Anyone can get overwhelmed when searching the Internet for medical advice. Although the Internet can be beneficial, you must know how to distinguish trustworthy science from junk.

When you are reading a medical website, the first thing you should do is find out where it came from. The “About Us” section should tell you who is responsible for maintaining the site. You can look elsewhere if this section is not present or the site seems to be selling something.

Who are you able to trust

Accredited medical schools, teaching hospitals at universities, and respected non-profit organizations like the American Heart Association are reliable sources. These websites (which end with.edu or.org) provide health information as well as libraries. Reliable government sources include the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Finding your source is just one part of the equation. Mary Cushman, M.D., a professor of medicine and medical school at the University of Vermont Medical Center, said, “You should also consult with your healthcare provider.”

Cushman, who is also an American Heart Association volunteer, said that he encourages his patients to share online what they are reading with him. It’s more than just verifying the source. It is also a chance to give context and follow up on a topic that they might be new to. They are also referred to websites I trust and recommend.

If this sounds too good to be true

Be skeptical about headlines claiming miracle cures and other unlikely breakthroughs in treatment. Remember to always verify the source of your information. The CDC and large academic institutions are the best places to do credible research. Journals that are peer-reviewed or refereed publish the best-quality research. These journals include Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association and the New England Journal of Medicine. Only articles that have been thoroughly reviewed by medical professionals are accepted for publication in these journals. Ulrich’s Periodical Directory Online contains a list of peer-reviewed journals.

Be aware of your limitations

You should be cautious when trying to diagnose your own health problems online, even if you have the correct information. It is easy to make a mistake by self-diagnosing without the proper training, face-to-face examination, and follow-up testing from your doctor. You may be able to link your symptoms with more severe diseases than you actually have. You may feel stressed for days over seemingly nothing in these cases. If you have any medical concerns, consult your doctor immediately.

Use medical blogs and chat rooms to

Chat rooms or medical blogs are great ways to meet people who have similar health issues. But remember that they may not be experts.

Cushman stated that “You don’t know who this person is online.” Do not believe their words, no matter how sincere they may be. Talk to your doctor.