More than half of all Americans who have access to the Internet are using it to find answers when they have a questions about their health. And more than 40 percent say the information they find on the Internet affects the decisions they make about their health, including whether or not they see a doctor. That's according to a recent university survey out of Washington D.C. Americans are more likely to turn to the Internet when they or someone they know is ill or fears they might have a medical condition than they are to look for preventative health information.
Women are most likely to look for health information on the Internet.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say the Internet can be a valuable health resource, but you have to look at Internet health information with a discerning eye. While there's a lot of solid medical research and health information on the Internet, there are also a lot of misleading sites with advertising masquerading as thinly veiled health information. Look at the credentials of whoever's offering the information, and determine what interest that person or organization has. If they're selling something, beware. While the Internet is a good way to educate yourself about ways to take care of yourself, it can't replace a good relationship with your doctor and regular check-ups.