Welcome to the guide for consumer health information
Disclaimer
Library staff created this guide for patrons looking for general consumer health information. These resources are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For questions related to advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please contact a licensed medical provider.
General Resources
MedlinePlus
(English and Spanish)
MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 1000 disease and conditions. Also includes wellness and lifestyle topics. There are lists of hospitals and physicians, a medical encyclopedia, medical dictionary, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, and health information from the media.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(English, Spanish, and other languages)
The latest information on all kinds of diseases, safety, prevention, emergency preparedness, environmental health, and health advice for travelers. Also features news reports on infectious disease outbreaks.
Information for travelers and clinicians, including vaccines, medicines, and advice.
Choosing Wisely
An initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation in partnership with Consumer Reports that seeks to advance a national dialogue on avoiding wasteful or unnecessary medical tests, treatments and procedures. Contains lists of things that patients and their doctors should question based on evidence.
FamilyDoctor.org
From the American Academy of Family Physicians and contains health information for the whole family, self-care flowcharts, drug information, and alternative remedies.
FDA for Consumers
Information from the US Food and Drug Administration about food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and more. Includes product recalls and alerts.
How To Talk To Your Doctor
(English and Spanish)
Tips that can help you talk to your doctor and make the most of your appointment
Mayo Clinic Patient Care and Health Information
(English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese)
Features information on diseases, conditions, drugs and supplements, and healthy living. The Health Information section includes user-submitted questions on select health topics that are answered by medical specialists.
Drug Information
MedlinePlus Drugs, Herbs, and Supplements
(English and Spanish)
Learn about your prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Includes side effects, dosage, special precautions, and more.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) ensures that safe and effective drugs are available to improve the health of the people in the United States
Family Doctor: Drugs, Procedures, and Devices
(English and Spanish)
Familydoctor.org is the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, featuring physician-reviewed patient education materials.
National Library of Medicine: Drug Information Portal
The NLM Drug Information Portal gives users a gateway to selected drug information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and other key U.S. Government agencies.
Resources for Adults
The Family Caregiver: Education Center
A comprehensive collection of family-friendly publications filled with practical information on caregiving issues and health conditions.
Health in Aging
Created by the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation to provide consumers and caregivers with up-to-date information on health and aging.
National Institute on Aging
Health information with a focus on topics important to older adults. The site features larger print and images so information is easier to read. The Go4Life page offers free, evidence-based resources for older adults in one convenient place.
Office of Women’s Health
(English and Spanish)
The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health provides national leadership and coordination to improve the health of women and girls through policy, education, and innovative programs.
Resources for Children & Teens
AboutKidsHealth
(English, Spanish, and other languages)
A health education website for children, youth, and their caregivers.
HealthyChildren.org
(English and Spanish)
Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including policies and guidelines, publications, and other child health resources. Site is also available in Spanish.
KidsHealth
(English and Spanish)
Separate areas for kids, teens, and parents, with age-appropriate content for each. Covers the body, staying healthy and safe, emotions, medical problems, nutrition, and more. The kids area contains a section explaining diseases like Alzheimer’s at a level that children can understand.
Specific Health Conditions
Resources for information about specific health conditions.
