How do you identify trustworthy health information?

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Jun 25, 2020

Do you ever see something on TV or on the Internet and think, maybe this is what I need to help me? It can be really difficult to identify trustworthy health claims made by advertisers. I subscribe to a few health newsletters from Mayo Clinic and McMaster University and this morning I saw this article that had some great tips on how to identify trustworthy health information.

Don't believe the hype: 6 tips to identify trustworthy health information: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2017/05/02/dont-believe-the-hype-6-tips-to-identify-trustworthy-health-information

Here's some of the criteria I use when searching for trusted health information:
– Is it from a credible, reliable evidence-based source? Who wrote it?
– Is it recent and/or regularly reviewed and updated?
– What is the advertising policy or financial support for the website? Are they just after my money?

What criteria do you use to identify trustworthy health information?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 7, 2021

In reply to @lacy2 "so shall we leave it for people to check or put them up here...? thanks" + (show)

Hi Lacy -
I think we should leave it to each person to do their own checking - the number and variety of meds subject to recalls and/or new warnings/cautions is so broad that it would be a chore to wade through. I think second-hand postings of all recalls are outside our purview here on Connect.

That said, it would be great when people become aware of recalls for specific meds, they post a link in the appropriate group or discussion. For example Metformin on the Diabetes group, Losartan on the blood pressure group, Thyroid meds on the Thyroid group, etc.

As I said, when I have a link to the newsletter, I will add it; those who are interested can subscribe.

Sue

Valerie | @lacy2 | May 7, 2021

yes i agree with what is said, we can each check ourselves, otherwise might miss an important one to put up here,,, thanks for the feedback... j.

nla4625 | @nla4625 | May 7, 2021

This is such an important topic...thanks for bringing it up and for all the great information from people who posted. One website I rely on is WorstPills/BestPills. It's a project of the nonprofit organization Public Citizen and can be found at: http://www.worstpills.org. Their independent scientists and doctors evaluate prescription drugs and issue alerts when they identify problems. I consider the annual $15 membership, which includes a monthly newsletter and unlimited access to their site to research individual medications and read journal reports, articles, and consumer guides to be a real bargain. As an example, several free consumer guides are now featured on the website: Ten Rules for Safer Drug Use, Drug Induced Eye Toxity (62 drugs listed), 29 Medications that might cause adverse interactions with thyroid medications, Introduction to drugs that might cause cognitive impairment. Although I've learned a lot from them, I've gotten a little wary of all the functional medicine practitioners and so-called or self-proclaimed experts promoting the keto diet and other things who sell their own line of supplements and must be raking in a lot of money through sales and endorsements of other sites and products. I've appreciated the ones who have said outright that money from the sales of their products goes directly into a foundation for research or for producing more YouTube videos. Anyway, it's unfortunate that it is so difficult to be a conscientious consumer, so I really appreciate all these suggestions.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 8, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "I get a weekly or monthly (?) email newsletter about pharmaceuticals. It includes both recaslls and..." + (show)

Is there a link to this Sue?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 8, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "Here's the link to the latest FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts - https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts" + (show)

Thanks John

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 8, 2021

In reply to @merpreb "Is there a link to this Sue?" + (show)

I have been combing my emails for the link. I got sidetracked though - decided to do a thorough clean out of my Inbox - which I apparently have not done since sometime in 2015 - after 3 sessions, I'm up to senders beginning with "J"
Sue

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 8, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "I have been combing my emails for the link. I got sidetracked though - decided to..." + (show)

Bwahaha
Do you remember the name at least?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 8, 2021

In reply to @merpreb "Bwahaha Do you remember the name at least?" + (show)

Sorry - that's why I was searching ...
I probably get 40-50 different daily, weekly and monthly newsletters. Trust me - from now on they will be going into dedicated folders - medical, sewing/quilting & garden... the older I get, the more I learn (after the fact!)

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 8, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "Sorry - that's why I was searching ... I probably get 40-50 different daily, weekly and..." + (show)

Oh, ok

Jefesitachica | @npolanco | May 27, 2021

Sometimes it feels like I’m in a maze trying to find the right treatment for osteoporosis. The Dr is firm on Prolia and insists that is the course I must follow. Me - not so sure.
This site has links to resources that help clear the fog.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/are-you-considering-a-complementary-health-approach