How to find health information

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How can Healthy Male help you?

Healthy Male provides information to help improve the health of Australian boys and men.

Healthy Male is not a health service, so we can’t advise on individual medical issues or specific medical practitioners. If you have any concerns about your health, it’s important to see your GP to diagnose the problem and find out about available treatments.

How to find health information and advice

While it’s easier than ever to find health information, it can be difficult to know what’s reliable and what isn’t. You need to know where, how, and from whom you can find health information you can trust, to help you make good decisions about your health.

Finding information online

At least two out of three Australian men get health information online, but they know their doctor is the best place to go for reliable, individual health advice.

You might be tempted to try treatments you see online, especially if they offer a quicker or easier solution to a health problem. But if they don’t work then you’ll have wasted time and money that you could have spent on effective treatment. While you’re using ineffective treatments, your illness might get worse, making it harder (or impossible) to fix in the long run. Some treatments might even have dangerous side effects.

Don’t have a doctor? Find one here:

Find a doctor via Health Direct

Here’s what you need to consider when you’re looking at health information:

  • Who is providing the information?

    If it’s difficult to find out who’s publishing the information (online or as part of a physical product), chances are it isn’t reliable. Trustworthy information sources will provide you with ways to contact the people in charge.

    If a business is supplying information they may profit from in some way, it might be biased in favour of that business.

  • What is the purpose of the information?

    Trustworthy sources of health information do not try to replace the advice of health practitioners.

    Is the information designed to provide you an accurate and balanced view of a health condition and treatment options, or is it aimed at selling you something? Advertising is not a good source of health information. Don’t rely on information sources that promote products or services, or provide the opinions of only one individual or interest group.

  • Where does the information come from?

    Reliable health information is based on scientific evidence and specialist expertise, not personal experience or opinions. Trustworthy sources of health information will provide references or links to the evidence that supports their statements.

    Sometimes, the evidence can be questionable, so it’s good to know that whoever interprets the evidence has the skills to do it properly. Trustworthy sources will name the person or people responsible for writing or reviewing the information they provide and state their qualifications so that you can judge their expertise.

  • How old is the information?

    Knowledge about health and medicine can change suddenly, so information from only a few years ago might be outdated. Trustworthy sources will state when the information was created or provide details about processes for reviewing and revising the information to ensure it is accurate and current.

How to find a doctor

If you don’t have a doctor, try using the healthdirect ‘Find a Doctor’ tool on the Health Direct website. You could also ask your family, friends or workmates for a recommendation.

A General Practitioner (GP) is usually the first person you should see if you have any concerns about your health. They can diagnose health problems, order tests, prescribe medicines and refer you to other health professionals if need be.

Find a GP you trust and feel comfortable around and stick with them long term.

Think about whether you’d feel better working with:

  • A male or female doctor

  • Someone older, younger or a similar age to you

  • Someone who works close to your home, work or school

  • Someone with a similar cultural background to you

  • Someone who can care for everyone in your family

  • A specific GP or at a practice recommended by a friend or family member

It’s best to have a GP who knows you and your health history, who listens to you, provides information in a way that helps you to understand it, and checks to make sure you understand their advice and instructions.

It’s okay if you have to try a few GPs before you find one you’re happy with, and to get a second opinion if you have any concerns about your GP’s diagnosis, advice or suggestions about treatment.

Find a doctor via Health Direct

How to talk to your doctor

You’ll get the most out of your doctors’ appointments if you do a bit of work beforehand.

  • Write down the things you want to talk to your doctor about. If you have several concerns, tell the doctor at the start so they can work through them during the appointment

  • Think about the symptoms you want to talk about. When did you first notice them, what were you doing when they started, how often do they happen, when do you notice them, is there anything that makes them better or worse, what effect do they have on you? Try to be specific when you describe your symptoms

  • If you’re seeing a different doctor than usual, prepare to give them a summary of your medical history, the medications you take, other treatments you have had (e.g. physiotherapy, counselling, dietary supplements, acupuncture, natural therapies), family history and lifestyle (e.g. diet, exercise, work, recreational activities). It will help to have this written down, so you don’t forget anything

  • If you’re worried about how to talk about something with your doctor, practice saying it beforehand. Tell your doctor that you feel uncomfortable talking about it

  • Prepare some questions for your doctor. The information on our ‘Health topic’ pages may be helpful

Talking to a doctor about some things can be awkward, but they’ve been trained to talk with patients about sensitive issues. It is best to be direct, clear and honest when you’re talking with healthcare providers.

If your doctor says something you don’t understand, ask them to repeat it or to provide clarification. It’s their job to help you understand.

Understanding the health system

Australia’s health system is complex, and you need to understand how it works so you can use it, but you don’t need to know everything. A person’s ability to find, understand and use information and services to help them manage their health is referred to as their health literacy. An organisation’s health literacy is how well it enables all people to find, understand and use information and services to help them manage their health.

The health system is responsible for helping each of us fulfil our responsibility to manage our own health.

Did you find this page helpful?

Information provided on this website is not a substitute for medical advice

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MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.

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