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Medical News Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
How to find reliable sources of health information
Reliable health information online uses high quality, recent, peer-reviewed research. People should look for balanced information and site transparency and avoid websites that use sensationalism or fear to balanced, credible, and inclusive health content from reliable sources allows people to make informed decisions about their health. This may also help people feel more confident going into discussions with their healthcare misinformation online can be challenging due to the sheer amount of contradictory information available. Misinformation is false or misleading information that may deliberately aim to deceive is no single way to confirm a site's reliability. However, the following tips and advice can help a person evaluate an online source's health information onlinePeople can assess the website, the content itself, and the sourcing of health content online to ensure they are reading reliable website itselfReliable sources of health information will be transparent about their intentions, ownership, and contact information. They may have an 'about us' section outlining their that are trying to sell a product or service may be less reliable than websites that aim to explain or inform people. This is because they may favor the product or service they want to sell rather than offering a balanced at a website's privacy policy and how they use personal information can also indicate their reliability. The National Institute on Aging suggests that looking at a website's URL or web address may be helpful to identify the type of source it is:government agency URLs end in .goveducational institute URLs end in .edunonprofit organization URLs typically end in .orgpersonal blogs and commercial website URLs may end in .comThe URL does not guarantee whether all information on the site is reliable, but it may be a good place to contentReliable health content will be balanced, inclusive, and supported by high quality research. People should try to avoid content that uses the following:Sensationalism: Sensationalized content may use shocking and exciting language to catch a reader's attention rather than prioritizing accurate, balanced tactics: A website may use misleading or exaggerated content to scare people and persuade them to believe a particular bias: Sites may use language or limited research that only supports a certain perspective rather than offering balanced information and allowing the reader to and review processesReliable sources of health information will have evidence of research. This may be in the form of in-line citations or a source list that links to high quality studies and reviews that support or match the content's may also be a good idea to look at who wrote the content and their experience, if possible. Reliable sources will be transparent about when the content was written or updated and their review process. A recent review by a healthcare professional with expertise in the subject can be a good indicator of the content's quality. Medical research is constantly changing. Reliable sources of health information will carry out regular reviews to reflect Medical News Today a reliable site?Creating trustworthy content is at the core of MNT's mission. We prioritize up-to-date, in-depth health information to provide readers with a deeper understanding of their are some ways MNT works to create trustworthy, accurate, and reliable content:An established editorial processMedical News Today uses an established editorial process that focuses on the following four pillars in all of our content:learning and maintaining trusthigh journalistic standardsprioritizing accuracy, empathy, and inclusioncontinually monitoring and updating contentRead more about MNT's editorial evidence-based, medically accurate contentMNT's Medical Affairs team consists of a diverse group of healthcare professionals from all corners of the healthcare industry. As well as evaluating the medical accuracy of our content before publication, the Medical Affairs team stays up to date with the latest advances in healthcare to provide readers with the most accurate, reliable information. Read more about MNT's Medical Affairs diversity and inclusionMNT is committed to amplifying and engaging with diverse voices when researching health information and creating content. We use conscious language to promote inclusion and equity when helping people understand their more about MNT's approach to content media and advocacy groupsHealth information on social media sites is often brief, which can make it harder to evaluate its reliability. However, it is a good idea to look for the same markers of reliability as any other website. For example:Is the content promoting something or earning the creator money?Is the creator transparent about any funding they receive?Does the creator provide any sources to support their claims?Does the creator have any proven healthcare credentials?Does the content use shocking or exaggerated language?Does the content offer a balanced view?If