How can you get good information on medicines and treatments, and what are things you should be looking out for?

Internet

Using the internet for getting information on medicines and treatments can make it hard for you to find reliable and concrete answers. Web M.D., MedlinePlus, Drugs.com and other quick sources should be taken with a grain of salt. Now they might have some accurate information, however, there is no way to prove that it is reliable. Googling treatments and medicines are not a good choice for information due to the many views and opinions on medical practices. Many people look at the internet as a source that is not good at diagnosing and so, they turn to other methods to gain medical information. For example, interviewee Anna Nozick said, "do not use WebMD. You shouldn’t be using the internet to research your health; talk to your healthcare provider." This is just one interviewee of many that said not to use the internet to find information on treatments and medicines. If you are going to use the internet it should be used to research for the right doctors, physicians, and medical practices.

Family and Doctors

When finding out about information on medicine and treatments the most important factor is finding the best help. Depending on your upbringing and traditions, medications will have a variety of views towards it. With many corporations trying to advertise their treatment/medication over their competitors, it can be confusing to most people when searching for their ideal treatment. The best ways to go about finding treatments, health care, or doctors in general is researching and asking people you know. Your family and friends will give you the best and most honest answer because they are worried about you physical and mental health.  For future reference, the best way to diagnose your sickness or finding health care options is to see a doctor, or simply ask a family member who will give you the best solution to help with your condition.

This page was developed from interviews with:

Vince Wilder, Grace Lawrence, Hanna O'Hara, Mary Smith, Olivia Jones, Erika O'Brian, Anna Nozick