Disease Information
Use the links below to find information about various diseases and conditions. Be sure to scroll below the menu to read about Consumer Privacy before you start.
Find Out About Alternative and Complimentary Care
Is Your Family Member Having Trouble Finding a Doctor?
Prescription Drug Assistance - More Information
State Specific Pharmacy Assistance Programs
Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
Do You Know the Signs of a Stroke?If more people were able to identify the signs of stroke, medical assistance could be given more quickly. This could prevent some of the debilitating after effects of a stroke and could save a life. Do you know what the signs are? Doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
Another indicator of stroke: If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. |
In
North Carolina
UNC Hospital has a free service called HealthLink. Registered Nurses are available to discuss your immediate health concerns, answer questions you might have, provide you with health information and to help you make an appointment, if needed. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 919-966-7890.
North Carolina has a statewide health information and resources website. It provides direct links and is connected to a major health information database. Information can also be found in Spanish. This site is a joint project of UNC and the National Library of Medicine.
Consumer Privacy
The privacy of your medical records is important. There is now national legislation that governs how health care facilities must protect your personal health care information. However, that is not always enought. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse offers more in-depth information.
Also, be sure to properly evaluate the information that you access online. Typically, governmental sites offer reliable information as do those associated with universities.
Disease Information
National
Arthritis Foundation
a foundation supporting arthritis research and education and also acting
as a voice for those with arthritis to affect policy and legislation.
(3/2010)
National
Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases
one of the National institutes of Health. It conducts and supports basic
research on the normal structure and function of joints, muscles, bones,
and skin as well as research on the debilitating diseases affecting these
parts.
(3/2010)
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)
a professional organization representing allergists, clinical immunologists,
allied health professionals, and other physicians with an interest in
allergy. The AAAAI mission is to advance the knowledge and practice of
allergy, asthma, and immunology.
(3/2010)
National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
one of the National Institutes of Health. It supports scientists conducting
research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent
infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
(4/2010)
Ageless
Design
offering products designed to help you understand the unique challenges
of living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's and the impact
of the home environment. They also offer a magazine with articles such
as "Bathing Without a Battle" and "Travel Guidelines for Those with Dementia".
An activities page is offered that discusses more than 100 things to
do and topics to talk about for people with Alzheimer's Disease.
(3/2010)
AlzStore
a one-stop source of products for people with Alzheimer's Disease and
their caregivers. All items are selected by experts in the field and
are approved by the author of a book on securing your home for the
Alzheimer's patient.
(3/2010)
Ask
the Expert
offering a log of questions caregivers have asked about those with dementia and
their caregivers.
(3/2010)
Alzheimer's
Association
a source of information, support, and assistance on issues related to
Alzheimer's disease.
(3/2010)
Alzheimer's
Disease Centers
researchers at the 29 National Institute on Aging funded centers, housed
at major medical institutions across the nation, work to "translate research
advances into improved care and diagnosis for Alzheimer's patients while,
at the same time, focusing on the program's long-term goal - finding
a way to cure and possibly prevent Alzheimer's disease. Each center has
its own unique area(s) of emphasis. In North Carolina, Duke University
hosts a site at the Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research
Center.
(3/2010)
Joseph & Kathleen
Bryan Alz. Disease Research Center
one of the 27 national Alzheimer's Research Centers funded by the National
Institute on Aging. Their goals are to continue to improve the diagnosis,
management, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients and to translate
genetic discoveries into practical treatments and disease prevention.
They offer care for patients and their families, provide community outreach
programs, and various support services. This center is housed within
Duke University's Medical Center.
(3/2010)
Alzheimer's
Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)
the National Institute on Aging's (part of the National Institute of
Health) information site on Alzheimer's Disease, its impact, and research.
(3/2010)
Caregiving
for Alzheimer's Disease
a direct link to the section of the Mayo Clinic's website providing information
for Alzheimer's caregivers. Categories are: daily routines, family issues,
long-term considerations, self-care, support groups, Blogs, and ask an
Alzheimer's specialist.
(3/2010)
MedicAlert
Foundation
a non-profit membership organization which offers a 24-hour Emergency
Response Center.
(3/2010)
American
Cancer Society
a nationwide community-based organization dedicated to the fight against
cancer. This effort works through education, advocating for national
commitment to research, and encouraging a national comprehensive plan
to control cancer.
