Consumer Health

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat a disease. Clinical trials may also compare a new treatment to a treatment that is already available.

ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. Provides you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details.

Changes in our health are inevitable as we get older. But while doctors tell us to focus on the basics — eat right, exercise and keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check— is there more that we need to know about staying well as we age? In this special section, you'll be able to learn the best that science and medicine can offer for taking care of yourself. You can also test your knowledge and read more health news at the Well blog.

This tool has detailed information about every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. The site also includes tips on what to look for and alternatives to nursing home care.

Consumer health focus, present the most relevant and trusted health information on the web.
Content includes:
* Health topics, surgical videos
* Drugs and supplements
* Medical encyclopedia & Dictionary
* Directories

Director Carolyn Clancy, M.D., has prepared brief, easy-to-understand advice columns for consumers to help navigate the health care system. They will address important issues such as how to recognize high-quality health care, how to be an informed health care consumer, and how to choose a hospital, doctor, and health plan.

Let Uncle Sam help you stop smoking! Learn about different tools to help you quit and how to use them.

A brief tutorial to make some of the words your Doctor might use easier to understand. Produced by the National Library of Medicine.