Organizations that offer health information on their Web sites can support this in three ways. They can: 

1. provide the right content (the "what") 
2. support health-promoting processes (the "how") 
3. be based on health promotion values. 

Health promoting content: the "what" of it

Web sites that are truly health promoting offer the most up-to-date and credible information. This information is also balanced, meaning that it presents more than one side of an issue. 

But more than that, these sites recognize that many things affect how healthy we are. The first things people often think of are our lifestyle and the medical care we receive. But other factors are very important as well, like: 

• the social support we have available — do we have a strong circle of family, friends and community? 
• the amount of control we have over our lives — how much say do we have in the important things that affect us? 
• the quality of our lives — is our home comfortable, and do we have enough money to stay safe and healthy? 
• the environment we live in — what are the conditions in our communities, schools, workplaces? 

• develop personal skills, 
• connect with other people and groups that have similar concerns, and 
• deal successfully with health professionals and others in your community.

Health promotion values

Behind all the content and processes are important values. A health promoting Web site will relate to you, include you, and show respect and caring toward you. 

One element of a useful Web site is to be accessible: the authors make careful choices about language and literacy level, and set up the site so that even people with older computers can still get and use the information. 

The organizations producing the sites will also involve you, by encouraging you to interact with them, give feedback, and take part in other meaningful ways. 

Checklist

So how can you tell at a glance if a Web site is health promoting? Here are some things to consider. 
 

	Does the Web site reflect a broad view of health? For example, does its content seem to recognize that health  has many elements  is dynamic and changing  can be different for different groups of people, and  is determined by many factors, including basic things like income?
	Does the Web site support a variety of activities? For example, is there mention of ways to address your concerns through, for example, community-building or advocacy?
	Does the Web site make itself accessible to groups with all types of income, education, culture and other similar factors? For example, if users can download information from the site, is there a toll-free number so people without the proper software can get the information they need in another format?
	Does the Web site give you opportunities to participate? For example, is there an e-mail address where you can write to offer feedback, make suggestions, or get involved in actions in your area of concern?
	Does the Web site treat you with respect? For example, is the "voice" the site uses to talk to readers friendly? An example of an unfriendly voice is one that seems to place all of the responsibility for health on the individual; a friendly, health promoting site would recognize the many other factors that affect people’s health.

 

This checklist was adapted from a document prepared for CHN by the Centre for Health Promotion, University of Toronto. For more information on Health Promotion, please see CHN's Health Promotion page and Health Promotion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). For more information on the many factors that affect health, please see CHN's Determinants of Health page and Determinants of Health Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

	Is the resource credible? Is the author’s name (or the name of the organization responsible for the document) clearly stated? If the author is identified, is he or she a professional or accredited authority on the subject? If not, does the author state his/her perspective on the subject (for example, by saying "I’m a cancer survivor," or "I’ve used chiropractors for 10 years")? If an organization is responsible for the information, is it a reputable organization recognized as an authority on the subject? If medical information is given by a non-professional, is this clearly said? What kinds of evidence are provided to endorse a specific treatment or service? (Keep in mind that scientific studies and research have a different credibility than first-hand experience.) Does the site provide contact information about the author (for example, full name, address, phone number, e-mail address)?
	Is the content suitable? Does the content discuss the issue(s) you’re interested in? Is there enough detail or does the information seem superficial? Does the site have original content or does it only link to other sites?
	Is the information relevant to you? Does it match what you are looking for? Is the information presented within a Canadian context?
	Is the resource timely? Is the information reviewed and/or updated often enough given the content? (For example, if it deals with the latest in safety features on child car seats, has it been changed lately?) Is the date of the last update clearly marked on each item or screen? If information is only valid for a short time, is this fact clearly labelled?
	Is there clear and adequate disclosure? Is the author’s interest and/or mandate in developing and sharing this information clear (for example, a non-profit organization trying to promote exercise and active living or a fitness product company trying to sell you exercise equipment)? Is there potential for bias or conflict of interest (for example, a company telling you that only their product or service is valuable)? Are both (or all) sides of the issue presented? If not, does the resource state that it presents only one side of an issue? (For example, an anti-abortion site should make its politics clear and not present itself as a family planning site.) Are commercial links and/or sponsorships clearly stated? Are these sponsorships separate from the health information content? If the site collects or requests information about you, do they tell you exactly why they want this information? Are their privacy guidelines stated? If you have to register to use the site, is the reason clear and your privacy ensured?
	Are there clear caution statements? Does the site offer a clear statement that health information should not be taken as health advice or a substitute for visiting a health professional? If there are fees associated with use of the resources on the site, are they clearly explained?
	Is the site user-friendly? Is the information presented in a clear manner? Can you contact the author/administrator by e-mail if you have difficulties using the site?