(3/2010)
Association
of Cancer Online resources, Inc.
a nonprofit organization, funded by private donations and service grants,
that creates, produces, hosts and manages a large number of online resources
for cancer patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and research
scientists.
(3/2010)
CancerCare
provides emotional support, information, and practical help to people
with cancer and their family members. All services are free of charge.
They offer: counseling and emotional support either individually or
through support groups, education, information, referrals to other
support services, information specific to financial needs, professional
consultations and educational programs, and "Special Needs" programs
specific to particular needs.
(3/2010)
National
Cancer Institute
one of the National Institutes of Health. The NCI is the Federal government's
principal agency for cancer research and a component of the National
Institutes of Health.
(3/2010)
Cancer
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine was established
in 1998 to coordinate and enhance the activities of the National Cancer
Institute. It is responsible for NCI’s research in complementary
and alternative medicine as it relates to cancer prevention, diagnosis,
treatment, and symptom management.
(3/2010)
Cancer
Information Service
a national information and education network designed to interpret and
explain research findings in a clear and understandable manner. The toll-free
number is 1-800-4-CANCER. Calls are answered by a Cancer Information
Specialist. All calls are confidential. Recorded information about cancer
is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(3/2010)
Physician
Data Query (Cancer Database)
a comprehensive cancer database, PDQ, which contains peer-reviewed summaries
of the latest information about cancer treatment, screening, prevention,
genetics, and supportive care, as well as a clinical trials directory.
(3/2010)
National
Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
a nonprofit organization founded by and for cancer survivors in 1986.
The Coalition is a nationwide network of organizations and individuals
working in the area of cancer support and information. The mission is
to lead and strengthen the survivorship movement, to empower cancer survivors,
and to advocate for policy issues that affect cancer survivors' quality
of life. The goal is to identify and address the needs of cancer survivors
and to advocate for change in health care delivery and policy to maximize
survivors' access to optimal treatment and support.
(3/2010)
Women's Cancer
Network
an interactive website dedicated to informing women about gynecologic
cancer through information about the disease, treatment options, and
experimental therapies. Also available is a confidential risk-assessment
questionnaire designed to give women a personalized understanding of
their individual risks of developing gynecologic cancer.
(3/2010)
Y-ME National
Breast Cancer Organization
an organization dedicated to helping women with breast cancer and their
families. A 24-hour national hotline with trained counselors, including
male counselors to assist spouses, is offered. Other services are: website
providing information, referrals, educational and support meetings, public
education seminars, a teen program, in-service workshops for health professionals,
publications, wig & prosthesis bank for those with limited resources,
and advocacy.
(3/2010)
Alternative
Medicine Foundation
a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide research and information
about alternatives to conventional western medicine.
(3/2010)
American
Holistic Health Association (AHHA)
a nonprofit organization that strives to educate the American public
about holistic approaches to creating and maintaining wellness. "AHHA
promotes enhancing health and well-being through personal responsibility,
considering the whole person (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual),
wellness-oriented lifestyle choices, and active participation in personal
health decisions and healing." They offer literature, resource and networking
lists, and lectures free of charge.
(3/2010)
American
Self-Help Clearinghouse
provides information, referrals, and links to national and international
self-help groups and models covering a wide range of illnesses, disabilities,
addictions, bereavement, and stressful life situations. Consultations
are also provided to help establish new types of self-help groups where
none currently exist.
(3/2010)
National
Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and one
of the National Institutes of Health. It was established by Congressional
mandate in 1998 to "facilitate the evaluation of alternative medical
treatment modalities" to determine their effectiveness. The Center disseminates
information on complementary and alternative medicine and conducts research
in this area. NCCAM funds nine specialty research centers to study complementary
and alternative treatments for specific health conditions. They study:
addictions; aging and women's health; arthritis; cardiovascular disease;
cardiovascular disease and aging in African Americans; chiropractic;
craniofacial disorders; neurological disorders; and pediatrics.
(3/2010)
Office of Cancer Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
an office of the National Cancer Institute. It is responsible for NCI’s research in complementary and alternative medicine as it relates to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management.
(3/2010)Office of Dietary Supplements
provides information on dietary supplements by "evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public...".
(3/2010)IBIDS
database on dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals
(3/2010)
National
Association for Continence
a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with
incontinence through education, advocacy and support for both the public
and professionals.
