The Internet is the source of a wealth of information, and it's getting easier and easier to by-pass the usual authorities and locate information on your own. But if you want to find reliable health information online, how much of this information can you trust? And when what you need to know is as important as your health how do you know which information is reliable and which information is best ignored?

The problems of self-diagnosis The answer is not simple. Anyone using the Internet to get information about health is taking a risk, because self-diagnosis is dangerous. It is always best to see a professional when it comes to your health. But, if you want some background information, then by all means search the Internet but learn how to decipher the good and reliable from the bad and unreliable.

You can't believe everything you see Anyone can post information on the Internet. The people behind the information can be a serious expert or a wacky profiteer. How can you tell the difference?

Always start by being sceptical. If you come across someone who is suggesting you stop taking your prescribed medication and start taking his very expensive cure, then think twice before you buy. Read through the website carefully. Ask the opinions of friends and professionals. Search the Internet for similar suggestions. Search the Internet for stories of other sufferers who may be using the same "miracle cure." If you can, contact some other people who have tried the "miracle cure."

Start with government agencies When you come across a health site try to understand who is behind it. If you don't recognize the URL, then try to find the "About" or "Contact" page. If you still aren't sure, try to make contact with them and ask them who they are.

In all cases it is recommended to begin with the most legitimate providers of reliable health and medical information, such as government agencies or university bodies. Most of these offer informational pamphlets and brochures.

Here is a list of legitimate American health sites:

American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/ American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/ American Medical Association: http://www.ama-assn.org/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.hhs.gov/ Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/ Healthfinder: http://www.healthfinder.gov/ National Cancer Institute: http://www.nci.nih.gov/ National Institutes of Health: http://www.nih.gov/

About the author:

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.healthcenterpoint.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.