Remember: Websites providing health information are intended to supplement, not substitute for, professional care. Please consult your doctor about your medical concerns.
General Health Information
See also:
Professional & Academic Resources
CONSUMER INFORMATION: Product Safety
Homework Links: HEALTH & FITNESS
Teen Zone: HEALTH and
FITNESS
Sites for Seniors: HEALTH & FITNESS
Páginas en español: SALUD
HEALTH SOURCE: CONSUMER EDITION provides access to nearly 80 full-text consumer health magazines, including American Fitness, Better Nutrition, Fit Pregnancy, Harvard Health Letter, HealthFacts, Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, Prevention, Vegetarian Times, and many others. This database also includes searchable full text for more than 1,000 health-related pamphlets and more than 130 health reference books; more than 4,500 Clinical Reference Systems reports (in English and Spanish); Drug Guide; and Medical Desk Dictionary. HEALTH SOURCE: CONSUMER EDITION covers topics such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, drugs & alcohol, aging, fitness, nutrition & dietetics, children's health, women's health, etc. You'll need your library card barcode to log in. (An EBSCOHost Database)
Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions, see:
CURRENT AIR TRAVEL SECURITY PROCEDURES
(U.S. Transportation Security Administration).
Atlas of the Body - Basic illustrations of the internal organs and structures (anatomy) of the human body, with brief descriptive text for each picture. (American Medical Association)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Information on a wide range of health & safety topics, including Diseases & Conditions, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Environmental Health, Life Stages & Populations, Healthy Living, Injury, Violence & Safety, Travelers' Health, and Workplace Safety & Health (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). There's also an index of Health Topics A-Z. See also National Institutes of Health. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Cleveland Clinic Consumer Health Information ![]()
- 'Articles and tools to help you manage a chronic disease or condition, live healthy, and be well.' Includes videos, webcasts & podcasts, interactive health tools, and related resources. (Cleveland Clinic, a not-for-profit, multispecialty academic medical center)
ClinicalTrials.gov - If you are interested in participating in clinical research on health conditions, or in tests of new drugs or other treatments, or if you just want to find out about research studies in progress or completed, search this registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world (U.S. National Institutes of Health). See also IFPMA Clinical Trials Portal for information about clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations).
Consumer Protection: Health
- Links to articles and websites covering a variety of health-related topics, including Devices, Procedures, & Treatments, Drugs & Dietary Supplements, and Weight Loss & Fitness. (U.S. Federal Trade Commission)
Consumer Reports Health Blog - Consumer Reports' health reporters, editors, and testers offer brief health and fitness tips, and report on new developments and trends; RSS feed available.
Daily Healthbeat Tip
- Brief podcasts provides brief tips on health promotion and disease prevention 5 days a week in audio and text formats.
NIH Radio
offers short audio programs with the latest on NIH (National Institutes of Health) research findings and health campaigns. NIH also offers News in Health
, an online newsletter with practical information on a wide range of health-related topics. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Deciphering Medspeak - Helps you translate common 'medspeak' terms, and offers tips on how to identify quality health care information on the Internet. Now includes printable 'Deciphering Medspeak' brochures focusing on specific diseases: breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, eye disesase, stroke, and HIV-AIDS (Medical Library Association). See also Evaluating Health Information and Taking Charge of Health Information, described below.
Disaster Preparedness - Advice on how to make sure you and your family are prepared if disaster strikes your area; covers everything from blackouts and heat waves to hurricanes and terrorism (American Red Cross). See also Emergency Preparedness and Response (Centers for Disease Control), and First Aid & Safety resources listed below.
Easy-to-Read Health Information - Information in simple language on a wide range of health conditions. For many conditions, helpful pictures or diagrams and audio are included. Also offers
Interactive Health Tutorials
which use animated graphics to explain procedures and conditions in easy-to-read language. You can also listen to the tutorials. Arranged by subect. En Español:
Todos los documentos de lectura fácil. (Medline)
Ethnic & Racial Minorities: Health Information - Links to health information from various agencies, including the Office of Minority Health, with resources specifically designed for African Americans, Asian American/Pacific Islanders, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).
Evaluating Health Information - Articles and tutorials on how to separate reliable from questionable health information (Medline). See also Deciphering Medspeak and Taking Charge of Health Information, described below, and You're Sick. Now What?, which offers advice on how to cope with the 'daily bombardment of news reports and drug advertising... self-proclaimed medical breakthroughs and claims of worrisome risks.' (New York Times).
Everyday Choices - Tips for healthy living, including advice on eating right, quitting smoking, and getting active (American Cancer Society et al.). See also the
Great American Health Challenge
health planner (American Cancer Society), as well as
Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions (Healthy N.J.)and the New Year's Resolutions Guide, described below.
Family History and Health - Explains how your family health history can be used to evaluate your risk of developing common diseases, and aid in early detection and prevention (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Free online Family Health Portrait tool and related resources are available from the U.S. Surgeon General's Office.
First Aid & Safety - A parents' guide to emergency treatments for everything from allergic reactions and animal bites to nosebleeds and broken bones. Includes printable instruction sheets for a variety of common first aid
situations (Nemours Foundation). You may want to
buy a printed First Aid guide from the Red Cross to keep handy for emergencies. See also
assembling a first aid kit (Medline) and
Emergency Medicine: Health Topics (American College of Emergency Physicians). The University of Washington School of Medicine provides basic information about cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the website Learn CPR
. For an even simpler method, see Hands-Only CPR (American Heart Association).
Health Brochures in Multiple Languages
- Over 200 online health education brochures and sound recordings in 24 different languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, and others. Covers a variety of topics, but not all brochures are available in all languages; in many languages only a handful of brochures are offered, most commonly on illnesses such as chicken pox and hepatitis. Additional materials are to be added in future (Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library et al.). Healthy Roads Media ![]()
also offers health information in a variety of formats (handouts, audio, multimedia, web video, and iPod mobile video) and more than a dozen languages, including Arabic, Bosnian, Farsi, Hmong, Korean, Kurdish, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and others. Not all topics are covered in every language (funded by National Library of Medicine et al.).
Health Care Advance Planning Toolkit - A consumer guide to making advance health care directives, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care. Includes self-help worksheets, suggestions, and resources. See also Health Care Advance Directives. (American Bar Association)
Health Care Quality Guide - Tips to help you be active in making decisions about your health care so you can receive the best possible care. Includes a list of questions to ask when talking with your doctor. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Health Finder - Links to selected online publications, clearinghouses, databases, websites, and support and self-help groups, as well as government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)
Health Hotlines - An extensive listing of health information available toll-free by telephone. Browse the A-Z subject list or search by keyword for your topic. (National Library of Medicine)
HealthiNation
- Short, informative videos on a wide range of health & fitness topics. Management of the site includes a medical advisory board. (Commercial site)
Health News Review - Monitors major U.S. media for news stories related to medical treatments, and rates the stories for accuracy, balance, sources, etc. Reviewing and scoring is done by a team of medical professionals. (Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making)
Health Podcasts
- A library of podcasts covering the latest health and medical news; Your Child, a guide to kids' development and behavior issues; Actualidad Médica, Spanish language podcast on important health and research news; health information of interest to those of Japanese ethnicity; information and instructions for common tests and procedures; Cancer Q & A; Guided Imagery; and more. (University of Michigan Health System)
Health Policy Report may now be found at Kaiser Health News, described below.
