The Internet is a useful way to research
medical issues, but it's a democracy
of good and bad with a bit of snake oil thrown in.
The February issue of Consumer Reports Magazine reports
about an undercover
study into web sites that specialize in selling
prescription drugs. For the complete
briefing, visit
http://www.consumerreports.org/Special/ConsumerInterest/Reports/0102dru0.html
Tips from Consumer Reports Magazine:
- Look for web sites bearing the Verified Internet
Pharmacy Practice Sites
(VIPPS) seal.
- Talk with a registered pharmacist about prescription
drugs that you are
consider taking/ordering.
- Does the web site have a real address and a real phone
number?
- Be careful about buying new products that claim complete
cures.
A number of Internet web sites sell and promote
ingredients that promote
health/wellness. Some of these products include organ
meats, dried vegetables
and animal supplements.
The Federal Trade Commission has been busy
investigating companies and
Internet sites that sell health products with false
claims. They recently looked
into claims of Vitamin O cures for cancer, heart disease,
hypertension, colds,
flu and more and discovered that the product was
saltwater. The Vitamin O was
being sold to consumers for $10 or more per ounce.
Remember that the Internet is a great source for
information, but not all that
you'll find is factual or true.
