The internet can be a great resource, but there is a lot of misinformation on the internet. There is in particular, a lot of health misinformation that is used in marketing materials for different products. We’ve covered outright scams before on the blog, but here is some advice on how to avoid health misinformation. This is not medical advice, this is about media literacy.
Double Check the Source
Google the organization or doctor that is behind the medical information that you are consuming. Sometimes, for-profit organizations that are trying to sell you something will have names that are similar to legitimate medical organizations. You’re trying to verify the legitimacy of sources of your information.
Does it Sound too Good to be True?
We all want to believe in these big medical miracles, and miracles do happen, but be wary of someone telling you they have the one secret to curing any issue. A lot of the time they are trying to sell you something. Of course, this applies to what you see online and not your consultations with your doctor.
Talk to Your Doctor
Especially if you have pre-existing conditions, you should be running anything health-related by your doctor. It doesn’t matter if it looks good on paper, or if it looks like it has good results. Your doctor knows your individual situation and the medical research (or lack thereof) of whatever it is that you are considering trying.
In conclusion, be on the lookout for what you see on the internet. It’s not always what it seems.
Written by Brigid Coffey