social media content involves a personal testimony or anecdote, it is important to remember that this is only one case. It does not guarantee that every person with the same health issue or situation will have the same groupsAdvocacy groups involve people with similar experiences. They may hope to promote a certain health issue or simply support one can create an advocacy group. Because they tend to focus on a single health topic or condition, there may also be a risk of bias. People can look for the same signs of reliability listed above when using content on advocacy group websites.»Learn more:How to advocate for yourself at the doctor's officeFinding and understanding peer-reviewed researchPeer review is a process in which an expert in a particular field reviews the work of another expert to assess its quality before publication. Experts consider peer-reviewed work the gold standard in scientific can search for peer-reviewed studies and reviews in databases such as the National Center for Biotechnology it is still important to consider the limitations of studies and research. Questions to ask may include:How old is the study or the research in the review?Is the study on cells, animals, or humans?What is the participant sample size?Does the study contain a diverse range of candidates?What uncontrolled variables might have affected the results?Has the study revealed a causal link or observed a correlation between two things?Is more research necessary on the subject?Predatory journalsPredatory journals misrepresent their publishing practices but claim to be legitimate. They may:violate copyrightfalsely claim to use peer reviewshide or misrepresent information about its publication or the editorial boardPredatory journals are not a reliable source of health information and typically prioritize profits over accurate, high quality a journal's editorial board, publishing processes, and contact information can help people identify predatory with a healthcare professionalSpeaking with a trusted healthcare professional is a good way to learn reliable health information tailored to a person's circumstances. Some people may prefer getting multiple opinions to feel fully informed about their health can also discuss health information they've found online with their healthcare team. A healthcare professional may also be able to recommend reputable sources of information for the person to use.»Learn more:Getting a second opinion without a referralFrequently asked questionsAre government health websites always the most reliable sources?Government health websites can be a good starting point for finding reliable health information. However, it is still a good idea for people to check the publication date, review process, and health websites can be a good starting point for finding reliable health information. However, it is still a good idea for people to check the publication date, review process, and should someone do if they find contradictory health information online?If someone finds contradictory health information online, people can check:the quality of the references or sources that each site useswhen the information was published, updated, or reviewedif other reputable sources support one of the viewsif a healthcare professional recommends one source over the otherIf someone finds contradictory health information online, people can check:the quality of the references or sources that each site useswhen the information was published, updated, or reviewedif other reputable sources support one of the viewsif a healthcare professional recommends one source over the otherSummaryFinding reliable health content and avoiding misinformation online is increasingly challenging. However, people can take steps to assess the websites they use and the content they the publication date, the quality of the references, who reviewed the information, and the website's in doubt, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help a person understand the information they have found and recommend other reputable sources.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Illegal Online Pharmacies
Using online health services can help you take control of your health by accessing care at a time that suits you. They are mostly legal and there are some online pharmacies which are unregistered, and therefore, illegal. These websites might look legitimate, but there's often no professional advice, unsafe dosage guidance, and no more information click on the below links:To read the General Pharmaceutical Council's updated guidance, click here, check if a pharmacy is registered in England, Scotland or Wales, click here, check if a pharmacy is registered in Northern Ireland, click here, #FakeMeds campaign, run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), helps you protect your health and money. For more information and to remind yourself of the official logos to look out for on legitimate pharmacy websites, click here, report a fake pharmacy or a pharmacy website, report to Action Fraud here, you come across fake medication you can use the Yellow Card Scheme run by the MHRA to report by clicking here, external.
