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Health guide · Health literacy

How to spot trusted health information online

Simple checks to help you tell reliable health information from ads, rumors, and hype.

Updated · 1 min read

Ask four quick questions

  1. Who wrote it? Look for a named organization or expert. Check the About page.
  2. When was it updated? Health advice changes. Look for a recent date.
  3. What is the evidence? Good sources explain where their information comes from.
  4. Is someone selling something? Be careful if the page pushes a product.

Warning signs

  • Promises of a "miracle cure" or "one weird trick."
  • Advice to stop a medicine without talking to your care team.
  • Strong emotions with little proof.
  • Stories that only share one person's experience.

Good places to start

Government health agencies, large hospitals and universities, and national nonprofit groups for specific conditions are often good places to start.

Talk it over

Found something interesting? Bring it to your next visit. Say, "I read this online. Does it apply to me?" Your care team can help you sort it out.

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