Healthy N.J. - Offers general information on health & wellness as well as specific diseases and conditions; also provides links to other health-related organizations in New Jersey, and a variety of medical reference sources, plus separate sections for Kids & Teens. (UMDNJ)
InteliHealth - Features Harvard Medical School's consumer health information, searchable by keyword.
Johns Hopkins Podcasts
- This five- to seven-minute free audio program features 'a lively discussion of the week's medical news and how it may affect you.' (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
Kaiser Health News - The Kaiser Daily Health Reports 'aim to provide objective, balanced and complete coverage of media reports on stories related to health policy and HIV/AIDS'. Excerpts and summarizes information from hundreds of sources. (Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation)
Lab Tests Online - Easy-to-use site explains many clinical lab tests that are part of routine health care as well as diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of conditions and diseases, with links to related health information. Versions of the site are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Polish, German, Italian, French, Greek, Czech, and Hungarian. (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Medical Errors - Medical errors are mistakes that can happen with your health care, such as getting the wrong medicine or even the wrong operation. This guide briefly outlines simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from medical errors (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).
Medical Product Recalls - Consumer information about important safety problems with drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and other health products, plus how to report a problem. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Medline Plus - Consumer health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. Includes a Medical Dictionary (from Merriam-Webster) and a Medical Encyclopedia (content by A.D.A.M., Inc.), featuring over 4,000 articles about diseases, tests, symptoms, injuries, and surgeries, plus an extensive library of medical photographs and illustrations.
Medpedia - 'A collaborative encyclopedia and resource for information about health, medicine and the body. Only physicians and Ph.D.s are allowed to edit the Articles on Medpedia... In association with Harvard Medical School, Stanford School of Medicine, Berkeley School of Public Health, University of Michigan Medical School and other leading global health organizations, Medpedia will be a commons for the gathering of the information and people critical to health care.'
Minorities: Health Information - Links to health information from various agencies, including the Office of Minority Health, with resources specifically designed for African Americans, Asian American/Pacific Islanders, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).
My Medicines - A handy printable 2-page guide with easy-to-read advice about taking medicines correctly, and a chart you can fill in to keep track of your medicines and supplements. Available in English, Spanish, and 11 other languages. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
National Institutes of Health - Selected links to health information, arranged by subject. Covers body location or body system, medical procedures, common conditions & diseases, health & wellness, and various population groups (women, children, seniors, etc.) You can also browse alphabetically or search by keyword. See also U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New Year's Resolutions - Strategies to help you succeed with your weight loss plan, exercise program, or quitting smoking — at any time of year (University of Maryland). See also Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions (Healthy N.J.) and
Popular New Year's Resolutions
(USA.gov).
NOAH Health Topics - Extensive information and resources on health, arranged by topic. (En Español: NOAH Temas de Salud). (New York Online Access to Health; CUNY and New York Academy of Medicine et al.)
Organ Donor Program - Explains how you can register to become an organ or tissue donor. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Privacy 101 [Link opens a PDF document] - Basic advice on how to keep your medical records private (Center for Democracy and Technology). The Patient Privacy Rights Foundation (nonprofit organization) offers a Patient Privacy Toolkit and related materials. For more helpful information and updates on medical privacy issues, see Medical Privacy Resources (includes an alert about storing your medical history online) and Medical Privacy FAQ (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse). See also Medical Identity Theft (World Privacy Forum), Health Information Privacy and searchable FAQ on Health Information Privacy (Department of Health & Human Services).
Sutter Health Network's Health Information - A well-organized health site covering specific conditions, medications, wellness, mental health, men's & women's health, nutrition, cancer, heart & circulation, and pregnancy & reproduction. (Healthwise, Incorporated and Sutter Health, a network of California hospitals and physicians)
Take One Step ![]()
- Online videos and information for individuals and families facing major health challenges, including depression, cancer, heart disease, and obesity. (PBS).
Taking Charge of Health Information - Are you baffled by the latest health news? Are you wondering: Should I eat a low-carb diet or a high-carb diet? Is jogging good for me? Does everything cause cancer? This consumer guide offers ten questions you should ask to evaluate the reliability of health information. (Harvard School of Public Health)
TV Healthline
- Videos of short up-to-date news stories, ranging from medical breakthroughs to general tips on staying healthy. (Baylor College of Medicine)
UMDNJ HealthLink Radio
- Half-hour radio programs on a wide variety of health topics. (University of Medicine & Dentistry of N.J.)
UpToDate Patient Information - Get the latest information from experts on a wide variety of medical conditions, arranged by broad subject; you can also search by keyword. Over 330 journals and other resources are continually reviewed, and articles are updated whenever important new information is published. Related online resources and links to professional level articles are also provided. NOTE: Some professional-level articles are available to premium subscribers only. (An official educational program of, or offered in cooperation with several major medical associations, and recommended by American Academy of Family Physicians.)
Wellness Letter - One feature article each month from the current issue of the WELLNESS LETTER, plus 'Ask the Experts' column and Foundations of Wellness: The Basics for Staying Healthy. Focus is on nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle choices. NOTE: Archived back issues are available only to paid subscribers. (University of California, Berkeley)
Your Disease Risk
- An easy-to-use tool, in a question and answer format, for evaluating your risk of developing five major diseases (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke), with personalized tips for preventing them. (Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine)
Alternative & Complementary Medicine
See also:
Drug & Supplement Information
Nutrition & Food Safety
Alternative Medicine Links - An extensive listing of links for alternative medicine, including different modes of healing, organizations and associations, practitioner directories, databases, education and training, and other resources. Last updated in 2008. (University of Pittsburgh)
CAM (Complementary & Alternative Medicine) Web Resources - Selected links on complementary and alternative medicine, including different types of alternative therapies. Last updated in 2007. (Tufts University)
Cancer & Complementary / Integrative Medicine - Selected resources on the safety and effectiveness of complementary therapies in treating cancer. (University of Texas Anderson Cancer Center)
Complementary & Alternative Medicine - Articles on about two dozen alternative healing approaches from acupuncture to yoga. (NOAH: New York Online Access to Health; CUNY and New York Academy of Medicine et al.).
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Index (CAM) - Articles on a variety of topics in alternative medicine, including conditions, treatments, herbs, supplements, and interactions; arranged by subject. (University of Maryland; content by A.D.A.M., Inc.).
Holistic Lifestyle Questionnaires - Assessments for teen, college, adult, and older adult wellness, based on a 'Six-Dimensional Model' encompassing social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional health. (National Wellness Institute)
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Alerts and advisories, scientific research, and other information on alternative medicine from the National Institutes of Health. Español: La medicina complementaria y alternativa. See also MedlinePlus: Complementary & Alternative Medicine page.
Rodale Healthy Living Bookshelf - Online text of more than 20 books on health & wellness. (Commercial site: MotherNature.com & Rodale Press)
UMDNJ Center for the Study of Alternative & Complementary Medicine - Briefly describes a variety of alternative therapies. Also includes a newsletter, and a CAM critical overview with some tips on evaluating alternative treatments.
