WASHINGTON – Warts. Sexually transmitted diseases. Hemorrhoids.
Some of the most popular search terms on the web involve medical issues, but don’t trust everything that pops up.
Consumer Reports’ sister publication Shop Smart Magazine offers advice for spotting bad health sites. One red flag involves privacy policies that say a site shares your information with companies that can offer you useful products.
You might also want to be skeptical of health websites giving advice from several writers with few or no credentials. Steer clear if it tries to sell you something such as vitamins, herbs or homeopathic items.
Shop Smart Magazine also suggests being wary of sites offering old or undated information, or so-called evidence that sounds like opinions. Realize sites sponsored by drug companies, people or groups not recognized as authorities might not be the best place to find unbiased information.
And finally, beware of health websites making claims that sound too good to be true. Even if you think you can lose 20 pounds in a week, do you really think that’s good for your body?
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