How can I tell if medical information on the Internet is accurate and up to date?

You've asked a good question. More people may want to pay attention to this aspect of Internet use. First look for the site sponsor. Is it an academic source like a university or school of some type? Is there a regulating agency over the site like the American Medical Association? Or is it sponsored by a business selling products?

Next check the date when the material was last updated. This is usually found at the bottom of the home (or first) page. Be cautious about information that's undated or more than six months old.

Always use more than one source. If the data is correct, you should be able to find the same information listed on other credible sites.