In a recent study, it was discovered that 80% of individuals who search for health information make use of general search engines like google and yahoo. Are they going to get optimum results? The obvious answer is no.
In the same survey, it was also observed that 64% of the most searched health information is about diseases or medical problems. 51% of Internet users seeking health information search for medical treatment or procedure. 9% search for information on how to quit smoking while 8% search for information on drugs and alcohol.
This article reveals the right Internet tool to use when searching for health information on the Internet and what kind of resources is available in the discovered tool.
It is obvious that the general search engine cannot give optimum information on health related resources on the Internet. The solution to this problem is to look for a government database on health, which is reliable and historic.
Medline Plus (www.medlineplus.gov)is where to go when searching for health information of any kind on the Internet. This site is a service of the United State's national library of medicine and the national institutes of health.
The database showcases 750 health topics on conditions, diseases and wellness. Prescription tips and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements are also made available.
Medical Doctors and Allied health professionals will find the medical encyclopedia in the site, which include pictures and diagrams very useful. Whenever you want to refresh or remember certain medical terms, the dictionary page, which dwells on spellings and definitions of medical words come very handy.
What about current news about health and press announcements? They are abundant in the site and you can subscribe to it through RSS feed.
If you are bothered about health information in your locality, the page to go is the Go Local section, which provides service for finding local resources for health, related issues.
There is a direct link to PUBMED/MEDLINE and NIH (National Institute Of Health) at the bottom of the home page.
What's more? Over 165 interactive tutorials with slide shows are conspicuously displayed at the upper right side of the home page. If you are interested on studies for new drugs, you will find the information at the clinical trials link. There are also videos of surgical procedures. Talk about more than enough focused health information on the Internet. You can never miss out when you go to MEDLINEPLUS.
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