Doctors and other health care providers can be great sources of information, but there are many other ways to get good information about your condition and healthier living. If you know more about your condition, you will know what to expect. You will be better able to take care of yourself and explain your condition to friends and family. You will also be better prepared to be an active member of your health care team. Don’t be afraid to tell or ask your doctor about what you have learned!

There are many sources for useful information including your care provider, national or local organizations that focus on your condition, local community centers, health and medical libraries (sometimes called resource centers). If you are a member of a patient or family support group, other patients or families can also help you find information. Ask for books and magazines at your public library. Often organizations publish magazines with health and practical information for people with long-term conditions. Information about resources can usually be found on the organization’s Web site.

The Internet can be a great resource for finding out information about your condition. How can you be sure that the information you are finding is accurate? Find out how to get the most reliable information. Read more.