(3/2010)
Deafness
and Other Communication Disorders
one of the National Institutes of Health that deals with deafness and
other communication disorders. It has a mandate to conduct and support
biomedical and behavioral research and training in the normal and disordered
processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.
(3/2010)
NC
Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
addresses the needs and concerns of the deaf and hard of hearing through
services such as interpreters, advocacy, access to technology, and coordination
of human services.
(3/2010)
National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped
a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association that is committed,
through collaboration, to arranging comprehensive
dental treatment and long-term preventive services to needy disabled, elderly
or medically
compromised individuals through a national network of direct service programs
that involve
volunteer dentists and volunteer laboratories.
(3/2010)
American
Diabetes Association
a nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information,
and advocacy.
(3/2010)
National
Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases
one of the National Institutes of Health. It conducts and supports biomedical
research and disseminates research findings and health information to
the public in the area of diabetes, and digestive and kidney diseases.
(3/2010)
Disability
Resources, Inc.
a nonprofit organization established to promote and improve awareness,
availability, and accessibility of information that can help people with
disabilities to live independently.
(3/2010)
Disability
Databases
a database listing other databases that have a focus on disability information.
(3/2010)
a database of disability-related resources with custom search capability.
(3/2010)
an offered service where the web is searched regularly to find the best disability related resources available. Each site is then reviewed and then organized by topic or disability. Links are included. A selection criteria is employed. Searches are made by alphabet or by subject.
(3/2010)
Disabled
American Veterans
a non-governmental nonprofit association of wartime disabled veterans.
It provides a nationwide network of services free of charge to all veterans
and members of their families. Supported by membership dues and contributions,
their National Service Program employs staff who represent veterans and
their families, whether members or not, with claims for benefits from
the VA, the armed forces, the Social Security Administration, and other
governmental agencies. Also provided are counseling, employment services,
and assistance in gaining health care.
(3/2010)
Half
the Planet-The Disability Resource
a nonprofit organization that "supports the application of technology
to promote the values of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-independent
living, social inclusion, equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency,
and empowerment". They offer a vast array of links to sites related to
disabilities.
(3/2010)
Geriatric Evaluation and Treatment Centers
Duke
University Geriatric Evaluation and Treatment Center (GET)
a part of Duke's Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
providing services and resources for older adults (55+) and their families.
Primary services are: medical evaluation and treatment, psychiatric evaluation
and treatment, social evaluation and treatment, health maintenance examinations,
long-term care consultation, and a telephone information service to provide
facts about the medical and psychosocial issues of aging.
(3/2010)
Memory Care
a nonprofit corporation, located in Asheville, North Carolina, established
in 2000 to meet the need for appropriate assessment, treatment, and support
for memory-impaired individuals and their families. They work to provide
specialized medical care to older adults with memory loss, to educate
and support their caregivers, and to improve access to necessary support
services in the community. They offer an Eldercare Resource Center which
has received support from The Duke Endowment and the Community Foundation
of Western North Carolina. Their Memory Assessment Clinic and Eldercare
Resource Center provides direct services including caregiver support.
(3/2010)
UNC
Geriatric Evaluation Clinic
where seniors can obtain an in-depth psycho-social and health evaluation
with a Geriatric Inpatient Unit that specializes in working with seniors.
(3/2010)
Wake Forest
Univ. J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging & Rehabilitation
offers geriatric medicine, rehabilitation, and psychiatric services under
one roof. Included are:
(3/2010)
Senior Health Center Clinical Services
coordination of care of frail, older adults with multiple health problems. The Center is staffed by geriatricians and medical professionals. They provide primary care, geriatric assessment, and coordinate outpatient follow-up.
(3/2010)Geriatric Consultation Clinic
assess medical conditions, medications, memory disorders, daily functioning, and social supports.
(3/2010)
Better Hearing Institute
founded in 1973, this non-profit conducts research and engages in hearing
health education with the goal of helping people with hearing loss
to benefit from proper treatment.
(8/2010)
Publications
guides to help you with issues such as purchasing a hearing aid, tax credits, hearing loss, screenings, etc.
(8/2010)Online Hearing Check
offers an online hearing test where individuals can quickly and confidentially assess if they need a comprehensive hearing check by a hearing professional.
