These days we turn to the internet for almost anything. We find directions, contact information, and of course health information. It is important to know that the site that you are getting your information from has the correct information. These are some things to look for when selecting a health website.
Who made the website? You want to find something that is made by experts in the healthcare field, not just someone that is voicing their thoughts and opinions.
Do they want something from you? Are they asking for money? Personal information? Are they trying to sell you something? These things can be red flags when looking for health information. Quality and credible websites that are there to help people with quality health information will not ask for these things.
Is the site up to date? It is important to look to see when the site was last updated. Medical information changes so often that it is important to find information that is up to date with changes.
Some quality websites that are useful with health information are:
Health Apps
Health apps are all the rage right now. Whether it is a fitness app to help track your overall fitness, a weight loss app to help reach your desired weight, or a diabetic app to help manage your diabetes. Health apps can be very helpful in managing your overall health. When selecting a health app here are some tips to help you find the right one.
Is it easy to use? If app that you choose is not easy to use you are not likely to use it at all.
Does it do what it says it will? If you are trying to keep a record of your blood sugar levels and the app does not save previous readings then it isn’t the app that you are looking for.
Are you getting what you paid for? Was the app free or did you have to pay for it? If you pay for an app then we will usually expect to get what we paid for. If you are using a free app, don’t set your expectations too high. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Does the app follow health guidelines? If your doctor has given you orders or recommendations and the app does not allow you to set the parameters that you need then it is not the app for you.
Do they protect your personal information? Three things to look for to ensure that your information is safe. Is it password protected? Is there a mechanism of encryption? Does the app have a privacy policy? If they have these three things then your information is probably safe.
Some useful apps are:
http://www.freehealthtrack.com/
Virtual Support Groups
Virtual support groups can be very helpful for those in need. These groups are proving to be just as effective as in person groups, especially for those who may not have the means to get in their car and drive to a group. These types of groups are also helpful for those who are uncomfortable seeing people face to face or talking about their situation in a public forum.
Personal information is very vulnerable when it is on the internet. Do not put any personal information online that you are not comfortable giving out. Do your research to find credible groups that will protect any personal information given to them. Groups that require a username and password for your profile are some of those groups.
Virtual support groups can provide needed support anywhere where you can connect to the internet. You are able to get support anywhere, anytime. This is a convenience that is helpful for many people.
This link is for a cancer center that gives the option for counseling, online programs for both adults and kids. This link also gives the option for religious and spiritual care as well. These groups are for those with cancer and their loved ones as well.
Dementia can take its toll on everyone. Following this link will allow the user to join a support group for those with dementia or the caregivers for someone with dementia. This site also provides education to help understand the disease.
Patient Portals
Patient portals or personal health records (PHR), give you access to your own personal healthcare records anytime day or night. These portals allow the user to store and manage your personal information and even give you the ability to share that information if necessary. This information can include prescriptions, immunizations records, and exam results.
Everything that you put out there can be vulnerable. It is important to protect your information from those who may try to exploit it. Be sure that any of your electronic devices are password protected. This will prevent the information from getting into the wrong hands if the device happens to get lost or stolen.
Make sure that your devices are equipped with a firewall and disable any file sharing applications that may share your information when you do not want to share it.
Computer Literacy
We are living in the digital age and there are many people that struggle with using computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. However, there is help out there. Digitalliteracy.gov is a website that can help with computer basics.
Before you can access the internet you need to choose an internet service provider. These are companies that connect you to the internet. There are many choices to choose from and many different packages that are offered. Talk with the provider and tell them what you are looking for and they can point you in the right direction. Once you choose a provider you will use a modem and a router or a combination of the two to access the internet. Once you are connected you will need to choose a web browser. Chrome is a very easy browser to use and it is free.
Once you are on the internet you will find a wealth of information. Services such as the cloud are often used to free up storage space on your device. The cloud is a digital storage area for any information that you would like to store.
References
Alexander, S., Frith, K., & Hoy, H. (2019). Applied clinical informatics for nurses. (2nd ed.) Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Introduction to health and medical information privacy. (2014). Retrieved November 2, 2017, from https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/introduction-health-and-medical-information-privacy
Martínez-Pérez, B., de la Torre-Díez, I., & López-Coronado, M. (2015). Privacy and security in mobile health apps: A review and recommendations. Journal of Medical Systems, 39(1), 1-8. doi:10.1007/s10916-014-0181-3
Randolph, S. A. (2013). Selecting health-related apps: 1. Workplace Health & Safety, 61(4), 184. doi:10.3928/21650799-20130327-79
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