Useful websites

More and more health information can be found online. Here are some useful and trustworthy websites.

List of general health information websites

  • Ask Your Pro
    A question and answer service created by Quebec health professionals (pharmacists, podiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, etc.). You can browse questions submitted by others and already answered. If your question was not yet asked, you can fill a form and receive an email when a health professional answers it. The answers are reliable and the service is confidential and free.
  • Drugs.com 
    Provides accurate and independent information prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and natural products. It can help you identify your medication and check for drug interactions. The website is certified for compliance with the HONcode.
  • Drug and medications A to Z 
    Information on prescription drugs in Canada.
  • Health Canada
    The Government of Canada provides latest health news, recalls and safety alerts, laws and regulations, including a database of natural health products licensed in Canada.
  • JAMA Patient Information
    The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) provides the latest easy-to-read patient information on common conditions.
  • Lab Tests Online 
    The American Association for Clinical Chemistry helps patients and caregivers understand different laboratory tests. The site provides test descriptions, a library of conditions and diseases, and a screening guide.
  • Mayo Clinic (English, Spanish, and more)
    The highly-ranked Mayo Clinic (USA) provides trustworthy information on diseases and health conditions. It is certified for compliance with the HONcode.
  • MedlinePlus (English & Spanish)
    From the U.S. National Library of Medicine for patients and caregivers. The site brings easy-to-read, trustworthy and up-to-date information about diseases, conditions and wellness, including videos, tools, and a medical encyclopedia.
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
    The Government of Canada provides public health notices, information and fact sheets on infectious diseases, chronic diseases, vaccines, food safety, and more.
  • Verywell Health
    P    artnered with the Cleveland Clinic (USA), this website provides easy-to-read information on health and wellness topics, including mental health, fitness, pregnancy, and more. It is certified for compliance with the HONcode.

List of websites on specific health topics, conditions and populations

  • AboutKidsHealth  (English, French, and many other languages)
    The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (Canada) provides trustworthy and evidence-based health information about children’s health.
  • Alzheimer Society
    The Alzheimer Society of Canada provides information about dementia.
  • Canadian Cancer Society
    Up-to-date and accurate cancer information that’s easy to read and understand.
  • Canadian Diabetes Association
    Provide information on diabetes risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, and a dictionary of terms.
  • Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
    Resources for men’s health organized by topic, including brochures and “know your numbers” guides.
  • HealthyWomen
    An independent not-for-profit website from the USA providing trustworthy information on women’s health.
  • Heart & Stroke Foundation
    A Canadian website providing information on heart disease and stroke, signs, treatments, and prevention.
  • National Institute on Aging
    The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services brings trustworthy information on aging, as well as tips for doctor-patient communication, exercise, and an A-Z glossary of health topics.
  • Sex & U  
    The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada provides information on sex and sexuality.
  • What’s Next for Me
    A Canadian guide to emergency contraception options from the Women’s College Hospital.
  • Women’s Health Matters 
    A multilingual website from Canada with information on birth control, sexual health, mental health, nutrition, and many other topics.

Some websites that provide information on complementary and alternative health

  • Health Canada – Licensed Natural Health Products Database
    The Licensed Natural Health Products Database brings information about natural health products that have been assessed by Health Canada and found to be safe.
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health  (English, Spanish)
    The National Institute of Health (USA) provides information and consumer tips on complementary and alternative health topics, including interactive modules on making informed decisions and understanding scientific topics and research. You will also find a guide on how to evaluate online resources on complementary health approaches.

Glossaries of medical terms

  • What Did My Doctor Say?
    A glossary of general health words used by your doctor or nurse, put together by the Medical Library Association (USA).
  • NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms  (English, Spanish)
    A list of terms related to cancer and medicine from the National Cancer Institute (USA).
  • Medical Encyclopedia  (English, Spanish)
    An encyclopedia with articles about diseases, tests, symptoms, injuries, and surgeries from MedlinePlus (USA).

Additional lists of trustworthy health information resources

The information found here is not intended to replace the advice of a health professional. For your specific health care needs, consult a doctor or another health professional.

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