Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
Good health begins at home, and this week on Healthwatch, we'll look at some health topics that are close to home. With computers and the Internet, you can bring a variety of health experts into your home. It's almost like getting a consultation or second opinion from your desk. You may even be able to diagnose yourself. But doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas urge you to use caution when obtaining health information online.
An online doctor or health-related Web site can't do the kind of exam or tests a doctor can do in person.
Dr. Shelley Roaten, chairman of family and community medicine at UT Southwestern, says careful Internet searching can get you answers on almost any health topic, but you should confirm the information with your doctor before you take action, such as taking medicine or having a procedure. You're most likely to find accurate information through university health centers, federal agencies and nonprofit health organizations.
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August 2005
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