Genetics and Public Health Information To Trust
Welcome, ProBlogger readers! You may be wondering why I keep referring to the Genetics and PUBLIC Health Blog. That was the first incarnation of this blog under About Weblogs. I’m still the same person and the content is still the same, but our name has been streamlined. Hope you’ll find this “meme” helpful and informative.
If you answer these questions for your blog, let me know via comments, trackbacks, or e-mail so I can add you to the honor roll.
Every day, as I scan through scads of news and information on genetics, medicine, and public health, I’m astounded by the amount of information available online. And not a day passes that I don’t spot some kind of misinformation that gets my heart rate and blood pressure up. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, lists the following 10 Things To Know about Evaluating Medical Resources on the Web.
1. Who runs this site?
2. Who pays for the site?
3. What is the purpose of the site?
4. Where does the information come from?
5. What is the basis of the information?
6. How is the information selected?
7. How current is the information?
8. How does the site choose links to other sites?
9. What information about you does the site collect, and why?
10. How does the site manage interactions with visitors?
Here are my answers to these questions as they pertain to Genetics and Health.
1. Who runs this site?
Genetics and Health is part of the About Weblogs Network b5media blog network, which is a privately owned network of blogs focusing on “passions, personal growth and lifestyles.” I am a PhD genetic epidemiologist who was involved in full-time research for both universities and private companies and am now a consultant and writer. I’ve had a passion for medicine and disease prevention for over 20 years and have been working in the healthcare field since 1990.
2. Who pays for the site?
Thus far, the Network survives from revenue generated by Google ads and other affiliate programs. None of the information here at Genetics and Health is bought or sold.
3. What is the purpose of the site?
The genomic revolution is going to be a huge influence on our everyday lives in the 21st century. I’m finding, however, that many people don’t understand the basics about genetics and how it relates to their own health as well as the health of the public. The purpose of Genetics and Health is not just to cut-and-paste news stories, but to provide succinct summaries highlighting key points. In addition, you’ll find valuable commentary from me and other qualified professionals.
4. Where does the information come from?
I scan Google News every day to see what genetics and health news is making the biggest buzz. I also routinely read scientific magazines/journals, such as Scientific American, Nature, and American Journal of Epidemiology. Other science blogs also provide inspiration (please see blogroll in far right column).
5. What is the basis of the information?
As a scientist, I was trained to always reference source material. So, in every post, you can follow the links to the articles and websites I researched for more information. Also, I try to make the distinctions between hard data, my opinions, and other people’s opinions as clear as possible.
6. How is the information selected?
Unlike a scientific journal, magazine, or newspaper, there is no editor for Genetics and Health. Hence, like most other blogs, there is no fact checker other than myself. I rely on you, my readers, to correct me when I’m mistaken and to share your experiences. I welcome all comments whether you agree with me or not.
7. How current is the information?
I read the news and write posts for Genetics and Health every day so the blog is updated as quickly as I can read and write. Some topics, however, are not as time-sensitive so I may pull information from sources that are farther back in time. Whenever possible and necessary, I review and update old posts with new information.
8. How does the site choose links to other sites?
Genetics and Health never links to any site that asks, or pays, for a link. The links I provide are only to other sites that I respect or contain relevant information.
I have no influence over the Google ads which are generated automatically by Google based on the content of the blog. I will sometimes show an Amazon.com button for a book I mention in a post for your convenience. I never write anything with the thought of making money in mind.
9. What information about you does the site collect, and why?
AboutWeblogs.com never sells or rents your private details to anyone. Please see the AboutWeblogs.com Privacy Policy for more information.
10. How does the site manage interactions with visitors?
I love to receive comments so please don’t be shy in expressing your opinions or asking any questions you might have in the comments section available after each post. I am open to different points of view and will always treat you with respect. If you would like to contact me privately, please e-mail me at hsienlei@b5media.com with the subject Genetics and Health (so your e-mail won’t get treated as spam).
I hope that these answers will increase your trust and confidence in Genetics and Health. It would be a great public service if other websites and blogs would answer these questions in a straightforward and honest manner.
If you have a science/medicine/public health/health blog, would you consider posting your answers too?
