Health-y Skepticism

February 15th, 2011 by Amy

Have a health issue you’re concerned about? Or a health-related product you’re curious about? Odds are you’ve gone online to learn more.

It’s easier than ever to find health-related information online. But taking your health online requires extra care. Along with the many legitimate sources of health information on the web, there are plenty of false and misleading ones, with products that don’t work and may even be harmful.

What should you do? Start by sharpening your searching skills with these resources from the Federal Trade Commission:

First, play a round of Follywood Squares. Match wits with an opponent and an array of guest stars about health products and information online.

Second, head over to ftc.gov/whocares for reliable sources of information on topics like generic drugs, caregiving, surgery to improve vision, alternative medicine, Medicare fraud, and medical ID theft. This site also features guidance on how to spot misleading and deceptive claims, and whom to contact to ask questions, enlist help, or speak up if you think a health product or service isn’t living up to its promises.

Third, if you or someone you care about has cancer, visit ftc.gov/curious to learn what questions to ask before you buy a product that says it can treat or cure the disease, and how to talk to your doctor about it.

Anytime you’re looking for health information online, remember to:

• Consider who’s behind the information. Government websites (sites ending in .gov) and university or medical school websites (.edu) are good bets. Two highly regarded choices are MedlinePlus.gov and Healthfinder.gov.

• Know who’s on the other end. Before you hand over any personal or financial information, do some research to find out who you’re dealing with and to make sure the website is secure. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. Don’t trust a website because it looks professional or has success stories from “real people.” The stories may be made up, or the people may be actors or models paid to praise the product.

• Only buy prescription drugs from licensed, U.S. pharmacies. Besides losing your money, you could end up with products that are fake, expired, mislabeled, the wrong dosage, or contaminated and just plain dangerous. To see if a pharmacy is licensed in the U.S., check with the board of pharmacy in the state where it’s based. Visit www.nabp.info.

• Talk to your doctor or health professional. Your doctor can tell you about the risks of a product and how it could affect any medicine you’re taking or treatments you’re getting.

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