Whole Health MD - A wealth of information on alternative and complementary medicine. Click on 'Healing Centers' to research a specific medical condition; click on 'Reference Library' to research foods, herbs and supplements, and a variety of therapies such as biofeedback, movement therapy, and shiatsu. Information is reviewed by doctors and specialists in fields such as chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and massage therapy. (Presented by Healthways, Inc., a health care company)
Diseases & Conditions
For the latest on the current swine flu outbreak, see:
FLU PREVENTION & TREATMENT
FLU SYMPTOMS
N.J. Dept. of Health FLU PREVENTION & CARE
MORE SWINE FLU INFORMATION
AIDS Info - Resources on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and other information (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services). HIVInSite offers HIV prevention and treatment information for patients and the public, including HIV/AIDS Basics, Ask HIV InSite Q & A, and information for youth and other populations (University of California). National HIV Testing Resources offers a searchable database of HIV testing sites, plus answers to many questions about HIV/AIDS and testing. See also rumors & hoaxes about HIV transmission (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Air Quality Index - Provides current data on air pollutants in your area. (See also Indoor Air Quality link below.)
Allergy Bureau - Provides pollen and mold spore counts; you can register for email alerts. Click on Patients & Consumers for additional information on allergies. See also Asthma & Allergy Foundation, described below.
Alzheimer's Association - The latest research on Alzheimer's Disease, with information on risk factors, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, and more. See also Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (National Institute on Aging), Medline Alzheimer's page and The Forgetting (©2008, PBS).
Arthritis Foundation - Offers advice on exercise, diet, drugs, surgery, supplements, and alternative therapies, for people suffering from arthritis and related conditions affecting the joints. See also National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and American College of Rheumatology patient education page [UPDATED LINK!].
Asthma & Allergy Foundation - Facts about asthma and allergies (including food allergies). See also Air Quality Index and Allergy Bureau, described above.
Autism - FAQs about autism, and explanations of diagnosis, testing, and treatment options (New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community). For more information, see Autism Society of America.
Cancer Info - Comprehensive information about all different types of cancer, including causes, prevention, testing, treatment options, side effects & complications, emotional aspects, información sobre el cáncer en español, and links to other websites (National Cancer Institute). The American Cancer Society also offers información de referencia sobre el cáncer en Español, as well as cancer information in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. See also Environmental Health links, below.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Definition, symptoms, possible causes, diagnosis, treatment options, FAQ, and support group information (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). See also CFIDS Association of America.
Colds, Flu, Ear Infections, and Runny noses: No Antibiotics - 'Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? It's true. Plus, taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.' Visit this site for more information (U.S. Centers for Disease Control). See also Flu (Influenza), described below.
Communicable Diseases - Brief fact sheets on dozens of communicable diseases, including AIDS, anthrax, E. coli, hepatitis, influenza, Lyme disease, measles, scabies, strep throat, West Nile Virus, and many more (Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene).
Coping with Chronic Illness - Links to information and organizations (National Institutes of Health). See also Pain Foundation, listed below.
Dental Health: Simple Steps - A step-by-step guide to taking good care of your teeth, dental Q & A, the latest research findings on dental health, and more (University of Pennsylvania). See also Dental Health Links (Medline), Dental Materials Fact Sheet [Link opens a PDF document] (©2004, Dental Board of California), Gum Disease & Periodontal Health (American Academy of Periodontology), Oral Health Topics A-Z (American Dental Association) and Find-a-Dentist directory (American Dental Association). See American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for information on dental care for infants, children, and adolescents.
Diabetes and Digestive & Kidney Diseases - Online publications explain diabetes, hepatitis, ulcers, indigestion, Crohn's disease, and many other common and uncommon conditions affecting the stomach, kidneys, liver, etc. (National Institutes of Health). See also Diabetes Association
, National Kidney Foundation, and
Endocrine Diseases, described below.
Disability Info - Information for people with disabilities, covering benefits, civil rights, community life, education, emergency preparedness, employment, housing, technology, and transportation. You can browse information by subject or state, or use the space provided to search by keyword (The White House). See also Disability Resources for 'information about books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, videos, databases, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, telephone hotlines and on-line services that provide free, inexpensive or hard-to-find information to help people with disabilities live independently' (non-profit organization). The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities offers fact sheets on a variety of specific disabilities, each with a description of the disability, tips for parents and teachers, and a list of related resources (Academy for Educational Development; funded by U.S. Department of Education).
Ear, Nose & Throat - Information on topics such as sinusitus, hearing loss, snoring, allergies, thyroid conditions, balance disorders, and other conditions related to the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. (American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery)
Eating Disorders Info - Explains Anorexia, Bulimia, and related disorders (National Eating Disorders Association). See also Bulimia Nervosa Resource Guide for Family & Friends (ECRI, a non-profit health services research agency).
Emergency Medicine: Health Topics - Patient information about emergencies, emergency departments, safety and wellness issues, seasonal-related tips, and much more. (American College of Emergency Physicians)
Endocrine Diseases - Patient education materials on endocrine/hormone conditions including diabetes, growth disorders, menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, and others. Also offers a Find-an-Endocrinologist search. (Endocrine Society)
Environmental Health - Facts and tips on dealing with all kinds of environmental health threats, from carbon monoxide or lead to noise, food poisoning, or natural disasters (Centers for Disease Control). For worldwide news about subjects related to environmental health, see Environmental Health News (Environmental Health Sciences, a non-profit organization ). Avoidable Cancers
provides 'information on avoidable causes of cancer from carcinogenic ingredients and contaminants in consumer products, food, cosmetics and personal care products, and household products.'
(Cancer Prevention Coalition; non-profit organization). See also Breask Cancer and Environmental Risk
(Cornell University).
Epilepsy Answer Place - Questions and answers about epilepsy and seizure disorders, including medical, social, and legal aspects. Also offers informative QuickStart Guides for newly-diagnosed patients and their parents. (Epilepsy Foundation)
Fibromyalgia [UPDATED LINK!] - Explains symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, coping strategies, and links to related resources. (National Pain Foundation)
Flu (Influenza) - Explains the different types of flu, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases). For the latest on the current swine flu outbreak, see Swine Flu links. See also WHO's Swine Flu FAQ (World Health Organization).
Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Information Center - Information and links on many types of genetic disorders, a section for parents and expectant parents, plus information on genetic testing & counseling and adult genetic risks (Indiana University School of Medicine). See also Genetics Home Reference for consumer-friendly information about the effects of genetic variations on human health (National Library of Medicine).
Healthcare-Associated Infections - Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment for other conditions, or that healthcare workers acquire while performing their duties. This site offers information for patients as well as health care providers.
Hearing, Ear Infections, and Deafness - Explains the causes and prevention of hearing loss, as well as communications options for the deaf or hearing-impaired. Also provides facts about ear infections, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss. See also Noise Pollution. (National Institutes of Health)
Heart Association - Information on prevention and treatment for heart disease, including health assessment tools, CPR & ECC, Healthy Lifestyle,
heart-healthy recipes, and more. See also
Texas Heart Institute and
Take One Step for a Healthy Heart ![]()
(PBS).
Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases - Online publications covering a variety of heart, lung, and blood disorders, plus related resources. (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Hospice Net - Links to hospice directories, plus information and support for patients and families facing life-threatening illness. Includes advice on finding a hospice, controlling pain, caregiving, and bereavement. For other useful resources on hospices, see the American Hospice Foundation website.
Indoor Air Quality - Facts about molds, mildews, fungi, and other indoor air contaminants which may affect your health (Rhode Island Department of Health). For more information on indoor air quality, and fact sheets on pollutants such as asbestos, carbon monoxide, radon, lead, formaldehyde, pesticides, and secondhand smoke, see the American Lung Assocation's Healthy Air [UPDATED LINK!] page.
Liver Disease Information Center
- Patient information on liver diseases, including cirrhosis, all forms of hepatitis, liver cancer, and others (American Liver Foundation). See also
Digestive Diseases: Liver (National Institutes of Health).
Lung Association - Facts about asthma, lung cancer, hay fever, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many other conditions [UPDATED LINK!] which affect the lungs, plus information on tobacco and smoking. Also see our Smoking, Alcoholism & Addiction section.
Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Fact sheets on all kinds of neurological diseases, conditions, and syndromes, including stroke. Arranged A-Z; also searchable by keyword. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
Occupational Health & Safety - Information on recognizing and dealing with a wide range of work-related health and safety topics including ergonomics, noise, and workplace violence, as well as specific substances, processes and industries. (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
Orthopædic Connection - Information about arthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries, and other conditions affecting the bones & joints. (American Academy of Orthopædic Surgeons)
Pain Foundation - An on-line education and support community for people with chronic pain, their families and physicians. Provides information and treatment options reviewed by leading pain specialists. See also American Chronic Pain Association and Chronic Pain: Monitoring Your Thoughts and Feelings (Inflexxion®, Inc.).
Pets & People - 'Information about the health-related risks of owning and caring for animals'. (National Center for Infectious Diseases)
Radiology Info - Answers questions about radiologic procedures and therapies including x-ray, mammogram, and radiation oncology (cancer therapy) procedures (Radiological Society of North America, Inc.). See also Radiation Tests are Questioned (Health News Review and Baltimore Sun).
Rare Disorders - A database of brief descriptions for more than a thousand uncommon diseases and conditions, with contact information and links to additional resources for each (National Organization for Rare Disorders; non-profit organization). See also Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (National Institutes of Health).
Rehabilitation Information - Thousands of resources, including organizations, agencies, websites, reports, and research projects, to help those with impairments or disabilities live independently. Use the dropdown menu to select a topic. (National Rehabilitation Information Center)
Safety Fact Sheets [UPDATED LINK!] - Information on safety topics related to outdoor activities, household hazards, environmental hazards, driving, and schoolbuses (National Safety Council). For more safety advice, see South Plainfield Library's Child Safety links.
Skin Care Physicians - Patient information on disorders of the skin, hair and nails. Additional Dermatology Resources from the American Academy of Dermatology include an A-Z dictionary of terms, with links to more information.
Sleep Foundation - Facts about sleep and sleep disorders, with quizzes, tips, and tools to improve your sleep (nonprofit organization). See also Sleep & Sleep Disorders
(U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),
Sleep Disorders (Medline),
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute), and Children's Health Topics: Sleep Issues
(American Academy of Pediatrics).
STDs / STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections) - Information about sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention (American Social Health Association). For more on reproductive health, see Women, Men, Children & Maternity.
Stroke Association - Information about stroke prevention, risks, treatment, recovery, and caregiving. See also Washington University's Internet Stroke Center.
Surgery Videos
- Links to dozens of pre-recorded one-hour webcasts of surgical procedures performed at U.S. medical centers. WARNING: These are video recordings of actual operations — not suitable for young children or squeamish adults! (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Vision Health - Causes, symptoms, and treatments of common vision conditions, and what you can do to reduce your risk (Lighthouse International). See also Get EyeSmart (American Academy of Ophthalmology), health information from the National Eye Institute (National Institutes of Health), Contact Lenses (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and information about LASIK eye surgery (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
Doctors, Hospitals & Health Plans
AMA Doctor Finder - Provides background information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States and its possessions, including more than 690,000 doctors of medicine (MD) and doctors of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO). You can search the database by the doctor's name or by medical specialty. See also N.J. Health Care profile, described below.
Health Care: Handling Disputes with Your Employer or Private Health Plan - Advice on how to handle disagreements over what health care services will be provided or paid for by managed care plans such as HMOs or preferred provider organizations. (©2005 Kaiser Family Foundation)
Health Grades - Report cards on hospitals, physicians, nursing homes, and home health agencies (From Health Care Payers Coalition of N.J., New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute). For more on nursing homes (and other health & aging issues), see the South Plainfield Public Library's Health Sites for Seniors and Elder Care page.
Health Insurance: Consumer Guides
- Printable (PDF) guides on health insurance, managed care, long-term care, and disability insurance. (America's Health Insurance Plans; health insurance industry association)
Health Savings Accounts - Questions and answers about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), designed to help individuals save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis. (U.S. Treasury Department)
Hospice Net - Links to hospice directories, plus information and support for patients and families facing life-threatening illness. Includes advice on finding a hospice, controlling pain, caregiving, and bereavement. For other useful resources on hospices, see the American Hospice Foundation website.
Hospital Compare - 'Information on how well the hospitals in your area care for all their adult patients with certain medical conditions. This information will help you compare the quality of care hospitals provide.' (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) Also links to a brochure explaining Patient Care Partnership: Your Rights When You Are in the Hospital, available in 8 languages. (American Hospital Association)
Insure Kids Now! - Information on free or low-cost health insurance programs available for children whose parents cannot afford to buy insurance for them. You can also call 1-877-543-7669 (toll-free) for more information (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). In N.J., see NJ Family Care.
Low Cost Health Care
- 'If you find yourself without health insurance or are unable to afford medical services, this list of resources can help you gain access to health care services.' Includes directories of community health centers, eldercare support, Medicaid, mental health services, pregnancy care, drug and alcohol treatment, and more. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Managed Care - Explains what managed care is, and what to do if you have problems with your managed care health plan. (American Bar Association)
Medical Diagnosis Codes - If you want to find out what that diagnostic code number on your doctor bill or insurance form means, you can look it up here; scroll down for listings grouped by code. NOTE: only registered users have full access. (Yaki Technologies)
Medicare & Medicaid Eligibility - Check these pages to find out whether you are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, what's covered, and related information. See also Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder.
Medical Society of N.J. - Use this database to search for a N.J. doctor by name, specialty, insurance, or hospital affiliation.
N.J. Health Care profile - Searchable profiles of more than 32,500 N.J. medical doctors (including osteopathic physicians), podiatrists and optometrists. Contains information about practitioners' education, training, and practice; click on the tabs in a doctor's profile to view information on Education, Practice (to find out if a practitioner speaks a familiar language, has an office accessible to persons with disabilities, or accepts your health plan, etc.), Legal Actions, or Professional Activities. Use the advanced search function to locate doctors practicing in a particular area or hospital. This site includes practitioners actively licensed and currently permitted to practice in New Jersey, as well as some practitioners whose licenses are suspended, revoked, voluntarily surrendered, or expired (Office of the Attorney General, State of N.J.). See also N.J. State Board of Medical Examiners. To look up other health care practitioners in N.J., such as dentists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychologists, etc., see the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs Licensee Search.
