Best of the Web: Health & Medicine
Patricia Strait, Selector Librarian
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Diseases, Medical Conditions, et.al
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Comprehensive Disease Sites |
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This link drills down into the Third Part of the site: Symptoms and Diagnoses. Select a disease or symptom from the very extensive drop-down list. Note also the availability of explanations for diagnostic tests and procedures as well. |
In MayoClinic.com's reference articles on diseases and conditions you can read about signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, when to seek medical advice, screening and diagnosis, complications, treatments, prevention, self-care, coping strategies, and complementary and alternative medicine. Select from an alphabetical list of diseases and conditions by clicking on the appropriate letter. Also, in the lower third of the page a series of Condition Centers provide links to information about many types of chronic conditions. |
Like all MEL pages, this is a comprehensive and very high-quality set of resources—over 40 categories— carefully selected and compactly presented. |
The full text of the standard professional medical Guide to Diseases is available online. This particular link takes you directly to the Table of Contents for the site. |
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Allergies & Asthma |
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A most complete site offering access to a wealth of information concerning allergies and intolerance resources that is not easily accessible via search engines. |
A great resource provided by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Offers Fast Facts, informational materials, resources on Seniors and Asthma , patient support organizations and resources, etc. |
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Two separate links to collections of resources on allergies and specific treatments, as well as asthma, selected by the Michigan Electronic Library |
One of the excellent "Condition Centers" at the MayoClinic.com providing informative and reliable information about these two conditions. |
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Alzheimer's |
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This site provides access to information for patients, caregivers, and physicians. The "People with Alzheimer's" page provides information on understanding and living with the disease. The "Family Caregivers and Friends" page gives information and support to those caring for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's |
The ADEAR Center is a service of the National Institute on Aging and provides "Information & Referral," "Alzheimer's Disease Publications," a "Bibliographic Database," and a "Clinical Trials Database." Also provides a toll-free number and e-mail address to contact specialists who can handle individual questions. |
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A very good set of resources selected by the Michigan Electronic Library |
One of the excellent "Condition Centers" at the MayoClinic.com |
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Arthritis |
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This site provides basic information on arthritis diseases and treatments. The section called "Arthritis Answers" covers different forms of the disease, medications, alternative and complementary therapies, water exercise, easy to use products, and arthritis in children, teens, and young adults. |
Information at this site is available through fact sheets on topics ranging from gout to tendonitis/bursitis. "Disease-Specific Sites" can be located through Internet Resources. |
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More useful resources selected by the Michigan Electronic Library |
Another excellent "Condition Center" at the MayoClinic.com |
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Cancer |
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The wealth of material available at the ACS site includes facts about specific types of cancer, information on available treatments (including alternative and complementary treatments), and advice on prevention and early detection. The Living with Cancer page provides answers to general questions about daily living and coping with cancer. |
Pulls oncology resources together. Search or browse over 99 electronic mailing list archives, from Aplastic Anemia to Testicular Cancer; crosslinks to CancerNet (see below) resources including the PDQ Summaries and Bulletins; Patient Oriented Web Sites; ReutersHealth Reports; and Organization Web Sites |
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A wonderful collection of online and telephone resources for cancer care including counseling and emotional support, information about cancer and treatment, referrals to support services, educational services and material, financial support, and professional consultation and educational programs. Provides a special section with information on the major cancers, cancer-related pain and fatigue, and health policy advocacy. Users can listen to RealAudio educational programs through teleconference and participate in online or telephone support groups. Searchable by concepts or keywords. |
Cancerdirectory has been designed to help you find information,products and services related to Aerodigestive Cancers, Breast Cancer, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lymphoma, Melanoma, Pediatric Oncology,Research Programs, Sarcoma, Sickle Cell, Chemotherapy, Radiation or Alternative Treatments. It is divided into five major categories: Products & Services, Inspiration Point; Community Resources; Hospitals and Cancer Centers; Topical Symposiums. |
