Resources
Up-To-Date offers medical information on a range of subjects. To get started, type a topic into the search window for which you are interested in getting more guidance- for example headaches or diabetes, which will generate a list of articles pertinent to your search. The reading materials are divided into two categories: “The Basics” (a short general overview of the topic in an easy to read format) or “Beyond the Basics” (more comprehensive detailed information which may contain some medical jargon). Once accessed, you can save these articles to your computer, or print them out for later reference.
The Mayo Clinic provides an easy to use encyclopedic health information center for patients. You can search through an alphabetized list in 5 different categories: Healthy Lifestyle, Diseases and Conditions, Symptoms, Tests and Procedures and Drugs and Supplements. For example, click on Tests and Procedures and search under M to get information on MRI such as why MRI’s are performed and what it can test for, how to prepare for the test, what to expect at your appointment, and known risks to the procedure.
Medline Plus is a service provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. You can search alphabetically for an assortment of health topics and drug information. This site is particularly nice for auditory and visual learners as it provides a number of videos and interactive tutorials to aid in your understanding. Another nice feature of this site is a fairly detailed list of evidence-based use of herbs and over-the-counter supplements.
This site is written and maintained by medical writer and diabetes consultant David Mendoza. We particularly recommend this site to diabetics and prediabetics. Mendoza provides a comprehensive table listing the glycemic index and glycemic load of over 2,000 different foods, which can help you make better food choices. There is also a wealth of fabulous information about understanding diabetes and the prevention of complications associated with the disease.
You have to log in (create a user ID and password) to access most of the information on Epocrates, which may deter some of you from using it. However, for quick and detailed drug information, this is a great site to access. Click on the desired drug, and then click on Patient Education on the right side of the screen. This will trigger a list of essential drug information, such as what time of day to take it, and common side effects. Also, unlike most other patient-oriented pharmacopeias, Epocrates provides pill pictures, and pricing information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain this essential website for world travelers. Once on the home page click on the button labeled For Travelers. Conduct a search by first entering your destination country and then indicate pertinent information such as whether you are pregnant, have a chronic disease, or are planning an extended stay. Your search will elicit recommended vaccines and prophylactic medications you should consider. You will also be informed of any recent outbreaks of infectious diseases in the areas you intend to travel.
NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is a service provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the National Institutes of Health. NCCAM provides free, general information to patients on a range of complementary and alternative medicine issues. Select the Health Info tab to search alphabetically for a particular subject of interest, or select the Be an Informed Consumer tab to get a better understanding of what is meant by the terms complementary medicine or alternative medicine.
The Linus Pauling Institute’s Micronutrient Information Center is a useful source for scientifically accurate information regarding the function of vitamins, minerals and other dietary nutrients in health promotion and disease prevention. You can search this site for general information on particular vitamins and minerals, or you can alternatively investigate current research on micronutrients in the maintenance of for example bone health or cognitive function.