(8/2010)Prevention
strategies and tips for preventing hearing loss
(8/2010)
American
Heart Association
a not-for-profit voluntary health organization funded by private donations
whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease
and stroke.
(3/2010)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Find out information on symptoms, prevention, guidelines, and much more.
(3/2010)
National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
one of the National Institutes of Health. It provides research and education
related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases
of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood.
(3/2010)
National
Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases
one of the National Institutes of Health. It conducts and supports biomedical
research and disseminates research findings and health information to
the public in the area of diabetes, and digestive and kidney diseases.
(3/2010)
Duke
University Medical Center
a medical center dedicated to improving health through education, research,
and patient care.
(3/2010)
Duke Raleigh Hospital
a part of the Duke Health system located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
(3/2010)
Durham
Regional Hospital
a part of the Duke Health system located in Durham, North Carolina.
(3/2010)
Rex
Hospital/Healthcare
a private, nonprofit health care system located in Wake County. The hospital
has 394 acute care beds, cancer center, convalescent care center, heart
center, wellness center, and others. It is a part of the University of
North Carolina Health Care System.
(3/2010)
UNC
Hospital and Health Care System
a major medical center providing primary and specialized care to patients
throughout North Carolina.
(3/2010)
Wake
Medical Center
a private nonprofit health care system based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
It is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations and has a specialized Heart Center.
(3/2010)
American
Lung Association
a group fighting lung disease through education, community service, advocacy
and research.
(3/2010)
National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
one of the National Institutes of Health. It provides research and education
related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases
of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood.
(3/2010)
North
American Menopause Society
a membership organization devoted to helping people understand menopause
and to improve the quality of life for menopausal women.
(3/2010)
Men's
Health Network
a network dedicated to improving men's health, longevity, and quality
of life. This is accomplished through education, providing a clearinghouse
for information about men's health issues, securing information on health
care providers complimented by a referral service, and working to support
better government programs on men's health issues.
(3/2010)
4Therapy
a site providing information about various types of therapy and mental
health issues. Help with identifying and selecting a qualified psychotherapist
is provided through self-assessment questionnaires. Referrals are made
to member psychotherapists. To be considered for membership, mental-health
professionals must have malpractice insurance, be licensed or credentialed
in their state and define their expertise and specialties.
(3/2010)
American
Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
a group whose mission is to "enhance the knowledge base and standard
of practice in geriatric psychiatry through education and research and
to advocate for meeting the mental health needs of older Americans." A
geriatric psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training
in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders that may occur in
older adults such as dementia, depression, anxiety, and late-life schizophrenia.
(3/2010)
Internet
Mental Health
a "free encyclopedia of mental health information." This site provides
information on the most common mental disorders, has an online diagnostic
program, has information on the most common psychiatric medications,
offers a mental health magazine, and provides Internet links to other
mental health sites. The site is funded solely by a Canadian psychiatrist
with no corporate sponsors.
(3/2010)
MentalHealth Net
offers access to a number of support groups, discussion forums, chat-rooms
and resources related to mental health, psychology, and psychiatry on
the Internet.
(3/2010)
National
Institute of Mental Health
one of the National Institutes of Health. Its mission is to diminish
the burden of mental illness through research to better understand, treat,
and eventually prevent mental illness.
(3/2010)
National Mental
Health Information Center
contains mental health information related to US Department of Health and Human
Services research, programs, and policies. The database is easy to search and
has an extensive list of mental health areas identified (ex. addiction, alcoholism,
Alzheimer's disease, abuse, etc.)
(3/2010)
Well Spouse Foundation
a nonprofit organization that provides support to husbands, wives and partners
of the chronically ill and/or disabled. Their premise is that even though each
situation is unique, all well spouses face the same problems of anger, guilt,
fear, isolation, grief, and financial threat whether they are full-time caregivers
or whether their partners have only moderately disabling illnesses.
(3/2010)
National
Osteoporosis Foundation
a nonprofit whose mission is to reduce and ultimately eliminate osteoporosis
through research, education, and advocacy.
(3/2010)
National
Resource Center
provides a link to resources and information related to osteoporosis
and related bone diseases. The Center was established in 1994 with a
grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases
of the National Institutes of Health to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
It is operated by the National Osteoporosis Foundation and provides patients,
health professionals, and the public with resources and information on
metabolic bone diseases. A new focus is to expand efforts at awareness,
knowledge and understanding of the prevention, early detection and treatment
of osteoporosis and related bone diseases.