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CancerNet presents authoritative information, review by oncology experts, and based on the results of recent research on types of cancer, treatment options, clinical trials, testing for cancer, coping with cancer, and support and resources. The site also provides extensive Internet links to information on specific cancer types, treatments, genetics, prevention, cancer literature and other topics. |
An index of cancer information sites from the Internet, compiled by Richard K.J. Brown, M.D. Cancer News is dedicated to bringing patients and their families the latest information on cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Links at Cancer News On The Net are organized by categories that include: Breast, Prostate and Testicular, Brain, Colon, Leukemia, and Lung Cancers, Clinical Trials, and Cancer Support Groups |
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According to the Librarian's Index to the Internet, this site is a "Cancer Community Online created for patients and their loved ones," to provide them with "the latest news, research, and information on prevention, detection, and treatment." The different types of cancer are described and explained, and screening recommendations are given. An oncology nurse can be contacted by e-mail. There is a glossary of medical terms, a chat room, and message boards. The site is searchable. They also include a link to DocFinderPlus, a database of physicians |
This site is maintained by Ron Marriage in the form of a very large list of resources on almost every conceivable cancer-related topic and source. |
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Clinical cancer trials listed by the National Cancer Institute through PDQ (Physician's Data Query) allow the health professional or patient to search by diagnosis and limit results by type of treatment (i.e., radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, biological therapy, bone marrow transplantation); trial type (i.e., treatment or supportive care, genetic, screening, or prevention); and geographic location. There is also an e-mail notification service which allows interactivity for new information |
Sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, OncoLink is an excellent source of information on specific types of cancer, updates on cancer treatments, and news of research advances. Sections include "Disease Oriented Menus," "Psychosocial Support and Personal Experiences" (which offers ways to cope with cancer, shared experiences of cancer patients and survivors, and grief/end of life issues), "Clinical Trials," "Cancer FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)," and "Symptom Management." |
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A cancer diagnosis can be devastating and frightening. But it needn't be. The Cancer Center provides practical and understandable information to empower you to make sensible choices in the management of cancer. |
The Rosenthal Center is one of thirteen centers funded by the National Institutes of Health to study alternative medicine. The site has information about current research and practice of complementary and alternative medicine, and a special page dealing with pediatric and adult cancer therapies (see Carol Ann Schwartz Cancer Initiative). There are categorized and annotated links to lay and professional sites and mailing lists, with many in the Women's Health Information Resources, Databases, and Botanical Medicine Information Resources directories |
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The British Columbia Cancer Centre provides a valuable resource for patients and their families. This manual (3rd ed., 2000) offers tips on evaluating alternative cancer therapies and objective information about 46 of the most popular alternative treatments. The entries for each therapy include information from advocates of the treatment balanced by evidence-based evaluations from the professional medical literature. This is most useful for patients who wish to integrate complementary/alternative therapy into their cancer treatment |
A personalized tool for adults over the age of forty that estimates risks for breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. Questions about diet, personal history, environment, and family history are asked and the results clarify the factors that contribute to cancer. Tips are provided to reduce the risks. Information is also included for what cancer, risk and risk factors, and screening tests are. Developed by the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention. |
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Cardiovascular Disease SitesIncludes heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), and stroke. |
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Heart Disease |
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The AHA's site serves as a gateway to information on heart attack, stroke, and risk assessment. Sections such as "Warning Signs," "Heart and Stroke A-Z Guide," "Risk Awareness" and "Family Health" provide excellent information and advice. Especially valuable is information available through the "More about heart attack" link (focused on patient information, prevention, diagnostic tests and procedures, and Sudden Cardiac Death). |
The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center was ranked first among cardiac care centers in U.S. News & World Report's annual 2000 review of "America's Best Hospitals." The Center's web site provides excellent patient information on Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Valve Disease, Heart Rhythms, Diagnostic Tests, and Prevention. |
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The Heart and Blood Vessels Center presents reliable and up-to-date information on the circulatory system, including diseases and conditions, and steps that you can take to keep your heart healthy |
A very high-quality collection of varied links, including such resources as Surgery, Women and Heart Disease, and Explore the Virtual Heart, from the peerless Michigan Electronic Library. |
