|
by
pat bates, rn, msn, cns
www.aafp.org/afp/
General Health Information
It's the middle of the night: your baby has awakened with a raging fever or you're short
of breath but unsure whether you should make that trip to the emergency room. Assistance
with these questions and information on a variety of medical conditions are just a click
away at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) web site. (Click on “Patient
Information.”)
Founded in 1947, the AAFP boasts a membership of over 85,000 members dedicated to
promoting and maintaining high quality standards for family physicians.
This site is a bonanza for individuals seeking information about health issues. In
addition to easy-to-understand essays, the site also offers flow charts directing
self-care for a number of common complaints, including headaches, colds and shortness of
breath. For enterprising consumers interested in understanding the philosophy behind their
family physician's decision making process, the site includes the AAFP’s clinical and
health issue policies.
www.4women.gov
Women’s Health Information
Although the AAFP has a women's health section, the National Women's Health Information
Center might be the web site for you. Dedicated to improving the health of women of all
ages, this extensive site is maintained by the U.S. Public Health Service's Office on
Women's Health. It has 121 topics on women’s health, including premenstrual syndrome,
nutrition and eating disorders.
www.kidshealth.org
For Parents, Kids and Teens
Click on the “Parents” button and you’ll find a wealth of general health
information as well as current news, safety tips and information on childhood development.
The “Kids” section is a great place for families to explore together, and older
children may find helpful information on their own by clicking “Teens.” |
