Web sites can provide health information

Health information web sites can be helpful in exploring information about a variety of medical conditions and treatments, according to Jeanette Gorman, Community Relations Coordinator for Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics and St. Mary's Hospital and Clinics, Cottonwood.

However, consumers need to be careful which sites they rely upon. She reviewed some of the information that is available on Lili and Medline Plus during the Orofino Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday. Medline Plus was created by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Gorman said they provide reliable searches on medical questions. The site includes sections with interactive tutorials, clinical trials information and senior health issues.

When searching a web site for medical questions people need to consider such things as:

• Who is responsible for content?
• Is the information reviewed before it is posted?
• Does the site make health claims that seem too good to be true?
• Does the site identify the author?
• Is the information current?
• Who pays for the site?
• Does the site have a privacy policy?

Gorman also discussed a database site Lili that has more technical and sophisticated information. It is a free service to Idaho residents. Full text articles from health magazines and journals can be obtained through the site.

The Lili site is at: http://www.lili.org. Medline Plus is at: http://MEDLINEplus.gov. The Clearwater Valley Hospital web site is at: http://www.clearwatervalleyhospital.com.

Prior to the presentation, there was a discussion of the status of the Snake River Water Agreement. Several chamber members and other local citizens were in Boise last week to testify at public hearings. For an update see the article "Senate to hold hearings on SRBA".