Health Line
22-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
BlueChew vs. Hims for ED: Pricing, Treatments, and Reviews in 2025
BlueChew and Hims are both online services that offer treatments for erectile dysfunction. Read our side-by-side comparison of the types of treatments they offer, and see which is best for you. BlueChew vs. Hims comparison Since the first treatments hit the market more than 20 years ago, erectile dysfunction (ED) medications have become a multibillion-dollar industry. Many treatments are available, and with the popularity of online and mail-order services in recent years, two leaders are BlueChew and Hims. Both companies offer different ED treatments and a similar business model, but what are the differences between BlueChew and Hims, and which one might be right for you? BlueChew vs. Hims: Overview Founded in 2017, Hims is a telemedicine platform that offers medical services and treatments related to sexual health, hair loss, anxiety, skin care, and more. Hims connects its customers with licensed medical professionals who can diagnose and prescribe medications during a virtual appointment, including ED medications. Then, you can receive monthly deliveries of your Hims prescriptions. BlueChew is another telemedicine platform founded in 2014 that offers online medical services and monthly subscriptions for ED medications. You'll meet with a licensed medical professional during a virtual visit and receive a prescription for an ED medication. BlueChew specializes in chewable ED medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. How to get started with BlueChew or Hims BlueChew Starting an order with BlueChew requires going to its website. You'll select your preferred medication and plan and fill out a medical profile there. The questions cover basic information about your age and health and more specific ones that help the doctors ensure that BlueChew's medications are safe for you to use. You'll also have to send them a picture of you holding a photo ID to verify your identity. Most medical reviews take just 1 to 2 days. After that, you'll get a supply of pills sent each month. You can also have your prescriptions filled at a compounding pharmacy near you. Get started with BlueChew Hims The ordering and consultation process for Hims is very similar to BlueChew's. The main difference is that after filling out the form on the Hims website, you can get an immediate video, phone, or online chat consultation with a doctor. Once they've determined the right medication for you, they'll write a prescription you can order from the Hims website or take to your preferred local or mail-order pharmacy. BlueChew vs. Hims: Company reputation and customer reviews BlueChew BlueChew has been in business since 2014, and its rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is low. However, there are only 14 reviews on the site. Most customer complaints seem to be related to shipping and billing issues. Some reviews show that people received orders they didn't want. As of this writing, BlueChew has very few customer reviews available online besides the glowing ones on its website. Hims Hims has been available since 2017, and there are many negative reports from Hims customers who were unhappy about canceled or delayed appointments or persistent charges for medications they don't want. Positive reviews claim that Hims products were effective and that customer service was good. Overall, Hims reviews are mixed. Frequently asked questions about Hims and BlueChew What is the difference between BlueChew and Hims? If you have other conditions you want to address, like hair loss or skin concerns, you might want to try Hims because it has a much bigger product line. If you have trouble swallowing whole pills, BlueChew's chewable tablets might be best for you. BlueChew will likely also be less expensive for most ED treatment options. If you have other conditions you want to address, like hair loss or skin concerns, you might want to try Hims because it has a much bigger product line. If you have trouble swallowing whole pills, BlueChew's chewable tablets might be best for you. BlueChew will likely also be less expensive for most ED treatment options. Do you need a prescription to use BlueChew or Hims? You don't need to bring a prescription to BlueChew or Hims to buy the products. With both services, you'll have an online consultation with a doctor who will write a prescription that you can fill on the website or at a pharmacy of your choice. With BlueChew, you'll have to use a compounding pharmacy. You don't need to bring a prescription to BlueChew or Hims to buy the products. With both services, you'll have an online consultation with a doctor who will write a prescription that you can fill on the website or at a pharmacy of your choice. With BlueChew, you'll have to use a compounding pharmacy. Are BlueChew treatments approved by the FDA? BlueChew sells custom formulations of existing medications. While the active ingredients are FDA approved, the tablets you get from BlueChew are not. BlueChew sells custom formulations of existing medications. While the active ingredients are FDA approved, the tablets you get from BlueChew are not. Are Hims treatments approved by the FDA? Hims ED treatments are all FDA approved, unlike some of its products used to treat other conditions like hair loss. Hims ED treatments are all FDA approved, unlike some of its products used to treat other conditions like hair loss. Is BlueChew better than Viagra? BlueChew uses the same active ingredient as Viagra, meaning it will be likely be as effective. An older 2017 study found that chewable Viagra tablets, like BlueChew, had similar effects on the body compared to the more typical swallowable tablets. The authors wrote that chewable Viagra is a suitable alternative as people may find it easier to take. BlueChew uses the same active ingredient as Viagra, meaning it will be likely be as effective. An older 2017 study found that chewable Viagra tablets, like BlueChew, had similar effects on the body compared to the more typical swallowable tablets. The authors wrote that chewable Viagra is a suitable alternative as people may find it easier to take.