(8/2010)
American Pain
Foundation
a non-profit serving people with pain through information, advocacy,
and support. Their mission is to improve the quality of life of people
with pain by raising public awareness, providing practical information,
promoting research, and advocating to remove barriers and increase
access to effective pain management. They offer many publications on
pain including information on fibromyalgia, treatment options, and yoga
for chronic pain.
(4/2010)
American
Pain Society
an educational and scientific organization dedicated to serving people
in pain. Their mission is to advance pain-related research, education,
treatment and professional practice.
(3/2010)
Parkinson's
Disease Foundation
a national nonprofit whose purpose is to support and promote quality
research into the cause(s) and cure of Parkinson's disease and to promote
better treatment.
(3/2010)
Buying
Medicines and Products Online
a part of the US Food and Drug Administration site offering information
about how to safely buy medicines online, what questions to ask and what
to look out for.
(3/2010)
Needy
Meds
identifies, at no charge, pharmaceutical manufacturers that have special
programs to assist people who can't afford to buy the drugs they need.
The information is easily accessed by the cross-referencing of information
on drugs and their manufacturers. The drug companies are not charged
to have their information posted.
(3/2010)
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
brings together pharmaceutical
companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations
and community groups to help qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage
get free or low-cost medicines through the public or private program that's right
for them with no finders fee.
(3/2010)
RxAssist
a compilation of application criteria and forms for use by health care
providers applying for free pharmaceuticals for their qualified uninsured
patients. This program is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Free patient and medication tracking software is available to nonprofit
organizations, governmental agencies, and individual clinicians who
care for the uninsured.
(3/2010)
SeniorPharmAssist
a nonprofit organization based in Durham, NC working to help older adults
65+ obtain medicines they need and to avoid problem drug interactions.
Some financial assistance is available and medical counseling is a
key component of the service.
(3/2010)
Preventative Medicine and Wellness
American
College of Preventive Medicine
a member organization that is the national professional society for physicians
committed to disease prevention and health promotion.
(3/2010)
Food
Labels
a part of the US Food and Drug Administration site offering information
about food labels. Information includes how to interpret the labels,
how to use them, and nutrition information.
(3/2010)
Food Safety
a part of the US Food and Drug Administration site offering information
about a wide range of food safety issues. You can ask questions and
report problems.
(3/2010)
Health.gov
a government site offering a portal to government web sites related to
health.
(3/2010)
Healthfinder
a gateway, developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services,
to consumer health and human services information.
(3/2010)
Health
Promotion & Disease Prevention Information
the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
plans, directs, and coordinates a national program for the prevention
of premature mortality, morbidity, and disability due to chronic illnesses
and conditions and promotes the overall health of the population. It
maintains several databases, two of which are: Health Promotion and Education
and Cancer Prevention and Control. It also offers a "Health Topics A
to Z" searchable function.
(3/2010)
InteliHealth
a joint venture of Aetna US healthcare and Johns Hopkins University and
Health System to provide health information in a consumer friendly
manner. Provided information is reviewed and approved by experts at
Johns Hopkins.
(3/2010)
Lifelong
Fitness Alliance
a nonprofit organization devoted to information about, motivation toward, and
participation in exercise and fitness while aging.
(3/2010)
Mayo
Clinic
developed to provide health education to patients of the Mayo Clinic
and the general public. Readers get access to the experience and knowledge
of the more than 2,000 physicians and scientists of the Mayo Clinic.
(3/2010)
MedicAlert
Foundation
a nonprofit membership organization which offers a 24-hour Emergency
Response Center.
(3/2010)
MedicineNet
a site developed by US board-certified physicians providing medical information
written for consumers. They indicate that the content is not influenced
by advertisers, sponsors, companies, product offerings, or third parties.
Categories are: diseases and conditions, procedures and tests, medications,
dictionary, healthy living, current health news, first aid, poison
control centers, Doctors' perspective, treatment updates, and medical
links. The "dictionary" is what they call an "e-encyclopedic dictionary" in
that more in-depth information is provided. Again, it was written with
the consumer in mind, not health care professionals.
(3/2010)
MedlinePlus
a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of
Health. They offer many online tutorials about common conditions, videos of
surgical procedures, dictionaries, an encyclopedia, and a directory for physicians,
dentists, and hospitals.