N.J. Hospitals Directory - View the list of hospitals alphabetically or by county. Includes links to hospital websites. (New Jersey Hospital Association)
U.S. News & World Report: Best Health Plans - An annual ranking of the top U.S. commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid plans, plus articles on related topics (U.S. News & World Report and National Committee for Quality Assurance).
U.S. News & World Report: Best Hospitals - Annual rankings of medical centers in 16 specialties from cancer and heart disease to psychiatry and urology. There is now a separate ranking for best children's hospitals.
Drug & Supplement Information
See also:
Alternative Medicine
Nutrition & Food Safety
Antibiotic Resistance - 'Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of antibiotics... Nearly all significant bacterial infections in the world are becoming resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments.' This site offers basic facts about antibiotic resistance, explains how you can help prevent antibiotic resistance, and offers advice on when antibiotics are or are not needed to deal with conditions such as colds, flu, ear infections, and runny noses. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control).
Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online - Advice on how to protect yourself when buying medical products online. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Consumer Information on Dietary Supplements - Facts sheets on vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements. (National Institutes of Health)
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs - Reviews the effectiveness, safety and cost of many widely used prescription drugs, and explores the more affordable drug treatment options to discuss with your physician; includes updates and alerts. A good deal of information is provided free of charge, but some is accessible only to paid subscribers. (Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports)
DailyMed - An up-to-date source of drug content and labeling as found in package inserts. Search by drug name or browse drugs alphabetically. (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Drug Digest - A 'comprehensive source of noncommercial, evidence-based, consumer-oriented drug information.' You can compare drugs, check for drug interactions, and look up common conditions or treatments. Also covers vitamins, herbs & supplements. (ESI, an independent pharmacy benefit manager)
Drug Information for Consumers - Answers to common questions about generic drugs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, side effects, the drug approval process, and more. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Herbal Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy - Tips for selecting and purchasing herbal supplements. (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products - Facts about hundreds of herbs, vitamins, and other supplements; language is technical. (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center)
Medical Product Recalls - Consumer information about important safety problems with drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and other health products, plus how to report a problem. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder - Find out about the Medicare prescription drug program here. You can also compare prescription drug plans and enroll in the plan you select.
Medication Errors Fact Sheet [UPDATED LINK!] [Link opens a PDF document] - A printable 1-page guide to help you avoid problems with drug interactions, dosages, etc. (National Academy of Sciences). See also Consumer Med Safety and Prevent Medication Errors, for drug alerts, advice on safe medication use, how to report errors, how to throw away your medicines safely, and related information (Institute for Safe Medication Practices).
Medline Plus Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information - Provides consumer information on prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal medicines. Browse by first letter of a drug / herb / supplement, or use the Drug Information Portal to search this database; the MedlinePlus Drug Summary will usually be the first item in the search results list. (National Library of Medicine)
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medicines - Explains the different types of non-prescription drugs available, with tips on reducing the risk of adverse effects and interactions. Includes printable charts (PDF). CAUTION: 'The presence of an advertisement on familydoctor.org does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product.' (American Academy of Family Physicians)
PDR Drug Information - Online drug information from the publishers of the Physician's Desk Reference. Now includes over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. (Commercial site)
Prescription Assistance - Patients who are unable to pay for necessary medicines can use this free, confidential website to find assistance programs sponsored by drug companies, government agencies, and local organizations. (Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a coalition of pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups)
Prescription Drug Abuse - Links to information on treatment, prevention & screening, specific conditions, research, organizations, and more. (Medline)
Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs [Link opens a PDF document] - What should you do with those outdated medications in the medicine cabinet? Throw them in the trash? Flush them down the toilet? This page explains how to properly dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs. (Office of National Drug Control Policy)
Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements - Online reports on dozens of supplements are offered free of charge; additional reports are available only to Wellness Letter subscribers. (University of California, Berkeley)
Worst Pills - Warns about some commonly-used drugs and supplements, and the dangers of misprescribing and overprescribing. Some information is free ('Free Consumer Guides' sidebar and 'Recent Drug News'), but the rest is available only to paid subscribers (Public Citizen).
Fitness, Sport, & Physical Therapy
See also:
Nutrition & Food Safety
America's Walking - 'Information and inspiration for those who want to start a daily walking habit and live a more active life' (PBS). See also Walking Info & Biking Info (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, University of North Carolina), and Start!, described below. Older adults, see Stepping Out, also described below.
Body Positive - Ideas and tools to 'help you find greater well-being in the body you have. One of these ideas is to define 'healthy weight' not from a generic height/weight chart or even arbitrary Body Mass Index cut-offs, but rather as the weight your body is when you are living a reasonable life... not obsessing about food and exercise.' (By psychologist / author Debora Burgard)
Fitness Partner - A noncommercial website with hundreds of short, informative articles on topics related to exercise, nutrition, weight loss, and healthy lifestyle. Also offers book reviews and tips on choosing fitness equipment. Click on a general subject area to get an annotated list of articles, or scroll down to search for a topic by keyword. Formerly Fitness Jumpsite (By Vicki Pierson and Rene Cloe, personal fitness trainers.)
Get Fit America
- Directories of certified health clubs and fitness trainers, plus fitness videos, fact sheets, research, Q&A, recipes, free e-newsletter, and more. Check out the
Exercise Library for a collection of workouts aimed at strengthening specific muscle groups. (American Council on Exercise)
Get Fit (for Women) - 'Whether you are just starting to get physically active or a seasoned athlete, this section will provide you with feature articles that are sure to inspire.' The Find-Your-Sport feature offers info on dozens of sports, plus an interactive quiz that will help you find a sport that suits you. (Women's Sports Foundation)
Low Cost Fitness
- 'If the only thing keeping you from starting a fitness program is the cost of a gym membership, here's good news... low-cost alternatives can help you get fit without breaking your budget.' This page offers tips to help you get started, plus links to related articles and videos. (Mayo Clinic)
Moving and Learning - Articles on physical activity to promote social, emotional and cognitive development in kids from birth to age 8. (By Rae Pica, children's physical activity specialist)
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability - Fitness advice for those with disabilities or chronic illness. Use the menu on the left for additional fact sheets and resources on sports, exercise, and fun & leisure. (University of Illinois)
Personal Health Calculators - Simple tests and other tools for assessing and managing your health; includes tools to calculate target heart rate, ideal body weight, body mass index (BMI), and more (Avera.org; content by A.D.A.M., Inc.). See also Assessing Your Risk (National Institutes of Health), and additional information about the Body Mass Index (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Physical Activity for Everyone - Resources to help you make physical activity part of your life. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Physiotherapy - Printable (PDF) brochures on topics such as walking, snow shoveling, computer ergonomics, and various injuries & conditions (Canadian Physiotherapy Association). See also Rehabilitation (Medline). Physical Therapy provides a searchable database of physical therapists and explains how physical therapy can help with various conditions and injuries. (American Physical Therapy Association).
President's Challenge - Advice on exercising and keeping fit, with an online activity log and other tools aimed at different age groups. (President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports)
Sisters Together - Encourages Black women to maintain a healthy weight by becoming more physically active and eating healthier foods (National Institutes of Health).
