Embrace Caregiving
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Equipping, Empowering and Encouraging Caregivers
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Finding Credible Health-Related Information
Contrary to popular belief, websites that end in “.org” are NOT limited to nonprofit organizations. Anyone can buy a domain name ending in “.org”. The only domains that are restricted are those ending in “.edu” (educational institutions) and “.gov” (government organizations). When gathering information on-line, beware. Consider the motivation of the organization offering information. For example:
Contact information for select organizations that we have found to offer credible health-related information follows. NOTE: A new window will open when you click on a link below. The information is categorized as follows:
1. Medical Conditions
In addition to the organizations listed, there are many other sources of credible information on medical conditions and treatment options. To narrow your search, ask your primary care physician and other health care professionals for recommendations. You might also ask people who have faced similar situations for suggestions.
Information provided by government agencies
Information from companies specializing in medical information
Did you know that the health content featured on the websites of many hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, consumer sites (e.g., www.MSN.com, www.Yahoo.com), health insurance providers, and others is often sourced? The information may be presented in such a way that many people may not realize the actual source of the information. Some of the well-known sources of medical information include:
Other well-known sources of information include:
Information about specific illnesses and diseases
2. Prescription Drugs
When seeking information on medications, investigate prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements and natural remedies. The organizations listed provide information to help you understand the purpose, side effects, how medications interact with one another, and potential risks. Your pharmacist might also offer recommendations.
Information provided by government agencies
General Information
Clinical Trials
Information provided by major pharmaceutical companies
Information about drug safety
Information from organizations specializing in prescription drug information
Did you know that the information about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, alternative therapy agents and supplements featured on the websites of many pharmacies (e.g., Eckerd Drugs, Rite Aid, WalMart) is often sourced? Some of the well-known sources of medication information include:
Information provided by large pharmacies
3. Aging & Caregiving
The following is a listing of websites from reputable organizations providing information on aging, caregiving and related topics.
4. Government Programs and Services
The following is a listing of government organizations offering programs and services available at the federal, state and local level. If you contact an organization that cannot help you, ask them to direct you to someone who can.
Federal Government Programs of special interest to older adults
State and Local Programs
5. Driving
6. Nursing Home & Home Health Care
7. Local resources
Know that local senior guides and websites may only list organizations that pay for an advertisement, placement or have some other type of referral arrangement. One of the most comprehensive listings and best resources for information on programs, services and organizations in your community is your local Yellow Pages telephone directory. If you refer to your local telephone book, some of the section headings you might reference include:
Government listings (often color coded in Blue)
Yellow Pages – Business and Organization listings
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