Health Kick 2002 Conference
Emporia State University
June 13, 2002
Healthy Surfin'
Bill Stinson & Dusti Howell
Emporia State University
Stinsonb@emporia.edu
howelldu@emporia.edu
This presentation will explore a variety of health-related web sites, search basics for the internet, and criteria for evaluating a good informational web site.
General Techniques
Technology Tips for Teachers
A helpful place to begin to learn and become efficient at educational internet searches is to heed another educator’s advice. "Tammy’s Technology Tips for Teachers" site is an excellent example. It describes a variety of ways to use the internet and computers in the classroom.
Searching (Surfing) the Web
This informative website is simply designed for elementary students on up. It is a great way to learn how to surf.
http://www.worldsofsearching.org/
Criteria for Evaluating Web Resources
The following resource site contains helpful guidelines for evaluating a website. It explores the issues of scope, authority, currency, accuracy, audience, purpose, organization structure and design in determining the usefulness and appropriateness of a web resource.
http://www.internationalstudies.org/evalweb2.htm
Filtering Websites
There are several options available to teachers
and parents for filtering and controlling internet information intended for
children and youth. The three basic options are browser, software and ISP based
filtering. You may need to consult your school technology support person for
help in accomplishing this task. These are listed in order of effectiveness.
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a) Dial-up filters (Server - ISP based) | Cleanweb (www.cleanweb.net)
4700 cities with local dial-up Bsafe Online (www.bsafehome.com) no password overrides; works with existing connection; $40 a year; Windows only; any ISP; any browser. Blocks newsgroups, Peer to Peer Programs, and proxy sites used by some to bypass filters. (www.bsafehome.com/criteria.asp) |
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b) Software filters | CYBERsitter (www.cybersitter.com)
PC Magazine "Editors" Choice Award for the last two years. Works
with Chat, newsgroups and email; Windows only; $40 Cyber Patrol (www.cyberpatrol.com) Rated very high in PC Magazine (September 25, 2001, p. 103). Windows and Mac; $50 We-Blocker (www.we-blocker.com) Windows only; free; Parental filtering. |
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c) Browser filters | 1. Using the Internet Content
Rating Association Internet Explorer (PC) go to Tools > Internet Options > Content tab Internet Explorer (Mac) go to MacEdit > Preferences > Ratings 2. Netscape Navigator go to Edit > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Images (turn off images) 3. Cache and History surveillance |
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| *) Accountability Resources (Not filters) | Investigator (www.winwhatwhere.com)
Uses keystroke tracking to monitor every key pressed. Very hard to detect,
emails screen captures and all keys pressed even if deleted. $100 software
used by over 200,000 people including the FBI. (CNN
article) Covenant Eyes (www.cvnt.net) This program monitors every web site you visit, scans each site for text and records time spent on-line and sends an e-mailed report to accountability partner(s). Windows only. Don't work with some filters. |
Health Specific Techniques
Health Information on the Internet
The site "Your Health IS Your Business" is a good example of how health professionals have grouped a variety of health topics/information into one convenient place. You can access nearly any type of health information that is online with this type of source.
http://www.siu.edu/departments/bushea/
Locating Addresses for Health Professionals
Perhaps you have heard a speaker at a conference or read an article and wanted to ask the author or presenter a question, there are sources which contain names and addresses of professionals in the field. The following is a source for this type of information. Also, you may "surf" individual’s name and find similar results.
Health Listservs
A listserv is a group of people who have a common interest and wish to discuss various issues related to that common interest. Two of the most common ways to find a listserv of interest is to search the website of a health/medical/educational organization or simply use the words "health listservs" for a search to see what is available.
Video/Audio Websites
Websites can be very innovative with sound and video clips. As attractive as these sites are they may require additional tools to take advantage of their special effects. The following site, "Brain Pops" is such an example.
