Consider the source and publication date of health information you find on social media.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated in light of information being disseminated about the new coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information about COVID-19, visit marshfieldclinic.org/coronavirus.
The internet is full of information on health research, trends and new products. Some information is accurate and worth using to improve your health; other information isn’t.
With the COVID-19 pandemic at the forefront, many people are scrolling the internet for pertinent information to know. That said, it is imperative to gather information from trustworthy sites and sources.
How do you know what to trust?
“Ask yourself if what you’re reading makes sense,” said Dr. Brady Didion, a Marshfield Clinic Health System family medicine physician. “Is it reasonable?”
History tells us that an informed, activated population is vital to protecting the public health, according to the National Academy of Medicine. When in doubt, use these tips to make sense of health information.
1. Consider the source.
Look for health information from reliable authorities. Avoid information overload by checking a few favorite sources regularly. If you don’t recognize the source, crosscheck the information with credible sources.
Examples of credible health information sources include:
- Shine365 or other health system blogs and websites
- Government sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or National Institutes of Health
- Non-profit institutions like the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association
- Major news outlets, like the New York Times, Associated Press, ABC, NBC, CBS, Reuters
Be skeptical of content sponsored by a group that has something to gain from you trying the trend or product.
2. Ask yourself, “Does this sound too good to be true?”
“Improving health usually requires some patient effort,” Didion said. “Things that sound too easy, like a supplement or drink that’s going to take away all your pain or make you lose weight with no work on your part, are suspect.”
3. Read past the headline.
Avoid “clickbait” articles. Headlines don’t tell the whole story and can be used to just get a person to click on the story. The rest of the article may include background information, pros and cons of the health trend and who is likely to benefit. It may even explain why you shouldn’t follow a trend described in the headline.
4. Check the publication date.
Information that’s only a year old already may be outdated. For example, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is evolving and there are daily updates. Search a credible source for updated information if the article isn’t current.
5. Avoid spreading false information.
This can be done without even being aware. Social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can be a minefield of false information that you can easily share. Refrain from sending memes or posts that may seem humorous to you, but seem believable to others.
6. Consider how the information applies to you.
Once you decide your information is accurate and useful, ask yourself these questions before trying a health trend yourself:
- Is it safe, given my health status?
- Is it realistic for my budget and schedule?
- Can I maintain the change long-term?
- Will it help me reach my goals?
“Stick to mainstream media sources for information and contact your provider’s office for health related questions,” Didion said.
Ask your health care provider if you’re still unsure about trying a health trend or product.
The reason I go to my doctors is because they have training and understanding of my reason for seeing them. If I didn't have confidence and blind faith in my doctor, I would change to one with whom I could have this faith and confidence. This is not saying as a patient, one should not ask questions of the prescribing doctor as well as the pharmacist. If you can't trust them, find another one you can trust. Over many years I have found the administration at The Marshfield Clinic does a very good job of providing well qualified medical staff. As long as I have your attention on this topic, I can show in writing a stated policy that The Clinic supports the patient's right to choice in alternative medicine and treatment. This policy isn't well supported by the staff and usually does not support the patient if they chose alternatives. for example, if I chose not to have chemo, the doctor will most likely say to go find find another doctor. This is not a simple issue but if The Clinic can't respect and honor the patient's right to choice, they should not proclaim that they do.
Hi, Dean. Thank you for your comment. Do you have interest in sharing your concerns with our Patient Experience team? We welcome feedback related to your care experience as it does help us improve.
If you are interested, please email shine365@marshfieldclinic.org with your phone number and a good time to call.
-Kirstie
How do you justify the strong push of the pharmaceutical companies and doctors to overprescribe drugs? Seems like most doctors put you on drugs instead of getting to the root problems and encouraging lifestyle or diet changes.
Pat – I apologize you feel doctors push overprescription. I will reach out to Dr. Didion to learn more about this and provide you with his perspective.
We do have Shine365 posts meant to help patients be advocates for themselves when doctors prescribe new medications:
7 questions to ask about your prescription drugs – https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/7-questions-prescription-drugs/
4 tips to raise your Rx intelligence – https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/4-tips-for-rx-intelligence/
I hope this helps, and thank you for reading Shine365 -Kirstie
Hi, Pat. I talked to Dr. Didion. He provided his perspective on your question and comments:
"Unfortunately, large pharmaceutical and device companies do have substantial sway over what is studied (and thus recommended) due to their ability to fund research and to lobby in congress. It’s a real problem, and sometimes doctors and providers don’t do their work in addressing key underlying causes that are not primarily fixed with medicine.
Many health care models have arisen from this very concern, models that are smart, compassionate and oriented around supporting the individual making change in their life. An example of this: By combining dietary counseling, exercise support and medical check in periodically for a patient struggling with diabetes, often major changes can occur without leaning heavily on medications.
Thank you, Pat, for addressing this. It highlights a need for change in how we think about and deal with chronic disease and, more importantly, people who are suffering."
-Kirstie
Thank you for your reply. I agree that it isn't right that pharmaceutical companies have such a strong hold over doctor's practices. This makes me not trust doctors' advice when it comes to health issues. I have found that most drugs prescribed by doctors cause more serious side affects than cures. I pray that people stand up against this overuse of drugs to solve their health issues. Too many people put blind faith into their doctor's advice.