Small Step - This site is designed to assist you in take small steps toward achieving your health & fitness goals. Includes a list of more than 100 'small steps'. For adults/teens and kids (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). For more resources on health, fitness, and nutrition, see Healthier US.
Sports Medicine - A collection of free brochures (PDF format) on the proper use of exercise equipment, and related subjects (American College of Sports Medicine). For more on exercise, sports safety, and sport-related injuries, see the American Academy of Family Physicians' Physical Activity page (CAUTION: 'The presence of an ad on familydoctor.org does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product.').
Start!
- Encourages individuals and companies to start walking programs to get healthy. Offers a tracking tool to help you balance your daily physical activity with what you eat, plus recipes and other fitness resources. (American Heart Association)
Stepping Out - Advice for mature adults on walking to stay fit and maintaining your safety while you walk. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
We Can!™: Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition - A national program designed for families and communities to help children maintain a healthy weight. The program focuses on improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced screen time. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Yoga.com - An online library of articles about yoga, massage, fitness, and wellness, plus 'Ask the Expert' health Q&A. (Commercial site)
Just for Seniors
SENIORS: Go to the Seniors' Health Links
FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS: See Elder Care
Mental Health, Self-Help, & Support Groups
See also:
Smoking, Alcoholism & Addiction
Teen crisis links
Are you in crisis? Are you feeling desperate, alone or hopeless?
Please call the NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Anxiety Disorders - Explains various anxiety disorders, with self-tests and resources for finding help, and advice on managing anxiety. (Anxiety Disorders Association of America)
APA Help Center - An extensive collection of non-technical articles on mental health concerns related to work & school, family & relationships, health & wellness, disasters & terrorism, and more. (American Psychological Association)
Caring for the Caregivers - People caring for a sick child, spouse or parent can find the emotional, physical and financial strains overwhelming. This page explores the difficulties caregivers may face, offers some basic advice, and links to a few related resources, including information on Long Distance Caregiving (National Institutes of Health). See also Elder Care links (South Plainfield Public Library).
Encyclopedia of Psychology - A directory of online information, organizations, and other resources on a broad range of psychology-related topics. (Jacksonville State University)
Facts for Families - Short fact sheets on a variety of behavioral and other issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families. Available in in English, Spanish, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic, Arabic, Urdu and Hebrew. (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). See also Information for Families, which offers additional materials in multiple languages (National Association of School Psychologists).
Financial Stress and Your Health - Practical advice on how to deal with the effects financial difficulties can have on your physical and mental health, covering possible health risks, warning signs, managing stress, getting help, and more. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)
Help Guide - Information and advice to help you cope with mental and physical health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, stress and trauma, sleep problems, addiction, eating disorders, and more. (A project of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica and WISE & Healthy Aging.)
Humor Project - An organization dedicated to helping people 'get more smileage out of their lives and jobs by applying the practical, positive power of humor and creativity.' Articles, interviews, discussion boards. See also Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter, which includes links to additional resources including advice, research, and online humor sites (Rotary Club of Santa Monica and Center for Healthy Aging).
Medline: Mental Health - Links to the latest mental health news, plus overviews and articles on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, alternatives, specific conditions, coping tips, and much more. (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Mental Health Information - An extensive collection of fact sheets and other resources covering a wide variety of mental health concerns. Searchable by audience/population group, broad issue, or specific disorder/treatment. (National Mental Health Association)
Mental Health Topics - Online publications and related resources, arranged by subject (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). See also Mental Health Fact Sheets & Publications (National Institute of Mental Health).
Mental Help / Self-Help - A database of self-help groups and clearinghouses, plus a list of toll-free health/mental health phone lines, and information on starting a support group. See also N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouse, described below.
Mental Illness: What a Difference a Friend Makes
- 'This site is for people living with mental illness — and their friends. You'll find tools to help in the recovery process, and you can also learn about the different kinds of mental illnesses, read real-life stories about support and recovery, and interact with the video to see how friends can make all the difference.' Does not work in Internet Explorer 6. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration )
Mood Disorders - Information, support, and other resources related to depression and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression); for patients and families. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouse - Links to support groups and workshops dealing with mental health. Also provides information on starting a support group.
Psychiatric Disorders - Basic overviews of major psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar and anxiety disorder (NARSAD / Mental Health Research Association).
Psychology Matters - Articles exploring problems and issues of everyday life in the light of psychological research. Use the menu bar on the lefthand side of the screen to choose a topic (American Psychological Association). The APA's online magazine, Monitor on Psychology, offers short articles about the latest psychological research findings on topics ranging from the Iraq war to the Internet's effect on children.
Recommended Self-Help Books - A selection of recommended self-help books (on the right-hand side of the page) addressing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, shyness, relationships, and more, plus some links to other resources. Also offers a page on relaxation techniques. (Hobart and William Smith Colleges Counseling Center)
Stress - Links to overviews and articles on different kinds of stress and how to manage stress, plus research findings, tutorials, and related resources. (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Nutrition & Food Safety
See also:
Drug & Supplement Information
NOTE: For more great sites with recipes and food preparation tips, please visit
South Plainfield Public Library's
HOME & GARDEN page.
Children's Nutrition - Links to websites on topics including breastfeeding, childhood obesity, feeding children, eating disorders, vegetarian diets, and more. The Children's Nutrition Research Center
also offers a free Nutrition & Your Child e-newsletter, and variety of online resources such as the Kids' Energy Needs Calculator, an interactive tool to help parents estimate how many calories their child needs, based on age, sex, height, weight, and level of physical activity; as well as Building Healthy Families
, a collection of online educational videos and supporting materials (in both English and Spanish) for teaching parents about nutrition basics, food shopping, and healthy eating. (Baylor College of Medicine et al.)
Controlling Your Weight - Tools to calculate your Body Mass Index and other risk factors, plus tips for safe and effective weight loss. (National Institutes of Health)
Dietary Guidelines for Americans - Updated every 5 years (next update scheduled for autumn of 2010), the Guidelines provide authoritative advice about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases; in PDF format. Includes links to related sites. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Eat Right [UPDATED LINK!] - Nutrition information and advice, diet reviews, Q & A, and more. Includes some resources in Spanish and Chinese. (American Dietetic Association)
Food Psychology - The latest psychological research on why we overeat, how we choose groceries, how restaurant menus entice us, and more. For quick facts and pointers, see the Consumer FAQs and Tip Sheet. (Cornell University)
Food Safety - Advice on proper food handling and storage for different kinds of foods in a variety of situations. Includes a handy printable
Refrigerator & Freezer Storage Chart [Link opens a PDF document] (Food and Drug Administration). For additional helpful information, see How Long Can I Keep It? [UPDATED LINK!] [Link opens a PDF document] (Cornell Cooperative Extension).
More food safety fact sheets are available from the FDA's Food Safety Inspection Service. See also
Deciphering Food Expiration Dates (Gov Gab, U.S. Government Blog), Foodborne Illness (U.S. Centers for Disease Control), and Food Safety for Moms-To-Be
(U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
Food & Water Safety Information for Disasters - Advice on how to make sure your food and water are safe during and after hurricanes, power outages, and floods. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration / Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition)
Fast Food Calorie Counter - Use this interactive calorie counter to calculate the calories and fat you consume when eating at popular fast-food restaurants. There is also a printable chart. Unfortunately, salt/sodium content is not provided (©2004 Washington Post). See also Healthy Fast Food, described below.
