separates ads from content.
• It has links to other authoritative sources of health data. It warns that information on the site should not be used alone to diagnose or treat a problem. Health-care professionals should be consulted.

Sources: AARP; National Network of Libraries of Medicine; National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Virtual Children's Hospital. From:  “Patient beware: Internet can be a good resource for quick medical information, but doctors prescribe caution”

By Lisa Marinelli, San Diego Union-Tribune, October 2, 2005

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051002/news_lz1x2patient.html