Internet resources have changed the way we view our health and our ailments. At the touch of our fingertips, we can find out information about our health, our symptoms and our disease risks. These resources have helped many people take charge of their health in ways they never tried before. Following are the most popular online health encyclopedias. Use them to help you understand the steps you should be taking to stay healthy.
1. WebMD – This is probably the most popular online resource for health information. Here you’ll find information on how to take better care of yourself, as well as the ability to look up your symptoms to see what may be causing how you feel. You’ll also get great information about nutrition, vitamins and how your lifestyle affects your health.
2. Medline Plus – A service of the US National Library of Medicine, this web site offers more than 4000 articles on health. You can search by your symptoms or by diseases. It’s easily categorized alphabetically to make it simple to use.
3. University of Rochester Health Encyclopedia – This encyclopedia, run by the University of Rochester Medical Center is easy to use and covers a wide variety of topics. It’s convenient because it’s divided between adult health matters and children’s health matters.
4. Health Central – Another great online resource, Health Central offers great articles and helpful tips. It also allows you to search by diseases and symptoms.
5. A.D.A.M. – In addition to their other services, A.D.A.M offers a great healthcare encyclopedia and reference guide. This site is divided up into several categories to make searching easier. Their interactive symptom navigator is an easy way to see what illnesses your symptoms might indicate.
6. Internet Mental Health – Dedicated to mental health alone, this is a great resource for learning options in dealing with mental health issues. If you or anyone in your family has mental health issues, this is a great resource for articles and symptom analysis.
7. Health Mart’s Portal – Run by an online pharmacy, this site is a very good health encyclopedia that is easy to navigate. It includes a drug reference library that’s helpful in sorting out drug uses and common side effects.
8. My Online Health – This is a great repository of articles on health and wellness. This site also includes an herb and supplement encyclopedia and some great healthy recipes.
9. AARP’s Health Encyclopedia – Not just for retired people, AARP’s health encyclopedia is a great resource. You can search on specific diseases and learn more about health insurance here, too.
10. The Encyclopedia of Children’s Health – This is a wonderful tool for any parent. Any ailment your child might have, from colic to diaper rash to teenage acne is covered right here. The site is organized alphabetically, much like an old fashioned encyclopedia.
Online health encyclopedias have really helped us get in touch with our wellness and our illness easily and in an environment that is non-threatening and private. But, as great as they are, they are no substitute for seeing a doctor when you should. So, just remember, use them, but as a resource only.
Phyllis Zerkle blogs about various job issues in the health care field, including how to study to obtain an online masters of health administration (MHA).
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