5 Easy Tips for Finding Health Information

Like most people, I search the internet every day for information - the weather forecast, receipes, directions, or why my washing machine is making a sqealing noise. Useful information is at our fingertips. Answers appear within seconds of typing a question into the search bar. But the amount of information generated daily can be overwhelming.^[1]

Health information is no exception. In fact, information overload itself can feel like a stress condition.^[2] What's worse? There is a growing amount of misinformation circulating on the internet.^[3]

The good news: you can manage the overwhelm. There are simple strategies that make searching for accurate health information easier, clearer, and more empowering.^[4]

Here are some ways to get started:

1. Be specific about what you want

Sometimes I want to learn more about something I have heard. Other times I am trying to find a way to fit changes into my life about a condition I already have been diagnosed.

Before searching, take a moment to get clear about your goal in the search. This step alone can reduce a lot of frustration.

Ask yourself: Am I trying to prevent a condition or understand a symptom? Do I want step-by-step instructions? Or big-picture guidance?

I have made the mistake of asking the internet broad questions when I needed specific information. Health information is only helpful if it fits your reality. Try shaping your search around your actual routines, location, preferences, and constraints.

Try to be specific in search queries:

• Instead of “healthy diet” try: “healthy recipes using South Asian ingredients” or “quick anti-inflammatory meals for busy parents.”
• Instead of “exercise for heart health,” try: “heart-healthy activities without gym equipment” or “ways to increase steps at work when you have limited time.”

2. Go to trusted sources

Advice about health can come from anyone - without oversight or consequence. Don't trust everything you read and check trusted sources. One of the best skills you can hone is to think critically and look for creditials. Some organizations have built a strong reputation of developing accurate materials to support healthy populations:

Sources that are known to post reliable information backed by evidence.

• Medical Associations
• Public Health Organizations
• Peer-reviewed medical journals

Here is a useful post by CMA's Healthcare For Real about trusted sources and where to find them.

3. Look for multiple sources

I check multiple sources to make sure the information lines up. A bit of variation is normal, but when the messages contradict each other, that’s my cue to dig deeper before deciding what to do.

4. Check the date

Up-to-date information is key. Try to find sources from the current year or at least within the past 5 years.

Has this information changed? When checking multiple sources, looking at older sources on the same topic can help understand whether advice or information has changed over time.

5. Ask an expert

Asking your primary healthcare provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) is a great place to start when you need more information.

Allied health professionals — such as physiotherapists, dietitians, chiropractors, osteopaths, social workers, psychologists, and psychotherapists — can also provide practical guidance for preventing disease and managing existing health conditions.

If you don't have a primary care provider, you can find experts and support in your community through community or public health centres and patient or advocacy groups on specific conditions.

Know when NOT to search

If you have new, worsening, or alarming symptoms such as severe pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or anything that feels “not normal for you”, a search engine won’t be enough. It's best to consult a healthcare professional. Coming soon is a post about how to talk to a healthcare provider.

Once helpful information is found

When we find the information we need, it can be an extremely satisfying experience. It also helps us understand and use the information we find.

Find out more about understanding health information, using health information, and other tips and strategies to discern the quality and suitability of the health information in other posts on the blog at wiselywegrow.org.

References