Gather Facts

Decisions you make about your health can affect the length and quality of your life. Choose wisely. To do this, you need to gather facts. Use these sources:

•  You. You know more about you than anyone else. Be in touch with how you feel, physically and emotionally. Keep track of past and present health concerns.

•  Your doctor. Ask for his or her advice. Your doctor may also have written materials on your condition.

•  Medical resources. These include:

– The Internet’s world wide web. Look for credible sites, such as www.medlineplus.gov, www.healthfinder.gov, and other Web sites which end in .gov. Other credible sites are ones from hospitals, medical centers, and medical associations. Most often, these sites end in .edu and .org. Beware of Web sites that promote health fraud and quackery. Access http://quackwatch.org for information. Also, check with your doctor before you follow advice from a Web site. The advice may not be right for your needs.

– Not-for-profit groups. These include the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association. To get information, call their toll-free numbers or access their Web sites.

– Government agencies. One is the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Access www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

– Support groups for conditions, such as breast cancer. Check local hospitals for lists of support groups near you. Also, contact the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse Self-Help Group Sourcebook Online at www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp.

Your job is to gather facts. Once you have the facts, you and your doctor can make the medical decision(s) best suited to your needs.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

The American Institute for Preventive Medicine (AIPM) is not responsible for the availability or content of external sites, nor does AIPM endorse them. Also, it is the responsibility of the user to examine the copyright and licensing restrictions of external pages and to secure all necessary permission.

 

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