Uniting Body, Mind and Spirit
With increasing numbers of people searching for health related
information on the internet, people need to get sound and reliable
information. Many websites have valuable, cutting-edge information.
However, websites have become an inexpensive means of
marketing and because there are unscrupulous people, websites
offering medical information, curative treatment (with an attached
cost) and other health related content should be approached with
caution. The 10
questions below are provided to help determine whether the website
is credible.
1.
Who runs this site?
It should be simple and easy for you to learn who is
responsible for the site, its information, and the credentials of
those who produce it.
2. Who pays for the site?
The
source of a Website’s funding should be clearly stated or readily
apparent. Does it sell advertising? Is it sponsored by a
pharmaceutical company? The source of funding and vested interests
of the funders can affect what content is presented, how the content
is presented, and the “agenda” of the site sponsors.
3. What is the purpose of the site?
The
purpose of the site should be clearly stated and should help
visitors to the site evaluate the trustworthiness and apparent bias
of the information.
4. Where does the information come from?
Many
health or medical sites post information collected from other
websites or sources. If the person or organization in charge of the
site did not create the information, the original source should be
clearly labeled.
5. What is the basis of the information?
Besides
listing who wrote the material you are reading, the site should
describe the evidence that the material is based upon. Medical facts
and figures should have references (such as articles in medical
journals). Also,
opinions or advice should be clearly set apart from information that
is based on research results.
6. How is the information selected?
Do
people with excellent professional and scientific qualifications
review the material before it is posted?
7. How current is the information?
The
health field changes rapidly and websites should be reviewed and
updated on a regular basis.
The most recent update or review date should be clearly
posted. Even if the information has not changed, you want to know
whether the site owners have reviewed it recently to ensure that it
is still valid.
8. How does the site choose
links to other sites? Websites usually have a
policy about how they establish links to other sites. Some medical
sites take a conservative approach and don’t link to any other
sites. Some link to any site that asks or pays for a link. Others
only link to sites that have met certain criteria.
9. What information about you does the site collect, and why?
Websites
routinely track the paths visitors take through their sites to
determine what pages are being used. Before giving personal
information, know how it will be used. If the site does not tell you
how information will be used, be very cautious about providing
yours.
10. How does the site manage
interactions with visitors? There
should always be a way for you to contact the site owner if you run
across problems or have questions or feedback.
*Adapted from public domain resources from the National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Prepared by Bonnie Schulze, Health Care Ministry.
First Call for Help
We celebrate the return of First Call for Help formerly 211 now dial 732-4444. This is a program of the United Way of Marion County under the management of the Marion County Homeless Council (Dave Fullarton’s organization) This is a Free information and referral service which can link you to organizations, agencies or programs to meet your needs, providing help with financial assistance, homelessness, healthcare, emergency services, senior services, support groups, youth programs or other situations. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm with a voice mail system available after hours. Write down this number where you can easily access it—732 4444.
For questions,
email Bonnie Schulze at schulze65@charter.net or leave a message in the church office.
