In fact, anyone with computer skills can create a Web site and post health-related information. Like Web properties of all kinds, the most useful health and medical-related sites let you know their purpose on the first page. Effective sites also feature sitemaps that let users see the full scope of their content, and make it easy to access appropriate information. Avoid sites that are ambiguous or too broad. Instead, look for sites that focus on content that fits your special needs.
Commercial sites can provide valuable and timely consumer information.
A number also house chat rooms and discussion groups to help users share personal information about medical issues and diseases. Many sites, unfortunately, contain outdated, erroneous or biased information, while others are designed primarily to sell services, products or drugs. Regardless of who their sponsors or supporters may be, health and medical-related Web sites should openly identify online advertising and disclose all financial relationships. Avoid sites that appear to be focused merely on selling a specific product or service. Look for sites that provide unbiased health information.