Medical Library
Consumer Health Information
A collection of resources providing authoritative, reliable health information.
Disclaimer
This guide is intended to be used for information purposes only.
MedlinePlus - a great starting point
Medline Plus
A great starting point for reliable health information. Over 750 topics on conditions, diseases, and wellness. Information on drugs, herbs, and supplements. Surgery videos, informative slideshows, and more. By the National Library of Medicine.
Talking With Your Doctor
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Talking with Your Doctor: Make the Most of Your AppointmentAn article from the National Institutes of Health monthly newsletter. Learn how better communication with your physician can help you make smart choices about your health.
Tips for Your Doctor Visit
From the article "Talking with Your Doctor":
- Write down a list of questions and concerns before your exam.
- Consider bringing a close friend or family member with you.
- Speak your mind. Tell your doctor how you feel, including things that may seem unimportant or embarrassing.
- If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do.
- Take notes about what the doctor says, or ask a friend or family member to take notes for you.
- Ask about the best way to contact the doctor (by phone, email, etc.).
- Remember that other members of your health care team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information.
Tips on Finding Quality Information
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DISCERNQuality criteria for consumer health information
Health Information Sites
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Centers for Disease Control (CDC)This is the official Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an online source for credible health information. Topics covered include Data and Statistics, Diseases and Conditions, Emergencies and Disasters, Healthy Living, Travelers' Health and more.
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FamilyDoctor.orgFind information on diseases and conditions, prevention and wellness, as well as information by age groups. Funded by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation.
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heathfinder.govA consumer health information web site from the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Lab Tests OnlineA public resource on clinical lab testing to help patients or family caregivers understand clinical lab tests. Medical professionals will also find this site useful as a quick reference tool or as a resource for keeping up with advances in laboratory science.
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Mayo Clinic Health InformationIncludes information on diseases and conditions, drugs and supplements, tests and procedures, and healthy lifestyle information. A team of Mayo physicians, scientists, writers, and educators provide content.
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PubMed HealthPubMed Health provides reviews of clinical effectiveness research, with easy-to-read summaries for consumers as well as full technical reports. Clinical effectiveness research finds answers to the question “What works?” in medical and health care.
Health News
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MedlinePlus Health NewsHealth news from HealthDay and Reuters Health Information, plus recent press announcements from major medical organizations.
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NIH News in HealthA monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health.
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NIH News ReleasesNews releases from the National Institutes of Health
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Medical News TodayAn independent health and medical news website, providing timely health news from well-regarded sources such as JAMA, BMJ, Lancet, BMA, plus articles written by their own team.
