Most of you out there aren’t doctors. To go one step further, chances are that only a select number of us are able to pass the exam at the end of pharmacy technician training, or even name every bone in the human body. But what we lack in learned knowledge about the science of our bodies we make up in the enormous amount of pertinent health and medical information available to us on the world wide web. Accessing it only takes minutes, so long as you know where to look. In a world where medical technology and healthcare access is changing every month, it pays to stay informed by utilizing the following online resources:
The Khan Academy: This free source for video lectures ranging from basic math to Renaissance art has a wide selection of health related content. The lessons are designed with young brains in mind, but those who prefer the classroom environment will appreciate Khan’s narration joining neon tracings again a digital blackboard.
How Stuff Works: If you’ve ever wondered how cancer works, or how type I diabetes works differently than type II, this is the source for finding out. The matter-of-fact breakdown skips everything but the functional basics of the particular medical malady, providing you with the answers to the questions you’ve been asking your whole life.
WebMD: To access a list of symptoms or preventives, WebMD is where you should always stop first. Many American hospitals will limit their staff’s Internet access solely to WebMD in order to ensure that their online references are trustworthy.
TED: The most revolutionary ideas and innovations in healthcare are revealed and discussed at TED. They’re all available to you for free on their website. It’s an easy way to get sucked into several hours of sitting at the computer, so just make sure TED doesn’t make your health worse instead of better.
Wikipedia: For background information regarding drugs, illness, surgery, treatments, and other medical knowledge, Wikipedia is the definitive online source. Those that doubt the accuracy of health related information on Wikipedia should consult their webpage strictly outlining the commitment to truth and accuracy they have when it comes to such serious content. No matter what the medical issue you can conjure the need to research, Wikipedia is certain to have what you need.
Health is the most important issue in our lives. You have an obligation yourself to stay informed about the basics when it comes to your own health concerns, as well as medical science in general. If you have the web access that enabled you to read this article, then you have no reason not to stay informed through the aforementioned free sources of health and medical information available on the web.