(3/2010)
MyPyramid
Tracker
an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information
on your diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and
links to nutrient and physical activity information. This is a US Department
of Agriculture program.
(3/2010)
National
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
plans, directs, and coordinates a national program for the prevention
of premature mortality, morbidity, and disability due to chronic illnesses
and conditions and promotes the overall health of the population. It
maintains several databases, two of which are: Health Promotion and Education,
and Cancer Prevention and Control. It also offers a "Health Topics A
to Z" searchable function.
(3/2010)
National
Health Information Center
a governmental health information referral service. It offers a database
of 1,100 organizations and governmental offices that provide health information.
Publications are also available for download.
(3/2010)
Health
Information Resources Database
a listing, with direct links, to Federal government clearinghouses and
information centers. Many of the clearinghouses and information centers,
when accessed, provide links to multiple sites on the same or related
topics.
(3/2010)
Toll-Free
Numbers
a wealth of listings of toll-free numbers for organizations that provide
health-related information, education, and support. The organizations
may be accessed by category or by scrolling the entire list. This is
a 24 hour a day service.
(3/2010)
National
Institute of Health's Senior Health
makes aging-related health information easily accessible for family members and
friends seeking reliable, easy to understand online health information. Each
health topic includes general background information, open-captioned videos,
quizzes and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
(3/2010)
National Library
of Medicine
the world's largest biomedical library and one of the National Institutes of
Health in the US Department of Health and Human Services.
(3/2010)
MEDLINE
the National Library of Medicine's major medical database written for health professionals. It covers the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, and the preclinical sciences.
(3/2010)MedlinePlus
health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine. Designed for consumers.
(3/2010)
Find a Doctor, Dentist, or Specialist
(3/2010)ClinicalTrials.gov
provides information for patients about clinical research studies.
(3/2010)
DIRLINE
directory of health organizations online.
(3/2010)
PubMed Central
a digital archive of life sciences journal literature.
(3/2010)CAM on PubMed
search capability limited to the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) subset of PubMed.
(3/2010)TOXNET
databases on toxicology, environmental health, and hazardous chemicals.
(3/2010)NLM Health Topics
(3/2010)
NC Health
Info
an online guide to web sites of quality health and medical
information and local health services throughout North Carolina. A
key component of NC Health Info is the NC Go Local database, a collection
of web links to more than 5,000 web sites of local health facilities
in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties. This site is a joint
project of UNC and the National Library of Medicine.
(3/2010)
Office
of Dietary Supplements
provides information on dietary supplements by "evaluating scientific
information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research
results, and educating the public...".
(3/2010)
IBIDS
database on dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals
(3/2010)
Oldways
Preservation and Exchange Trust
a nonprofit whose objective is to encourage healthy eating by promoting
healthy food choices utilizing the foods of many cultures. The Harvard
School of Public Health and others have published "healthy eating pyramids" based
on the actual diets from different cultures. Available are: Asian, Latin,
Mediterranean, Vegetarian.
(3/2010)
Quackwatch
a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds,
myths, fads, and fallacies. It is funded through the sale of publications
and donations. There are no salaried employees and most of the profits
from the sale of the publications is used for research into the health
marketplace.
(3/2010)
United
States State and Local Gateway for Health
a government site offering easy access to health and safety information.
(3/2010)
American
Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
an organization of ABMS approved medical specialty boards. Their mission
is to maintain and improve the quality of medical care by assisting the
member boards as they work to develop and use professional and educational
standards for the evaluation and certification of physician specialists.
This certification of specialists by a member board of ABMS is designed
to ensure that the candidate has successfully completed an approved educational
program and has been evaluated on his/her knowledge, skills, and experience
required to provide quality patient care in the specialty.
(3/2010)
Doctor
Certification Service
provides a list of physicians that are board-certified specialists (per
membership by the physician on one of the 24 Boards of the ABMs). Information
is provided on the physician's certification(s) and the city and state
in which they practice. This is a registered service which requires entry
of some personal information.
(3/2010)
DocInfo
a database compiled by the The Federation of State Medical Boards to
provide information on whether a physician has had reported disciplinary
action. The Federation of State Medical Boards is a not-for-profit
organization comprised of the 69 state medical boards of the United
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin
Islands that collects and reports disciplinary actions taken against
physicians by regulatory and licensing entities throughout the United
States and a growing number of international locations. The fee for
access to this information is $9.95 per inquiry.