For more information, please see Genetics and Health is Alive!.
Great idea Lei! I’ll probably be doing the same shortly
Thanks, Brad. Trackback or leave a link when you do!
Great, informative site, keep it up. Please check out mine at http://anthonylemons.blogsp...
Thanks, Anthony. I will pop over to your blog and take a look ASAP.
I kind of feel a bit guilty writing about nutrition and health when I am not an expert, but I believe it still a good thing if non-professional people also talk about health, as long as they are upfront with their knowledge and experience.
Thanks,
Mike
http://www.japanesediet.info
Mike: Thanks for the comment. No need to feel guilty! Just as you said, if you openly disclose your background, readers can better assess whether to trust you or not. These questions help to build that trust. One of my main missions in blogging is to empower people to take charge of their health and non-expert blogs do just that. I think it’s great.
I just read your post on Darren’s blog about ethics, and, funny thing is, that the first time I heard/read about your blog was when I was reading a Carnival of Compassion article that mentioned your research on the Stathim gene. (Please, forgive me if I misspelled it.) I’m very excited about finding your site and look forward to learning alot from you, ESPECIALLY, now that I’ve read this entry. I’m so impressed with your ethical conduct and the fact that you WANT to be so upfront with who you are and what your purpose is, that it actually makes me feel more secure and trusting in the information you’ll provide. It’s so refreshing to find a scientist/doctor with the humility to actually admit that there may be occasions that you’re wrong or your info is “off”. People like you deserve to be respected. I mean, from what I’ve read, you’re obviously careful about researching the information you provide and are well-educated. Keep up the good work. Thank you for participating in the Carnival as it is such an important work. And, finally, have a very Happy Christmas and holiday season!
Jessica: Thanks for the nice comment! This blog means a lot to me and I hope it will not only prove to be informative, but interesting as well. With something as important as our health, we can’t afford to trust just anybody. And I hope people feel they can trust me.
Btw, you spelled stathmin perfectly.
As a certified personal trainer with a blog, I think your idea is excellent. Many of us personal trainers are trying to bring more professionalism to our industry, and I will pass this along to my colleagues.
Thanks,
Stephen Cooper
Stephen: Thanks for comment! Being open and honest about our qualifications should definite boost professionalism. Someday, I also hope to hire a personal trainer too.
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My name is Linda and I live in Orlando. Is there a way to get this blog feed in my email?
Thanks for the information. My husband was looking for this.
Gayle: Glad to be of help.
Good idea.
I will be doing this on my site soon- when I am less “fibro-fogged”!
Hoping to do my part for the arthitis and fibromyalgia community by putting by training to good use!
Thanks! I’ll be waiting for your link.
Hsien, you and I have corresponded before, but I just noticed that our blogs started at similar times–April, 2005. Congratulations to us both for completing that critical first year.
The geneforum blog, Genetizen, is listed on your blog list, but I can see that we need to move up the ladder to make it to your “trusted” sites list. Thanks for the challenge! I intend to answer the 10 questions and finally get around to HON certification.
You and I have a different focus, based–I believe on the same values of honesty and accuracy. As you already know, we’re both Hopkins grads–but, my PhD in genetics was earned MANY years ago.
Geneforum’s focus is educating the public so they can make public policy decisions consistent with accurate information and their personal beliefs. I hope your readers will hop over sometime.
Thanks for the comment, Marie. Congratulations on your one-year blogging anniversary. We had a good time celebrating too!
Send me the link to your post answering the 10 questions, I’d be happy to add you to the honor roll.
Hmm. Don’t suppose there’s a chance of a sub group, like a ‘patient’ logo, or ‘parent of patient[s]‘ logo that might be a little more appropriate for us mere amateurs?
Cheers dears and best wishes
mcewen: Hi there! You don’t have to be a medical expert to answer those questions truthfully. In fact, almost all bloggers could answer them in some shape or form. If you do it, let me know so I can add you to my list of participants!
Thanks! I found some way of evaluating medical blogs to read. Check out mine, I tried to answer the question too http://orthologbook.blogspot.com/2007/09/about.html. Thanks again