In the instant gratification kind of world that we live in, it is easy to turn to the internet for answers. Anything from where to get the cheapest gas to last night's game scores can be found by typing a few words into a search engine. With this kind of knowledge at our fingertips, many people have turned to the internet with their medical questions. There are those who are skeptical when it comes to seeking answers concerning health over the internet, but if you know what to look for, you may be able to benefit from pursuing online medical advice.
By knowing who you would trust in the real world, you can determine which sites to get your online medical advice from. For instance, websites run by the government, non-profit agencies, medical and valued academic institutions more often than not will provide credible information as opposed to a site boasting credentials only to try and sell you a cure. How new or updated the information found on a website is also something to consider as medical advancement can occur rapidly. If you are directed to advice dated three years ago, chances are there has been progression since that time.
The search engine you use is also a factor when seeking online medical advice. Using the same search engine that you use to find the weather may not be the best approach. By finding a website that caters to specific medical information, the chances you will find credible information and not just a product to treat symptoms is highly improved. And by also searching alternative health practices, you are able to widen your window of knowledge and possible treatment of any ailments you may have, which is also a huge benefit to using the internet for medical advice.
A fair warning to those seeking online medical advice is to realize that using the internet in this fashion is a tool and not a substitute for an actual physician. It is important to note that by searching symptoms you may have and using your own power of deduction you could cause more harm to yourself than good. For example, for minor aches and pains a person could be experiencing, some may come to the conclusion that they have a broken bone when this is not the case. Be sure to consult a medical practitioner for any serious conditions or to call 911 in case of an emergency.
By knowing who you would trust in the real world, you can determine which sites to get your online medical advice from. For instance, websites run by the government, non-profit agencies, medical and valued academic institutions more often than not will provide credible information as opposed to a site boasting credentials only to try and sell you a cure. How new or updated the information found on a website is also something to consider as medical advancement can occur rapidly. If you are directed to advice dated three years ago, chances are there has been progression since that time.
The search engine you use is also a factor when seeking online medical advice. Using the same search engine that you use to find the weather may not be the best approach. By finding a website that caters to specific medical information, the chances you will find credible information and not just a product to treat symptoms is highly improved. And by also searching alternative health practices, you are able to widen your window of knowledge and possible treatment of any ailments you may have, which is also a huge benefit to using the internet for medical advice.
A fair warning to those seeking online medical advice is to realize that using the internet in this fashion is a tool and not a substitute for an actual physician. It is important to note that by searching symptoms you may have and using your own power of deduction you could cause more harm to yourself than good. For example, for minor aches and pains a person could be experiencing, some may come to the conclusion that they have a broken bone when this is not the case. Be sure to consult a medical practitioner for any serious conditions or to call 911 in case of an emergency.
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