Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 2002)

Cancer research at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C… Medical breakthroughs in France… Health information from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic…

Readers of this column know the web is a forum for information sharing and a great place to find health information from across the country and across the world. But in your quest for information, don’t overlook the great health sites based here in Fort Collins.

Whether you’re looking for local health services or for information on managing heart disease, these local sites are a great place to start:

Compass of Larimer County — www.co.larimer.co.us/compass/

Compass is a living report on the well-being and quality of life in Larimer County. The site includes local statistics on growth, housing, transportation, health, crime and safety, economy and education.

First Call — www.firstcall-vc.org

This site is a searchable directory of nonprofit health and human services (and volunteer opportunities) in Larimer County.

Health District — www.healthdistrict.org

This site features local health news and statistics and a health and wellness library (that includes stories from past issues of Health District Compass).

Poudre Valley Hospital and Laurus Health — www.pvhs.org

This web site includes health information for heart disease patients, information about PVH classes, a physician directory and LaurusHealth, a national health information resources sponsored by more than 700 hospitals (including PVH). LaurusHealth provides in-depth information on hundreds of diseases to give consumers a better understanding of symptoms, prevention methods and treatment options.

Women’s Health Initiative — www.womens-health.com

This is a commercial site dedicated to the design, development and delivery of health education for women through the use of interactive digital technologies. The site has a national focus but is based in Fort Collins and includes “centers” for cardiac health, headaches, infertility, nutrition and mental health.