How can I use the internet in a health context?
The internet can be a useful tool in a health context in three areas:

1. The internet is a source of information about health.

2. You can use the internet to ask questions about health and get answers from qualified professionals.

3. On the internet you can meet others who have the same disorder as you or who are interested in the same health questions. In the above areas the internet may be a supplement to the public health service. If you choose to use internet services where you can ask questions or come into contact with others, you should remember this:

• You should try to find out whether the person at the other end really has the qualifications he or she claims to have.
  
• The person you are communicating with only knows what you tell him or her. If you give inaccurate or restricted information, you will not get a full and accurate answer.
  
• The internet is not subjected to quality control in the same way as newspapers, radio or TV. You    may meet persons on the web who would never have a chance in the traditional media.
  
• Use the check-list to assess the quality of the web-site you want to use

How do I find health information on the internet?
When looking for information on the internet, the best thing is to use a search tool, such as Google or Alta Vista. Pick the one that suits you best. 

The Norwegian Board of Health [Statens Helsetilsyn] has prepared a list of useful links.

Infomedical  may be a place to start. If you need to translate a diagnosis to or from English, you can try this medical glossary ; the Danish version of it will be useful in most cases.
 
What kinds of health services are available on the internet?
For a diagnosis of your specific condition, you have to consult a doctor. Online health services cannot replace the service offered by a hospital, a doctor's surgery or other health institutions. Health services on the internet represent an important supplement to the standard health services.

Online health sites can offer the following supplementary services:

• Anonymous questions and answers
• Second opinions
• An opportunity to discuss health issues in chats and fora
• Information

Where can I discuss health-related questions on the internet?
On the internet you can communicate with others, both in discussion fora and in so-called chat-groups. In chat-groups you talk directly to others, while in a discussion forum you write a letter which remains on the page for some time so that others can answer them at their own convenience.

A great number of services require the instalment of additional programmes on your computer. If you are new on the web, note that this might be a little difficult. If you are familiar with web technology and have a good command of English, we can recommend you to begin with the following service: www.irc.org  . However, only a small number of the subjects discussed on the IRC are related to health.
 
Can personal data fall into the wrong hands?
When writing about health on the internet, you should always bear the following in mind:

a. You don't know who is at the other end.
b. You don't know if what you say can be overheard.
c. You risk leaving tracks behind that will enable others to find out which sites you have visited.

Though the use of the internet will always involve some uncertainty, the web might be useful for health purposes if certain precautionary measures are taken. On the main page you will find a list of the aspects we consider important when assessing web sites. We have also written an introductory note about data security.

Is it of interest to discriminate between advertising and web site material?
A lot of people want to make money on web-users. The line between advertising and objective information is often unclear on the internet. Though few people are interested in spreading false information about health, it is important to remember that not all such information is necessarily objective.
 

• Sellers of various products and services turn to you via the internet to sell their goods. This can be done openly or in an underhand manner. A number of companies with commercial interests on the health market place information about health and diseases on their web sites. This information may be correct enough, but you should bear in mind that it may be less objective and nuanced than information on the more impartial web sites.
• Also health institutions and professionals may be sponsored by commercial operators. 
• All commercial web pages will be interested in your visit, regardless of whether you buy anything or not. When you are registered as a visitor on a page financed by advertisements, you contribute towards their publicity revenues.

Generally, it is up to you to question the quality of the health information and health services you find on the internet. Is it clear what is advertisement and what is editorial material? Check and make your own assessments!  
 
Can I be anonymous on the internet?
On the internet you can be anonymous in your communication with other users. As long as you do not provide personal information, the person you are chatting with or sending mails to will not know who you are. If you use the internet to ask specialists or others questions about health you may at times have to provide personal data to get an adequate answer. Though you may be confident that the web site you have chosen will not disclose personal data to others, you should bear in mind that what you say can be overheard by others.
The web sites you visit can keep a record of your internet use, because they can find out whether your computer has visited their page. The web sites can map the internet use of any computer. If you are the only user of a certain computer, it means that a web site can find out a lot about you even if they don't have your personal data.
 
Who subjects health services on the internet to quality control?
You must yourself take care that the information you find on the internet is good information. The various web sites have different routines for ensuring that their pages maintain a high standard.

No public authority controls the internet and separates the good services from the bad. Various organisations have made so-called "trust marks", a system of approval of online health services. These organisations have drawn up guidelines for health services on the internet, and suppliers who want to observe these guidelines, can apply for approval. HON and MedCIRCLE are examples of such marks.
 
If you find one of these marks on a health-related internet page, you must click on the symbol to find out whether the site is approved or not. The mark is no guarantee in itself; it may simply be glued on to any page.