Consumer Health Resources
Many government agencies, professional associations, consumer groups, and healthcare providers maintain web sites with resources written for health consumers. Below is a selective list of health information web sites, chosen for their currency, authority, full-text availability, and relevancy to consumer health issues. The list includes links to sites providing information on specific health issues, links to general medical sites with information on many health topics, and links to medically-oriented search engines. Many of the sites also include patient handouts for printing.
Disclaimer
This site is not an attempt to provide medical advice or professional services. Information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care. We recommend you consult your health care provider if you suspect a health problem.
Health Topics:
Cancer
Children's Health
Drug Information
Find a Doctor in Alabama
Healthy People 2010
Mental Health
Nutrition
Public Health
Quackery/Fads
Travelers' Health
Video on Communicating with Your Doctor - video with information to help you communicate better with your doctor
Consumer Health & Patient Education Information Search Engine - links to a Google Custom Search Engine which searches > 140 authoritative consumer health information sites at the same time; created by David Rothman, Information Services Specialist at Community General Hospital Medical Library in Syracuse, NY
General Medical Sites |
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This is a site compiled by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It contains sections covering over 700 health topics (including diseases & wellness); drugs, herbs, & supplements; medical dictionary & encyclopedia; directories for locating healthcare providers & local health services; interactive tutorials & videos; health information for older adults; and interactive maps of the human body. Some sections are also available in Spanish. |
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The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides consumer information on more than 16 topics, including cancer pain, sickle cell disease, pressure sores, heart failure, angina, lower back pain, depression, Alzheimer's disease, stroke prevention and preparation for surgery. The site also makes available the consumer brochures that were published to accompany the clinical practice guidelines for clinicians. |
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This is another site developed by the US government, specifically the US Department of Health and Human Services. The site provides links to consumer health information from the US government, its agencies and other highly reliable sites. It includes over 1,000 health and human services topics and is searchable. |
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This site does require registration. Once registered, members have access to full-text information written and reviewed by health professionals. The information covers a broad range of topics. Registration also entitles users to free Medline access. Patient information is drawn from Micromedex CareNotes, Consumer Health USA and Hypocrites, published by Time, Inc. |
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This organization was formerly the Ohio Valley Community Health Information Network. It draws its information from journals, medical texts, databases, and pamphlets. The site does provide an e-mail link to "ask the expert". |
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This website is designed for older adults and their family & friends. It was developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM). It features authoritative, up-to-date health information for older adults in a senior-friendly format (with large print & simple navigation tools). |
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