Library Guides: Finding Health Information: Online Health Resources

Evaluating Resources

Up-To-Date Patient Information

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC produces several reports that provide health related information:

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the CDC. Often called “the voice of CDC,” the MMWR series is the agency’s primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations.

CDC Vital Signs monthly report was launched in 2010. It includes a MMWR Early Release, a graphic fact sheet and website, a media release, and social media tools. Most of the materials are available in English and Spanish.

The CDC also produces podcasts which you can listen to on the go.

Additional Websites

FamilyDoctor.org
his site is operated by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a national medical organization representing more than 120,900 family physicians, family practice residents, and medical students. All of the information on this site has been written and reviewed by physicians and patient education professionals at the AAFP.
HealthCentral.com
Condition-specific health site where Real Patients and Real Experts share inspirational health-related experiences and information.
Healthfinder.gov
A government website where you will find information and tools to help you and those you care about stay healthy.
Lab Tests Online
This easy to understand website enables searches by name of test, condition, or age group. Consumer-oriented descriptions about lab tests are provided.
MayoClinic.org Patient Care and Health Information
More than 3,300 physicians, scientists and researchers from Mayo Clinic share their expertise to empower you
MU Health Care System
Comprehensive health care network located in Columbia, Missouri. As part of the state’s academic medical center, University of Missouri Health Care offers a full spectrum of care, ranging from primary care to highly specialized, multidisciplinary treatment for patients with the most severe illnesses and injuries.
MU Symptom Checker
An interactive symptom checker to evaluate your symptoms and determine appropriate action or treatment.
Plain Language Medical Dictionary
Do you or your institution write materials for patients and the public? Have you been stumped on how to translate a medical term into plain language? The folks at the University of Michigan Taubman Health Sciences Library have developed a Plain Language Medical Dictionary that can help. The dictionary includes 1100 words.
WomensHealth.gov
OWH serves as the focal point for women's health activities across HHS offices and agencies and leads HHS efforts to ensure that all women and girls achieve the best possible health.
Easy to Understand Health Topics
Various health topics written in a way that's easy to understand.