How Do You Find Credible Health Information Online?

One of the things I love about the Internet is that you can find information about anything and everything under the sun. Need to know how late your local bank is open? It's there. Looking for an antique sock knitting machine. That's probably there too.

But, how do you know that the information you're getting is credible? When it comes to health information, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are obtaining the most reliable information:

• Never take medical advice over the Internet - That person you think is a doctor could be Joe Schmo from down the street who thinks he's an expert about bipolar disorder because Grandma had it. Even if you can confirm that they have a license to practice medicine, talking with someone by email or a chat room cannot replace a face-to-face consultation with a doctor.
• Know your source - Is the information from a trusted source, for example a government agency or a drug manufacturer's site? Is the content written by a qualified professional? Does it undergo medical review for accuracy?
• Is the site HONcode accredited? - HONcode accredited sites must go through an approval process and agree to follow a set of ethical guidelines.
• Don't self-diagnose or self-treat - Internet information is a great way to educate yourself and supplement the information provided by your doctor, but it is always wise to leave the diagnosis and treatment up to your physician, who has years of education and experience.

What do you personally do to evaluate whether a site contains reliable health information? Join the discussion below.