(3/2010)
American Hospital
Directory
a site providing on-line comparative data for most hospitals. Some data
is available for free but detailed information is available only to subscribers.
Search categories are: characteristics, financial reports, services,
inpatient utilization, outpatient statistics, and cost.
(3/2010)
American
Stroke Association
a Division of the American Heart Association emphasizing stroke research
and education.
(3/2010)
National
Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
one of the National Institutes of Health. It "conducts, fosters, coordinates,
and guides research on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
of neurological disorders and stroke, and supports basic research in
related scientific areas". NINDS also collects and disseminates research
information.
(3/2010)
National
Stroke Association
an organization whose mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of
stroke by changing the way stroke is viewed and treated through prevention,
treatment, rehabilitation, research and support for survivors and their
families.
(3/2010)
Air
Care Alliance
a group of 37 organizations providing help for individuals in need. To
find assistance in a particular area, call the National Patient Air Transportation
Hotline at 1-800-296-1217.
(3/2010)
Angel
Flight PA
a nonprofit organization of pilots and other volunteers who arrange free
private air transportation for medical patients who cannot afford to
utilize normal, commercial transportation. They also provide services
to blood, organ and tissue banks. As a part of the Air Care Alliance,
they typically serve the "Heartland of America." There is never a fee
to either the patient or the medical facility. Assistance in other areas
can be arranged by calling the National Patient Air Transportation Hotline
at 1-800-296-1217.
(3/2010)
Corporate Angel
Network
a national public nonprofit that coordinates travel needs for cancer
patients, bone marrow donors, and bone marrow recipients to get them
to recognized treatment centers nationwide, at no charge. Flights are
scheduled on corporate jets that have empty seats. Call 914-328-1313
or 866-328-1313 (toll-free).
(3/2010)
LifeLine
Pilots
a national nonprofit organization of over 500 private pilots who fly
ambulatory patients who cannot afford the cost of travel to medical facilities
for diagnosis and treatment. This service is free of charge to patients
who qualify. They operate in a fifteen state region in the Midwest but
link to other volunteer pilot organizations to assist people outside
this region.
(3/2010)
American Foundation
for the Blind
a nonprofit organization functioning as a resource for people who are
blind or visually impaired, the organizations that serve them, and the
public. Their mission is to help the blind and visually impaired to achieve
equality of access and opportunities through information, identification
of relevant issues, education, and audio materials.
(3/2010)
Lighthouse
International
a nonprofit organization, based in New York, functioning as a leading
resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. The
organization provides assistance for individuals with vision impairment,
training for professionals who serve them, adaptive tools, and advocacy
and information services.
(3/2010)
Low
Vision Information Center
a nonprofit organization providing information and referral related to
eye diseases and programs about low vision, hands-on demonstrations of
adaptive products, and outreach and education. Some low vision aids are
available for purchase.
(3/2010)
National
Eye Institute
one of the National Institutes of Health. This Institute supports more
than 80% of the vision research conducted in the US The NEI's mission
is to attempt to discover safe and effective methods to prevent, diagnose,
and treat diseases and disorders of the visual system.
(3/2010)
NC
Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
provides treatment, rehabilitation, education and independent living
alternatives for the blind and visually impaired.
(3/2010)
Women
and Cardiovascular Disease
a part of the American Heart Association web site presenting facts on women's
heart disease and stroke.
(3/2010)
Women's Cancer Network
an interactive website dedicated to informing women about gynecologic
cancer through information about the disease, treatment options, and
experimental therapies. Also available is a confidential risk-assessment
questionnaire designed to give women a personalized understanding of
their individual risks of developing gynecologic cancer.
(3/2010)
Women's Health
Information Center
a national women's health information center. It is a service of service of the
Office on Women's Health in the US Department of Health and Human Services. 1-800-994-9662
(3/2010)
Women's
Health Program
a part of the US Health resources and Services Administration working
to ensure that its policies and programs reflect the health needs of
women and girls, especially minorities and those who are most vulnerable.
This is accomplished by incorporating the unique needs of women and girls
into education and training activities, community-based health services,
and research. Race, ethnicity, culture and socioeconomic factors along
with other life experiences are taken into account.
(3/2010)
Discharge
Planning Checklist 
