6.2.I.6 - Clear and Accessible

Reliable health resources share several key characteristics that distinguish them from less credible ones. Look for sources that are:

1. Evidence-Based:
2. Information is supported by scientific research, studies, and data.
3. Claims are backed by references to peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, or established medical consensus.
4. They distinguish between findings from preliminary research and established facts.
5. Unbiased and Objective:
6. The primary purpose is to inform and educate, not to sell a product,
   promote a specific agenda, or sensationalize.
7. Any potential conflicts of interest (e.g., financial ties to a product) are clearly disclosed.
8. Present a balanced view, acknowledging different perspectives or areas of ongoing research.
9. Authoritative and Credentialed:
10. The authors or organizations providing the information are experts in their
    field (e.g., medical doctors, registered dietitians, public health
    organizations, university researchers).
11. Their qualifications and affiliations are clearly stated.
12. Current and Up-to-Date:
13. Health information, especially medical advice, can change rapidly. Look
    for a publication or review date.
14. Sites are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest research
    and guidelines.
15. Transparent and Accountable:
16. Provides contact information and a way to provide feedback.
17. States its mission and editorial policy.
18. Corrects errors when they occur.
19. Clear and Accessible:
20. Information is presented in language that is understandable to the
    target audience, avoiding excessive jargon or explaining it clearly.
21. Well-organized and easy to navigate.

When searching for health information, prioritize sources from these categories:

1. Government Health Organizations:
2. Characteristics: Often tasked with public health, research, and setting health guidelines. Funded by public money, they typically aim for broad public benefit.
3. Examples: National health ministries or departments, national centers for disease control, World Health Organization (WHO).
4. Reputable Medical and Scientific Institutions/Universities:
5. Characteristics: Conduct research, provide medical care, and train health professionals. Their information is usually peer-reviewed and evidence-based.
6. Examples: Major university medical centers, research institutes, professional medical associations.
7. Professional Health Associations/Societies:
8. Characteristics: Organizations comprised of healthcare professionals in a specific field. They often publish guidelines and patient information based on professional consensus and research.
9. Examples: Associations of doctors, nurses, dietitians, or physical therapists.
10. Well-Established Health Journals and Publications (Peer-Reviewed):
11. Characteristics: Articles undergo a rigorous review process by other experts in the field before publication.
12. Examples: Reputable health articles often cite these journals as their primary source.
13. Educational Institutions (e.g., Universities with Health Faculties):
14. Characteristics: Often provide health information as part of their educational mission, backed by academic research and expert faculty.

Be highly cautious and skeptical of sources that exhibit any of these "red flags":

• Anonymous or Unqualified Authorship: No clear author, or the author has no discernible expertise in the field.
• "Miracle Cure" Claims: Promises of quick, effortless, or secret cures for serious conditions.
• Too Good to Be True: Offers that seem unrealistic or guarantee dramatic results without effort.
• Anecdotal Evidence Only: Relies solely on personal stories or testimonials without scientific backing.
• Product Endorsements/Sales Pitches: The primary goal is to sell a product or service, often disguised as health information.
• Lack of Citations/References: No mention of the research or studies that support their claims.
• Outdated Information: No date of publication or last review, or the information is clearly old.
• Sensationalist Language/Headlines: Uses extreme, alarmist, or emotionally manipulative language to grab attention.
• Appeals to Emotion or Fear: Plays on your anxieties or hopes rather than providing factual information.
• Discredit Established Science: Claims that mainstream medical science is wrong or hiding something.
• Excessive Pop-ups or Ads: Can indicate a site focused more on monetization than accurate information.
• Poorly Designed Websites: While not always definitive, a site with numerous spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or a cluttered, unprofessional design can be a red flag for lack of credibility.