Birmingham Public Library Medical Databases Provide Reliable and Relevant Answers to Your Health Questions
by Mark Skinner, East Ensley Branch Library
Finding answers to medical questions can be overwhelming. Many books on medical issues that are a few years old can be outdated and provide inaccurate information. On the other hand, the amount of information when searching on the internet can seem far too vast and the sources of that information can be somewhat suspect. While online message boards or Google searches may be helpful for finding support in others diagnosed with similar conditions, these resources may provide inaccurate information to you.
At the library, we have access to a wide array of information from trusted sources that can help point you in the right direction. Certainly, these databases are no substitute for your medical provider, but they may be able to help ease some of your worries or help you better understand a topic, diagnoses, or medication.
Below are links to a few medical resources that oriented toward consumers rather than medical professionals.
The Lexi-PALS Drug Guide provides information on different medications in an easy to follow format. It includes information like special precautions, dietary instructions, or side effects for various medications.
Epocrates can help with pill identification, drug interactions, and contains information on various diseases and conditions.
Health InfoNet of Alabama provides information on various health services in Alabama. You can search by city, county, health topic, or a service provided.
These are just a few of the resources available through the library. You can find more on the Birmingham Public Library's Databases page.
While your helpful library staff are always willing to help show you how to use a resource, we are not medical professionals. Before you act on any information, you should remember to always consult your medical provider.
Finding answers to medical questions can be overwhelming. Many books on medical issues that are a few years old can be outdated and provide inaccurate information. On the other hand, the amount of information when searching on the internet can seem far too vast and the sources of that information can be somewhat suspect. While online message boards or Google searches may be helpful for finding support in others diagnosed with similar conditions, these resources may provide inaccurate information to you.
At the library, we have access to a wide array of information from trusted sources that can help point you in the right direction. Certainly, these databases are no substitute for your medical provider, but they may be able to help ease some of your worries or help you better understand a topic, diagnoses, or medication.
Below are links to a few medical resources that oriented toward consumers rather than medical professionals.
The Lexi-PALS Drug Guide provides information on different medications in an easy to follow format. It includes information like special precautions, dietary instructions, or side effects for various medications.
Epocrates can help with pill identification, drug interactions, and contains information on various diseases and conditions.
Health InfoNet of Alabama provides information on various health services in Alabama. You can search by city, county, health topic, or a service provided.
These are just a few of the resources available through the library. You can find more on the Birmingham Public Library's Databases page.
While your helpful library staff are always willing to help show you how to use a resource, we are not medical professionals. Before you act on any information, you should remember to always consult your medical provider.
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