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The HeartPoint Gallery uses text and animated graphics to explain cardiology topics such as arrhythmias, bypass surgery, cholesterol, pacemakers, etc. |
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Hypertension |
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Put up by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, this site provides general information on how to cope with high blood pressure. Includes advice on diet, exercise and medications (and offers "Menu Ideas and Recipes" and "A Sample Walking Program". |
This site gives basic information and advice on high blood pressure, risk factors, and managing through healthy eating, exercise and proper use of medication. |
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Hypertension affects more than 50 million Americans, making it the country's most common chronic illness. Here are strategies for managing high blood pressure and reducing your risk for getting it in the first place. |
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Stroke |
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This site provides consumer information in categories labeled "Risk Assessment," "Prevention & Intervention," "Recovery & Support," and "Caregiving." |
The Stanford Stroke Center has developed an online "Stroke Guide" for patients and their families. The guide covers topics such as understanding stroke, warning signs, stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment options, and rehabilitation following stroke. |
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A small, albeit excellent collection of stroke resources selected by MEL. |
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Diabetes |
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This site provides an overview of diabetes topics ranging from definitions to diabetes management, insulin, medical treatment, and diabetes complications and their prevention. In addition to the "Diabetes Information Section," the site offers news articles and nutrition information. |
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health. |
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The Joslin site is designed to provide online support to diabetes patients and their families. Categories include "General Diabetes Information," "Monitoring," "Insulin," "Oral Medications," "Nutrition and Exercise," and "Diabetes Complications." |
The NIDDK site provides access to a number of online publications including a diabetes dictionary and publications on taking insulin, diabetes diagnosis, alternative therapies for diabetes, complications of diabetes, and different types of diabetes. Select "Diabetes" from the list of topics under "Health Information." |
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About 16 million Americans have diabetes, and new therapies have helped many lead healthy lives. The Mayo Clinic Diabetes Center presents the latest in diabetes care and lifestyle tips. |
From the Michigan Electronic Library. |
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Fibromyalgia) |
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This site, from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, provides answers to a series of questions on Fibromyalgia (commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Topics include causes of Fibromyalgia, diagnosis, treatment, and research now being conducted. The site also lists organizations that can be contacted for additional information. |
The American Academy of Family Physicians provides a short fact sheet on Fibromyalgia, its symptoms and treatment. |
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MedicineNet is a general medical site providing information on a range of consumer health topics. Click on "Diseases & Conditions" to access the site's comprehensive article on Fibromyalgia. A small but very useful collection of links from the Michigan Electronic Library. |
You hurt all over and you frequently feel exhausted. Even after numerous tests, your doctor can't seem to find anything specifically wrong with you. If this sounds familiar, you may have Fibromyalgia, a condition that affects an estimated 6 million to 8 million people. About 80 percent of those affected are women. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain in the fibrous tissues in your muscles,ligaments and tendons. Previously, the condition was known by other names, including Fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology identified specific criteria for Fibromyalgia. For a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, at least 11 of 18 specific areas of your body must be intensely painful under pressure. Also, you must have had widespread pain lasting at least 3 months. |
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Gastrointestinal Diseases |
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A first-class resource, featuring information on Colon Cancer and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) as well as other gastrointestinal ailments. For an extensive collection of GERD resources see Heartburn-Help. Related sites include Colon Cancer Alliance, National Colon Cancer Research Alliance and Molecular Genetics Laboratory which has information about the hereditary colorectal cancer program at Johns Hopkins University. |
This Finnish site (but in English) has a very good collection of Links to Gastrointestinal WWW Sites on its home page. |
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We've all suffered from indigestion,diarrhea or gas. The Digestive Center can help you understand when these and other symptoms are minor nuisances and when they can indicate a more serious problem. |
This Michigan Electronic Library site covers a much broader variety of topics than other GI sites, including Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance, Crohn's Disease and Colitis, Gallstones, GERD, Hemorrhoids, Hernia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Liver Disease, and Therapeutic Nutrition. |
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