Fruits & Veggies Matter - Tips, recipes, and other resources for adding more fruits and vegetables to your family's meals. Includes a calculator that tells you how many servings of fruits and vegetables you need daily, based on your age, sex, and physical activity level. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention et al.)
Healthy Fast Food - Advice on choosing the most healthful foods when eating in fast food restaurants (Rotary Club of Santa Monica and Center for Healthy Aging). Heart Attack Entrées with Side Orders of Stroke describes the unsafe levels of salt / sodium in some chain restaurant / fast food meals (Center for Science in the Public Interest). The Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods offers tips for safe storage and use of take-out and delivered meals (U.S. Department of Agriculture).
Heart-Healthy Cooking - An online cookbook with background information and dozens of recipes. Related resources are available on the Heart Healthy Nutrition page (American Heart Association). See also Recipes for Healthy Eating, which includes recipes specifically for African-Americans and Latinos (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute), and Trans Fats, described below.
Low Protein Recipes - Tips for patients (such as those with kidney disease) who need to follow a low-protein diet, plus additional nutrition & diet info for diabetics and people with kidney disease. (National Kidney Foundation)
Lower Your Blood Pressure with DASH - Sample menus and recipes featuring foods that are heart healthy and lower in salt / sodium for those with high blood pressure; also contains additional information on weight loss and physical activity. You can print the booklet for free, or order a printed copy by mail for a small fee (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). Salt & Sodium offers information about the connection between a high-salt / high sodium diet and high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, with advice on how to limit the salt / sodium in your diet (UK Food Standards Agency). See also Heart Attack Entrées with Side Orders of Stroke and Heart-Healthy Cooking.
Menu Planner
- An interactive tool 'designed to guide daily food and meal choices based on one day's calorie allowance. It may be used in advance to plan a meal, or at the end of a day to add up total calories, as well as fat, and carbohydrates consumed.' (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
My Pyramid - Enter your age, sex, and amount of physical activity, and this tool will suggest the quantities of foods from each food group which you need for a healthy diet, along with tips for purchasing and preparing foods in each category. Includes an explanation of the different categories of foods and quantities included in the food pyramid recommendations. More nutrition information from the U.S. government is available at Nutrition.gov. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Nutrient Database - Enter a food (broccoli, hamburger, etc.) in the space provided, and this site will give you a chart showing complete nutritional data for that food, including calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein, lipids, and more. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Nutrition and Health - Practical advice on healthy living and healthy eating. Includes such topics as sports nutrition, ideas for parents of pre-schoolers, diet & diabetes, and turkey for the holidays. (University of Illinois)
Nutrition Facts Labels - Advice to help you use nutrition labels to make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet (U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition). See also Meat & Dairy Labels and Animal Welfare, which explains the meaning of common labels found on meat & dairy products, such as Certified Organic; Free-Range, Grass-Fed; Hormone-Free; rBGH-Free; Natural; Grain-Fed; and similar terms (Humane Society of the United States).
Nutrition for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Suggests recommended amounts of different types of foods and calories required for different stages of pregnancy as well as breastfeeding. Amounts are tailored to your height, weight, and activity level. (Part of MyPyramid.gov)
Nutrition Source - Provides tips for healthy eating and dispels nutrition myths. 'You won't just find out what you should eat, but why.' (Harvard School of Public Health)
Sisters Together - Encourages Black women to maintain a healthy weight by becoming more physically active and eating healthier foods (National Institutes of Health).
Trans Fats - An overview of the latest findings and recommendations on trans fats (such as hydrogenated vegetable oils) in the diet. Includes a summary of other fats (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), with links to more information. (American Heart Association)
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center - Includes links to Food Assistance Programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (formerly known as Food Stamps), WIC, School Meals, etc.
WebMD's Diets of the World - Is your weight loss menu bland and boring? This site offers you an international flavor with tips on eating a Italian, French, Latin, Japanese, or Mediterranean diet. (Commercial site)
Weight Loss Products and Programs - Reviews the pluses and minuses of popular weight loss products, including powdered diet 'shakes', supplements, and diet pills, as well as programs such as Weight Watchers, TOPS, and Jenny Craig (Colorado State University). Another useful resource is Weight-control Information Network, offering up-to-date advice on choosing a safe and successful weight loss program (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health).
World's Healthiest Foods - Whole-food recipes and a wealth of nutrition information to help you 'use the power of food as a key to controlling and maintaining vibrant good health and longevity'. (George Mateljan Foundation)
Professional & Academic Resources
E-Medicine World Medical Library - Articles from professional and consumer medical journals. Includes news, recalls & alerts, and features. You must register to use most of the site, but registration is free. (From WebMD.com; commercial site)
Global Library of Women's Medicine - Extensive online text on women's medicine, revised and updated from its original print edition. Authored by over 650 expert contributors citing more than 40,000 references. Free registration required for full access. (Editor-in-Chief: John J. Sciarra, MD, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University)
Highwire Press - 'The world's largest and fastest-growing archive of free full-text life science & medicine research.' NOTE: Not all articles listed are free. (Stanford University)
Martindale's Health Science Guide - An academic-level site with links to over 60,000 teaching files, 140,000 medical cases, 1500 courses / textbooks, 500 journals, 4000 databases and thousands of movies. (Personal site, by Jim Martindale)
Medical Diagnosis Codes - If you want to find out what that diagnostic code number on your doctor's bill or insurance form means, you can look it up on this list. NOTE: only registered users have full access. (Yaki Technologies)
MedPage Today - Daily coverage of breaking medical stories and topics widely reported in the consumer media, with peer-reviewed articles for physicians. (MedPage Today and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine)
Merck Manual - Online text of the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. See also other Merck Manuals and Merck Medicus for additional professional resources, including Specialty pages.
PubMed - Provides access to National Library of Medicine databases, including 11 million citations from MEDLINE and additional life science journals. PubMed includes links to many sites providing full text articles and other related resources.
Smoking, Alcoholism, & Addiction
See also:
Mental Health, Self-Help & Support Groups
Addiction Search - A well-organized set of links offering information on different types of addictions (substance and behavioral addictions), treatment options, prevention, and more. Use the menu on the left-hand side of the screen. (By Emil Chiauzzi, Ph.D., et al.)
Alcohol & Drug Information - Online and print publications offer drug and alcohol abuse information for different audiences / population groups (kids, teens, ethnic groups, elderly, educators, health professionals, etc.) (National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information)
Alcoholism & Drug Addiction Links - Useful links to a variety of programs, agencies, and organizations dealing with alcoholism and drug abuse, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Betty Ford Center, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Narcotics Anonymous, and many others. (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence)
Alcohol Screening Quiz - Brief, anonymous questionnaire to help you find out whether your drinking patterns are safe, risky or harmful. Generates personalized results based on your age, gender and drinking patterns. (Boston University School of Public Health)
Computer and Video Game Addiction - As with other forms of addiction, an excessive absorption with computers or video games may result in major social, school or work disruptions. This fact sheet will help you recognize the signs of addiction in children or adults (National Institute on Media and the Family). See also Logging On and Losing Out, which examines the growing problem of online gambling addiction. (American Public Media).