A Sampling of Health-Related Websites
The following websites are arranged according to the ten comprehensive school health areas. They are just a beginning to finding that the internet is an invaluable source of information for health and wellness. These sites are just a sampling of what is available yet they contain listings of other resource links that you may want to explore.
Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Use
This is a link from the "Awesome Library" site that leads the reader to a variety of resources on smoking. Aimed primarily at teens, the site offers anything from basic information to assistance and posters in promotion of smoking cessation.
http://www.addictions.net/adoles.htm
This site addresses teen substance abuse. There are many areas covered within this site. Areas addressed are: Alcoholics Anonymous, alcohol use, denial, depression, drug users, dry drunks, history, media influence, programs in school, stages, teen use, terminology, treatment approach, types of drugs, and warning signs.
http://www.teenchallenge.com/main/guide/index.html
This site is a great resource for parents and teachers. It addresses common signs, a listing of drugs, prevention tips, what parents can do, alcohol and youth, a tip sheet for parents, a parent guide to abuse, drug proofing children, and are you helping or hurting your child. This could aid teachers in becoming more aware of abusive signs.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
http://www.ipl.org/cgi-bin/youth/youth.out.pl?sub=hea3000
This site is aimed at mid to upper elementary aged children. It provides specific information in a fun way to educate children on the benefits of healthy eating.
This site is dedicated to those who are looking to recover from the curse of eating disorders, and to those who wish to understand the world in which persons afflicted with eating disorders live.
http://www.4woman.gov/bodyimage/
Another great site for teens! Full of links and interesting, easy to read information on eating disorders of women.
This in the national website for the American Dairy Council and its edcuational materials.
This is a wonderful site for parents and educators. It contains links for parents, children, and teachers. The teacher link not only includes lessons, but other web sites that are a great help.
Family Life Education
"The National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health provides national leadership to the maternal and child health community in three key areas--program development, policy analysis and education, and state-of-the-art knowledge–to improve the health and well-being of the nation's children and families." The site offers information ranging from disease prevention to nutrition.
http://www.allhealth.com/womens/gen/0,4260,4_221730,00.html
Discusses the taboo topic of infertility. Addresses area of aging, infertility drugs and conquering infertility.
http://www.familyeducation.com
This is a great family site. Its links are hot topics, which covers items that are current issues for families. There is a school help section, and a parenting challenge section. One of the links covers concerns families may have with children with special needs. The last area covers family activities that include all family members.
http://www.hec.ohio-state.edu/famlife
This site has several links. There are links that not only have information for professionals, there is an educational resource access. This site gives programs that are held to aid in family life education, and it also has information on how families can use technology to help them find the information they need.
Mental and Emotional Health
http://helping.apa.org/changeyourmind/index.html
Site aimed a helping teens understand and accept their emotions. Offers signs & symptoms of depression and how to get help.
http://www.apa.org/pi/pii/teen/homepage.html
A site for teens focusing on love and dating. Addresses several topics regarding relationships and how to help one another through this difficult period. Contains a link to the Healthy Adolescents Project from which this site was an outgrowth.
http://www.1stpm.org/index.html
This site contains information about several disorders. There are several personal accounts from others that have suffered form these diseases to try to help others with their own difficulties.
This site has information on various disorders and treatments. It covers problems that may occur all with resources and current research.
Environmental Health
"The mission of the Office of Epidemiologic Studies is to expand the understanding of health effects of radiation, chemicals, and other hazards to Department of Energy workers and the public."
http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/column.asp?PageType=column&ID=59
Article by Leo Galland M.D., F.A.C.N. who discusses how to make and keep your home an environmentally safer place to live.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/home.html
This site has information on all aspects of environmental health. It has copies of newsletters and includes projects the government is doing to improve the environment. It also includes a kid’s page for children to access to learn more about the environment.
Injury Prevention and Safety
http://theepicenter.com/howto.html
"The Epicenter.com" offers detailed information regarding disaster preparedness. The reader will find in depth recommendations for being prepared for emergencies at home, work or in the car. Highly recommended site!
