warningOver the last few years both the Internet and television have been flooded with Health information, doctors information and shows. We know that both Tv and Internet is about 40 % accurate ( if that much) yet , people have a tendency to think differently regarding health and fitness , that most of what they see or read is accurate & true. There are 3 things to remember about health information on tv and internet

1) Business, companies and advocates, have a strong presence on the internet. Many sites providing health information are compaines trying to sell or promote something, sometimes they are law agencies encouraging litigation and lawsuits, sometimes pharmacy companies promoting there medication, sometimes family members who loss someone to a disease and advocating for more information on that disease. All of these mentioned, have MOTIVES, there information will be biased and selected , to emphasize their point

2) Use of fear and Propaganda: Certain terms are highlighted and used ( both in news and internet) to grab your attention with health, Death, Heart Attack , Cancer . As a result some symptoms and illness are disproportionately discussed more than others

3) No screening of articles and research , for bias and inconsistencies, The news and Internet report everything, will no regard to how bias or inaccurate a study or reasearch maybe

Here are some rules to guide you on getting accureate health information

1- Disease-based not symptom based: this means it much better to look up an actual condition and disease, ie diabetes , ezcema .than a symptom. 20 people can have the same symptoms but different causes.

2- Use only 1 or 2 consistent sites. In other words each time you are looking up something try to use the same source or website. Use reputable sites ,  this will eliminate sites with alternative motives

3-Buy a book, If you are someone who frequently reviews the internet or TV for health inforamtion, it is actually better to buy a home reference medical book. These have multiple contributors, and have to provide unbias information. They are free of advertisers and sponsors who may have an effect on the content of the book , Noellicenter, AMA, are examples who provide such books

4-A website known as UPTODATE.com, is a patient information website, completely free from bias and sponsors. It has a cost, most sponsor free sites, will have a fee, it is worth the cost for accuration information

5- Avoid any site or source that is trying to sell you medicine or supplements. They will manipulate information to encourage use of their substance.

6- Only look up procedures or test that your doctor recommends or orders. Fear and anxiety will encourage unnecessary test such as whole body scans, Cat scans,   

Remember Medicine is NOT an ABSOLUTE SCIENCE , nothing you read is absolute and should be discussed with your doctor. Every case is different and what is safe in one person is not necessarily  safe in others