NCADD New Jersey - A private, nonprofit public health agency that promotes the prevention and treatment of, and recovery from, alcoholism and drug dependence. Includes a searchable listing of treatment facilities in N.J. .
N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouse - Links to support groups and workshops dealing with mental health. Also provides information on starting a support group.
Parents: The Anti-Drug
- Information and advice for parents to help you keep your kids away from drugs. In English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino. (National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign)
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
- Information for parents and teens about substance abuse prevention and treatment, with personal stories from users, friends and family. (Non-profit organization)
QuitNet - Tips and resources for quitting smoking. (N.J. State Department of Health)
Secondhand Smoke - Scroll down the page for Fact Sheets explaining what Secondhand Smoke is, the dangers of exposure, and how to protect yourself and your family at home and at work. (2006, Office of the Surgeon General)
Smoke Free - More resources to help you stop smoking, including advice from experts via instant messaging and phone hotlines. (National Cancer Institute)
Women, Men, Children, Maternity & Reproductive Health
See also:
PARENTING
Teen Zone: HEALTH
HEALTH & FITNESS LINKS FOR KIDS & TEENS
911 for Women - Links to hotlines and other resources for women in crisis; covers domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment (Feminist Majority Foundation). See also Get Help (N.J. Coalition for Battered Women), National Hotlines and Help
for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or dating violence (U.S. Department of Justice), Women's Law
for 'easy-to-understand legal information and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault' (nonprofit organization), and
Domestic Violence Safety Plan, a printable brochure with tips on protecting yourself and your family; in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese (American Bar Association).
Are you Being Abused? - This quick questionnaire will help you learn whether you're involved in an abusive relationship, with a phone number to call if you are (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). See also Stay Alert! Stay Safe! (ACOG) and Sexual Violence fact sheet (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Baby-Proofing Your Home - Simple safety checks to help eliminate hazards to your baby inside your home. Also available in Printable PDF. (National Safety Council)
Breastfeeding - An overview of benefits, challenges, lifestyle, and other helpful information (National Women's Health Information Center). See also Breastfeeding FAQ (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Breast Feeding Resources (Medline), and Breastfeeding Q & A (La Leche League).
Child Health Advice [UPDATED LINK!] - Guidelines 'to help you determine how sick your child is and if you need to call your child's doctor... [and] to help you treat your child at home when it is safe to do so.' (Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle)
Child Safety & Health Links - More selected online resources to help you keep your child safe. (South Plainfield Public Library)
Children's Environmental Health - A selection of internet resources on environmental health topics relating to children, including asthma, childhood cancer, food safety, hazardous substances, and more (National Library of Medicine et al.). See also Environmental Health links, above.
Children's Nutrition - Links to websites on topics including breastfeeding, childhood obesity, feeding children, eating disorders, vegetarian diets, and more. The Children's Nutrition Research Center
also offers a free Nutrition & Your Child e-newsletter, and variety of online resources such as the Kids' Energy Needs Calculator, an interactive tool to help parents estimate how many calories their child needs, based on age, sex, height, weight, and level of physical activity; as well as Building Healthy Families
, a collection of online educational videos and supporting materials (in both English and Spanish) for teaching parents about nutrition basics, food shopping, and healthy eating. (Baylor College of Medicine et al.)
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assaut, and Sexual Harassment Resources - See 911 for Women, above.
Facts for Families - Short fact sheets on a variety of behavioral and other issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families. Available in in English, Spanish, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic, Arabic, Urdu and Hebrew (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). See also Information for Families (National Association of School Psychologists).
Family Services Hotlines - List of toll-free telephone hotlines for New Jersey families in need, includes food assistance, energy assistance, child care, child support, medicaid, family violence, addictions, and legal services.
Fibroids - Explains what uterine fibroids are, describing types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. (University of California)
Food Safety for Moms-To-Be
- Accurate, easy-to-understand information about how to prevent foodborne illness, a serious health risk for pregnant women and their unborn babies (U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition). See also
Nutrition for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding.
Go Ask Alice - Explicit and irreverent, sometimes outrageous answers to questions you were afraid to ask about physical & emotional health, relationships, sexuality, alcohol / drug abuse, and more. (Columbia University)
HealthyChildren.org - A large collection of information to help you keep your child healthy and safe. Formerly Pediatrics: Parenting Corner. (American Academy of Pediatrics)
KidsHealth - Provides doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence. KidsHealth has hundreds of in-depth articles and features, with separate areas for kids, teens, and parents - each with its own design, age-appropriate content, and tone (Nemours Foundation Center for Children's Health Media).
Medicating Kids
- 'Examines the questions and controversies surrounding the medication of children diagnosed with ADHD with stimulants such as Ritalin.' ©2001, update added 2008.
The Medicated Child
examines 'the dramatic increase in the number of children being diagnosed with serious psychiatric disorders and prescribed medications that are just beginning to be tested in children.' ©2008. (Both by PBS)
Menopause - Links to overviews, tools, news, research, and related resources. (Medline)
Men's Health Topics - Links to information on a variety of health issues of special concern to men (U.S. National Library of Medicine). See also BBC Men's Health page.
Midwifery - For those seeking an alternative in maternity care, this site offers an explanation of what midwives do, and links to online directories of midwives. (Citizens for Midwifery, a non-profit, volunteer organization)
National Women's Health Information Center - Information and links on a wide variety of women's health-related material from both Federal agencies and private sector sources. Covers such topics as pregnancy, breast cancer, eating disorders, heart disease, exercise, nutrition & diet, menstruation, menopause, osteoporosis, reproductive health, and more. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
National Women's Health Resource Center - An A-Z collection of informative articles covering a host of women's health concerns (non-profit site). See also Women's Health, a user-friendly 'Owner's Manual' for gynecological health issues, with separate sections aimed at adolescent, pregnant, and menopausal women (Kotex / Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.).
Natural Family Planning - Explains how to achieve or avoid pregnancy without the use of medicines, devices or chemicals. CAUTION: 'The presence of an advertisement on familydoctor.org does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product.' (American Academy of Family Physicians)
Our Bodies, Ourselves - Companion website for the book Our Bodies, Ourselves offers book excerpts and other content, links, resources, and news on women's physical and mental health. (Boston Women's Health Book Collective)
Pediatrics: Parenting Corner is now HealthyChildren.org, described above.
Postpartum Health Resources - Recommended links and books on the physical, mental, and emotional needs of pregnant and postpartum women and their families (by psychotherapist Diana Lynn Barnes). See also Postpartum Support Network (non-profit organization).
Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center - Learn what you need to know to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. (March of Dimes)
Sexual Health - Information on sexual health for men, women, and teens, including contraception, abortion, body image, pregnancy, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, and more (Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, Inc.). Sex, etc. (Rutgers University) and Teen Talk (Planned Parenthood®) provide info for teens on reproductive health, sexuality and relationships.
Your Child's Health - 'Your resource on raising safe and healthy children. Covers topics ranging from day-to-day parenting to in-depth articles about chronic medical conditions' (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia).
Health & Fitness