February 13, 2007

Health Information on the Web

By the Santa Teresa Library staff
Special to the Times

In the not so distant past, finding basic health information could be a tedious process. Significant time and energy might have been needed to locate a book, pamphlet or entry in an encyclopedia.

Fortunately, in response to the growth and popularity of the Internet, the federal government has created a number of Web sites, which may be of interest or use either now or sometime in the future.

One of the most comprehensive free federal Web resources in this category is www.medlineplus.gov. Both an alphabetical index and a search window are provided, with access to hundreds of topics, as well as a drug reference section, news headlines and links to organizations and groups with separate Web sites. Both medical encyclopedia and dictionary entries are provided as well as many interactive tutorials. A yellow tab near the top of pages leads to content in Spanish.

A similar portal site, somewhat simpler in design, may be reached at www.healthfinder.gov. Once again, both an alphabetical list and keyword searching is provided.

Thinking of traveling abroad? You might wish to consult the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov to learn more about health risks, inoculations and other important considerations one might not otherwise think of before departure. Those who are not going anywhere may find useful information on subjects such as vaccinations, birth defects, emergency preparedness and communicable diseases.

The diet of many Americans has lately been a matter of concern in the media. One Web site with information on this topic is, conveniently, www.nutrition.gov. News headlines occupy the center of the start page; to the left are starting points such as what’s in food, dietary supplements, weight management and food assistance programs.

Curious about the modern version of the food pyramid you may vaguely remember from school? Take a look at www.mypyramid.gov; there’s even a section for children that includes educational games.

The Web site of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is at www.fitness.gov, which includes a number of publications on the topic.

Are you curious about new drugs or treatments under development? The National Institutes of Health has operated www.clinicaltrials.gov for some time.

Seniors might also take a look at www.nihseniorhealth.gov. A site for designed specifically for women’s issues is www.womenshealth.gov, and for girls, there is even www.girlshealth.gov.

The National Cancer Institute offers www.cancer.gov, with such features as a dictionary of cancer terms and a drug dictionary. The site www.mentalhealth.gov is a service of the National Institute of Mental Health. Disability related information and resources are presented at www.disabilityinfo.gov.

In addition to all of these resources, there is a very general site at www.health.nih.gov with an A-to-Z index of National Institute of Health resources.

Of course, the Santa Teresa Library and other branches of the San Jose Public Library system own hundreds of books, videos and other resources relating to health. We are located at 290 International Circle and can be reached at (408) 281-1879. Thanks to the generosity of San Jose residents, we are open seven days a week and our Web site hardly ever closes.