Health concerns can feel overwhelming, especially when they affect your independence. Having trusted support at home ensures care is delivered in a way that works best for you. Our team provides guidance, resources, and encouragement to help you stay healthier each day.
Evaluating Health Information
Health information is everywhere and easy to access, but not all of it is accurate or reliable. Some sources may be current and trustworthy, while others are incomplete or misleading. That is why taking time to evaluate health information is important.
There are two simple steps to start with:- Ask questions before trusting what you read or hear.
- Review the information with your health care provider before using it.
Asking the right questions helps you decide if a website is trustworthy. Most answers can be found on the site’s “About Us” page. If ownership is not clear, the health information may be unreliable.
Key questions to ask:- Who runs the site? Look for federal agencies, medical schools, or large professional and nonprofit organizations. Trustworthy sites provide contact information.
- What is the purpose? Is it to inform, sell products, or promote opinions? Reliable sites aim to provide accurate information.
- Who funds the site? Ads should be clearly labeled. Be cautious if a business funds the site, as content may favor its products.
- Is the content high quality? Good information presents balanced facts, cites research, and avoids dramatic claims or miracle cures. Reliable sites explain their editorial review process and list contributors’ qualifications.
- Is it current? Pages should display dates showing when information was written, reviewed, or updated.
- How is personal information handled? Check for a privacy policy before sharing any details. When a site seems trustworthy, confirm the information with other reliable sources.
A post from a friend or family member may not always be accurate. Apply the same questions you use for websites: Who created it, why it was shared, and whether it is influenced by others. If you are unsure, avoid sharing it further.
How can I evaluate health information in the news?News reports on medical studies may leave out important details.
Ask:- Was the research done with people or animals?
- If people know how many participated and who they were?
- How long did the study last?
- What type of study was conducted?
- Who funded the research?
Understanding these details helps you decide whether the information applies to your health.
How can I evaluate health information in books?When reviewing printed material, consider:
- How recent is the book?
- Is the author a recognized expert?
- Does it provide multiple perspectives or only one viewpoint?
- Has it been reviewed by other professionals?
- Does it list references and sources?
Tip: Always talk with your health care provider before relying on any health information. They can confirm whether it is accurate, reliable, and relevant to your care.
NIH: National Library of Medicine (NLM)Health Literacy
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to make informed decisions.
It includes:
- Personal health literacy: How well a person can locate and understand health information and apply it to make good choices.
- Organizational health literacy: How organizations ensure people can access, understand, and use the information and services they provide.
Several factors can affect a person’s health literacy, including:
- Knowledge of medical terms
- Understanding of how the healthcare system works
- Ability to communicate with health care providers
- Skills needed to find information, sometimes requiring computer use
- Reading, writing, and math skills
- Personal factors such as age, education, income, and language
- Physical or mental limitations
Health literacy matters because it affects your ability to:
- Make informed decisions about your health
- Access the care you need, including preventive services
- Take medications correctly
- Manage chronic conditions
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Tip: Communicate clearly with your providers. If something isn’t clear, ask them to explain it or write it down.
Personal Health Records
Medical offices and hospitals keep records, but maintaining your own record can help you track important details across providers. Personal records may be kept electronically or on paper.
What should be included?Start with:
- Name, birth date, blood type, and emergency contact
- Dates of physicals, test results, and screenings
- Records of major illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations
- List of medications, dosages, and duration of use
- Allergies and chronic conditions
- Family medical history
Tip: Keeping your own record ensures you always have accurate information available when coordinating care with different providers.
Family History
Family health history is information about the medical conditions of you and your close relatives. Families often share genetic traits, environments, and lifestyle habits. Reviewing these patterns can help identify higher risks for certain conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer.
Why is family history important?- It shows whether you may be at higher risk for certain illnesses.
- Having a family member with a disease increases risk, but does not guarantee you will develop it.
- Awareness of risk allows you to take preventive steps, such as lifestyle changes and early screenings.
- Talk with relatives about their medical conditions.
- Create a family tree and include health details.
- Keep copies of medical records or death certificates when available.
Tip: Knowing your family history empowers you to work with your health care provider on prevention strategies and screening schedules tailored to your needs.
Blood Glocuse
Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main source of energy for the body. It comes from food and is carried into the bloodstream. Insulin helps glucose move into cells for energy use.
What is diabetes?Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels stay too high. With diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. High glucose levels can damage cells and cause serious health problems, making it important to keep levels within target range.
What are blood glucose targets?For people with diabetes, target ranges are:
- Before meals: 80–130 mg/dL
- Two hours after meals: Less than 180 mg/dL
Targets may vary depending on age, other health conditions, and guidance from your health care team.
When and how should I check my blood glucose?- Most people with diabetes check daily to ensure their levels are within range.
- Some may need testing several times a day based on provider recommendations.
- Common methods include:
- Blood glucose meter: Measures glucose in a small sample of blood, usually from the fingertip.
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): A sensor placed under the skin checks glucose levels throughout the day and night.
- Blood tests like A1C: Shows average blood glucose over the past three months. Typically done twice a year, or more often if needed.
High blood glucose (hyperglycemia) symptoms include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headaches
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) may occur if your levels drop below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms include:
- Shaking or sweating
- Dizziness or hunger
- Nervousness or irritability
- Blurred vision
Low glucose can be caused by certain medicines, skipping meals, or health conditions affecting insulin and hormone levels. Severe low blood sugar can be dangerous and should be treated promptly.
Tip: If you notice frequent highs or lows, discuss them with your provider. Adjustments in diet, activity, or medications may be needed to manage blood glucose safely.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)