The internet offers quick access to a lot of health information. It can be a wonderful way to get the health/medical information you need to become a more active partner in your health care, but you need to use the internet with caution.
The following websites are recommended by VA librarians. These sites have stood the test of reliability. There is a description of each site so you can know in advance what features if offers. The websites are arranged by topic.
It is important that, whatever the source of medical or health information, you discuss it with your health care provider. (more information)
General Health Web Sites
My HealtheVet (view general health web site)
My HealtheVet, launched in November 2003, is a VA web site created for veterans, their families, and VA employees. It provides one-stop shopping for information about VA benefits, healthcare, special programs, online computer training options and other services. Registration is required to gain full access to all the features and to protect veterans' privacy. Veterans can order prescription refills online. Features still in development include viewing appointments, co-payments, and VA health records. Information at this site includes:
Health Topics: Over 650 topics in an A-Z arrangement, on conditions, diseases, and wellness Health Education Libraries: Health information from selected sources Personal Health Record: Convenient and secure online register for health information. Log in and click the My Care tab to access:
–
Personal Information
–
Wallet ID Card
–
Military Health History
–
Medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbals and supplements
–
Tests
–
Allergies
–
Health eLogs to track: blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, body temperature, body weight, pain, food, activity, pulse oximeter readings
MedlinePlus (view medlineplus web site) (*External site-see disclaimer below)
National Library of Medicine web site provides quality consumer health information. Information at this site includes:
Health Topics: Over 650 topics in an A-Z arrangement, on conditions, diseases, and wellness Drug Information: Information on thousands of prescription and over-the-counter medications, using two drug resources: MedMaster, and the USP DI Advice for the Patient Medical Encyclopedia: The Adam Health Illustrated Encyclopedia includes over 4,000 articles about diseases, tests, symptoms, injuries and surgeries. Includes an extensive library of medical photographs and illustrations. Interactive tutorials: Over 165 health slideshows with sound and pictures Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary News: Health news from the past 30 days ClinicalTrials.gov: Provides information about clinical research studies Directories: Includes directories for l doctors and dentists, other health care providers, hospitals and clinics, and other health care facilities and services Spanish version is also available Easy-to-read handouts available
Healthfinder (view healthfinder web site)(*External site-see disclaimer below)
Award-winning federal web site for consumers by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since 1997. Information at this site includes:
Health Library: An A-Z listing of health topics, including a medical encyclopedia, medical dictionaries, frequently asked questions, and more. Just for You: Health topics organized for specific groups such as age-related, ethnicity, caregivers, gender. Health Care: Information about doctors, dentists, nursing homes, Medicare, health fraud, long-term care, etc. Organizations: Carefully selected health information web sites from government agencies, clearinghouses, nonprofits, and universities. Spanish language version is available.
InteliHealth (view intelihealth web site)(*External site-see disclaimer below)
Created by Aetna in partnership with Harvard Medical School. The site does have advertisements but they are clearly labeled. Information at this site includes:
About 50 broad topics listed under diseases and conditions, but also an A-Z listing of hundreds of topics for diseases, conditions, and procedures About 20 topics under "Healthy Lifestyle", including addiction, men's health, senior's health, and others. "Look It Up": A medical dictionary, and a listing of health resources and associations, Physician locator, and a Drug resource center Dental Section Ask the Expert Interactive tools: A variety of illustrations and tools such as BMI calculator, recipes and nutrition information, and self-assessment quizzes. Message boards: Available on such topics as caregiving support, women's health, and mind and body.
Mayo Clinic (view mayo clinic web site)(*External site-see disclaimer below)
The Mayo Clinic created this web site. There is some advertising but it is minimal and strictly regulated by the Mayo Clinic. Information at this site includes:
Disease and Conditions: A-Z listing plus major disease centers. Treatment Decision Guides for various conditions (including colorectal cancer, cancer screening, early-stage prostate cancer, herniated disks, etc.) Healthy Living Centers (covering food and nutrition, men's health, women's health, healthy aging). Drug information supplied by Micromedex. Health tools First Aid information Recipes Slide shows and videos
NOAH: New York Online Access to Health (view noah web site)(*External site-see disclaimer below)
NOAH was established in 1994 by four New York City library organizations to provide a reliable consumer health web site with information in both English and Spanish. The site is easy to use, very comprehensive and includes an option to change the font size of the page for easier readability. Information at this site includes:
Health Topics: A listing of content in NOAH by body area or disease Index A-Z: Scan a list of all conditions and health issues Videos on general health, women's health, men's health, and healthy aging topics
NetWellness (view netwellness web site)(*External site-see disclaimer below)
A project of Ohio Universities dedicated to providing the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of their partner universities. Updated daily. Information at this site includes:
Over 35,000 pages of health information Ask an Expert: 305 world-class experts answer your health questions
*External Link Disclaimer:
All the links marked with asterisk ( * ) are External links. By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.
