Make the Info Work for You

There is little doubt about it – people who take a more active approach to their health are likely to live healthier, happier and probably even longer lives.

More and more Canadians are learning about issues important to their health online, sometimes even before they go to see their doctor. In fact, a Statistics Canada study (Statscan #56F0003XIE) found that browsing for health information is now Canada’s third most popular Internet activity – surpassed only by e-mail and general browsing.

The information certainly isn’t difficult to find. The internet is full of health information: all sorts of non-profit organizations, drug companies, retailers and even search engines have thrown in their contributions.

As an example, if you type “wheelchair exercises” into a popular search engine, most of the websites listed will be ultimately oriented toward selling you something. Other sites may provide information, but sometimes that information is biased, out of date, or coming from someone with questionable qualifications. It can sometimes be overwhelming to wade through it all.

That isn’t to say that all health information on the internet is unreliable – it’s not – but it is often difficult to be certain. One can imagine that it is precisely because of this uncertainty that the Government of Canada created the Canadian Health Network (CHN).

CHN is a website, provided free of charge through the Public Health Agency of Canada, that directs Canadians to the most reliable online health information – in other words, the good stuff. And they define “good stuff” pretty strictly, only directing you to information that is produced by Canadian not-for-profit organizations or governments and has been thoroughly evaluated by experts who work with the CHN.

An example of one such expert is the CHN Living with Disabilities Affiliate: a consortium of Easter Seals agencies, led by the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, that seeks out and evaluates quality health information for people with disabilities. Rather than adding information to the sea, they help you navigate the waters. You don’t need to concern yourself with whether or not the information you find through the CHN is accurate, up-to-date and free of bias – that work has already been done for you.

Like all Canadians, people with disabilities want to be healthy. The CHN has all sorts of health information on topics that are important for everyone – healthy eating, mental health, active living, heart health, to name just a few. On top of this, the CHN Living with Disabilities Affiliate picks out information that can help people live well with disabilities, including information on topics such as recreation, financial support, home and workplace modifications, employment, education and support groups.

The CHN also provides information for families and professionals who support people with disabilities – for example, answers for a parent whose child is enrolled in special education or who wants to prevent caregiver burnout.

Studies have shown that people who take control of their health lead healthier lives, and you might be surprised at just how motivating and empowering information can be.

Take control of your health with reliable information at: www.canadianhealth-network.ca. You can contact Devon Wheeler by e-mail at [email protected].

www.canadian-health-network.ca

Here are some of the topics available on CHN for people with disabilities:

* A fitness guide for people with multiple sclerosis

* Do I have a learning disability?

* Post-secondary education: tips for adults with disabilities

* Wheelchair sports — Get out there and go!

* How can I make my home and workplace more accessible?

* Time to cope: respite support for caregivers