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Evaluating information sources: How to know when to trust a source

We all know you can’t believe everything you read on the internet – but that begs the question, how do you know what online health information you can trust?

There are a vast number of medical websites to choose from online, and depending on where you search, you’ll get varying levels of reliable health information. Finding reliable health information on websites is a critical first step in obtaining accurate healthcare information. We’ve covered how to identify a health website you shouldn’t trust, and where to go for the most accurate, up-to-date information you can rely on.

Identifying red flags

When it comes to identifying the most trustworthy sources for health-related advice on the internet, there are a few characteristics that you should look out for to avoid trusting inaccurate content.

🚩 The website focuses on individual instances or personal testimonies to support its claims.

🚩 Often, the material is presented in a dramatic, emotionally charged, or alarming manner.

🚩 On the website, it is implied that a therapy will have the same effect on everyone (e.g., 100 percent success rate).

🚩 The website is attempting to make a profit by selling you something.

🚩 It is unclear who the author is, what credentials he or she has.

🚩 Studies are cited, however they are either too old (from ten years or more ago) or the year of publication is not specified for the studies.

🚩 Broken links may suggest that the site has not been updated in a long time and that the health information on the site is thus out of date as well.

Health information and social media

You may come across various health information on social media, and it can be hard to tell what’s being shared from a reputable source and what’s not to be trusted. Some of this information may be accurate, while others may not. Recognize that just because something comes from a friend or colleague doesn’t imply it’s truthful or scientifically correct.

You should always verify the source of the material and the original author’s credibility. Fact-checking websites could also help you to determine the veracity of a story.

Websites you can trust for health information in Saskatchewan

Many individuals are increasingly turning to internet sources for health and fitness information rather than books, medical journals, or even going to visit health experts in person.

Many people who are looking for trustworthy medical services or resources on the internet often give up as a result of the sheer amount of health information available online. It can feel like a lot of work to sift through all the sources to find information you can trust.

In Saskatchewan, the public has access to a variety of sources that are targeted to trustworthy sources. The government of Canada’s 3sHealth, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Sasksurgery are just a few of these websites. These websites offer the province with reliable health-related information, which can be critical in determining the most appropriate treatment and care plan.

3sHealth

3sHealth helps bring forward innovative change and offers province-wide shared services to assist Saskatchewan’s health system while also ensuring the safety of its constituents and the general public.

Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)

The SHA, which employs more than 40,000 employees and doctors, is one of the biggest organizations in the province. Their mission is to provide safe, high-quality health care to the public. They are motivated by a desire to improve healthcare for Saskatchewan residents, and they collaborate to better coordinate health services across the province. This ensures that you receive the proper care, in the most effective way, at the right time, and from the appropriate provider, no matter where you live in the province.

In particular, the HealthLine webpage provides a great resource to explore health inforamtion and search for a particular term. Search results will provide credible informaiton you can use to make informed decisions about your health.

SaskSurgery

Sasksurgery is a surgical effort in Saskatchewan that is part of the province’s surgical initiatives. It is possible to get information on this website for individuals who are searching for medical guidance. This implies that Saskatchewan patients and their families, regardless of where they reside, will have access to safe, high-quality, and timely surgical treatment, and that patients will be regarded as people involved in their own general health.

211 Saskatchewan

211 Saskatchewan offers a database of more than six thousand community, social, non-clinical health and government services across the province. Check out their website to find programs and services available in your community, with services available for anything from health conditions support, medical clinics, help finding a medical professional, and much more.

Other trusted sources

Government websites like the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Health Canada are typically useful and trusthworth sources of information. You can also visit saskpharm.ca for a more complete list of health websites that could provide you with helpful information.

Final thoughts

Be vigilant when it comes to researching health-related topics, and keep an eye out for red flags that could indicate that the inforamtion you’re reading is uncredible. Make sure the content that you’re reading comes from a reputable source of information before you begin reading or sharing it. In order to ensure that the information you are getting is backed up by scientific evidence and evidence-based practices, look for content that has been created by certified health experts.