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/adoldoc.html
Site with ample information for teens on the job. Provides help for how to prevent and handle work injuries as well as legal guidelines for working teens.
http://www.fema.gov/kids/index.htm
Excellent site from FEMA to help kids prepare for and deal with disaster.
http://www.injurycontrol.com/icrin
This site includes Federal and State agencies along with injury data and statistics. It includes education and training along with injury specific resources.
Personal Health and Fitness
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/health/parent/index.htm
This is a sub-site to the Glencoe Health site focusing specifically on parents and family health. The "Parent Site" offers parents the opportunity to review concepts and activities that their children may be studying in health if they are using the Glencoe curriculum. It also provides information that hopes to lead parents to the opportunity to discuss important issues that affect the health and well-being of the entire family.
This site offers a fun "Longevity Game" in which you answer a brief questionnaire with the result at the end being your anticipated life span.
http://www.biofitness.com/aerobict.html
The BioFitness Institute "Workout Planning Specialist" school, is an open screen classroom that allows people to learn functional workout planning tools at their own pace in an applicable manner.
http://library.thinkquest.org/12153/
Great site for teens and older "designed to improve your health, both physically and mentally." Includes an easy "fitness level" quiz.
http://www.hoptechno.com/book11.htm
This is a great web site for those that are considering becoming physically active. Not only does it break down the components of becoming physically fit, it defines the importance of total fitness and it being a lifelong commitment.
http://www.justmove.org/home.cfm
This site is endorsed by the American Heart Association. It includes an area for an exercise diary to track your workouts. There is updated fitness news along with a section to check what level of fitness category you personally fall in.
Disease Prevention and Control
http://www.healthfinder.gov/HTMLGen/HFKeyword.cfm?Keyword=hepatitis+c
A site of links targeted at education and prevention of Hepatitis C.
http://www.applesforhealth.com/distressbody1.html
A segment of "applesforhealth.com, super search the health web" addressing subtle warning signs of a distressed body. While acute pain & high fever are definite signs of a problem, this site presents other, less obvious symptoms that should not be ignored.
Provides information about Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
This is the CDC site for National Prevention Informational Network. This site covers HIV/AIDS, STD’s and TB prevention. There are resources and services available on this site.
Community Health
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/asthma/friendly.htm
"How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School?" assists schools in determining their level of preparedness and response to those students who are asthmatic. It also offers scores of links to additional asthma related information. In a day when asthma is on the rise and becoming of critical concern, this is a great starting point for school nurses and/or administrators.
http://www.amsa.org/cph/cph.cfm
Designed by the American Medical Student Association, this site is part of the association’s commitment to "promote understanding of public health in order to improve community health interventions." Touches on children’s health insurance and encourages other medical students to get involved in community clinics.
http://www.thecommunityguide.org/home_f.html
Provides health professionals and community leaders with information needed for informed decision making on the most effective public health strategies, policies and programs for their communities.
This is a site that encompasses all aspects of health. Not only does is cover the business and finance parts of health, it gives databases and directories, plus educational institutions and hospitals. There is information on alternative medicine, diseases and conditions, plus exercise and fitness. Any information you want is available on this site.
This is the US Department of Health and Human Services. This site includes current news, agencies and a link for kids. This site has information on all aspects of community health.
Consumer Health
This is a COMPREHENSIVE site containing numerous links to other sites offering a myriad of references for every imaginable health topic.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/kids/
Information for every member of the family ranging from food safety to vaccinations to animal/pet safety. Offers segments for kids, teens and parents.
http://www.fbi.gov/fbikids.htm
GREAT site to help kids AND parents learn more about Internet safety. Excellent resource for school officials.
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/index.html
This site has a variety of links for children, from everyday illnesses to a word glossary for children.
http://www.nnlm.nlm.nih.gov/scr/conhlth/chforkids.htm
This site is from the National Network of Libraries of
medicine. It is a consumer for kids site. It has several areas that are covered,
and includes many web links.
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