The wealth of information available on the internet makes it possible to explore nearly any health care topic with just a few clicks. If you’re looking for support to help you manage an illness or to improve your overall wellness, you have many options available. These avenues will connect you with the right information at the right time, so you can get the answers you need at any step in the information-gathering process.

Online Communities

Online communities provide a powerful way for patients to gather information, share ideas, and compare experiences. These communities come in many forms. While some do have qualified health care professionals weighing in on medical issues, the majority belong to patients. An online community is a good place to turn for peer-to-peer support.

Patients struggling with an illness or other condition often become some of the best experts in day-to-day management. Online communities can connect the newly diagnosed with those who already have hard-earned experience with a particular problem, offering valuable opportunities to make meaningful connections.

Information Databases

Though it’s often difficult to know what’s reliable on the web and what’s merely opinion, there are many databases that are packed with information you can use to understand and manage your health better. Drugs.com is one of the best of these, offering a massive database of more than 24,000 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. The right database can give you access to massive repositories of information you can then take back to your health care provider when you’re ready to learn more.

Reliable Websites

Many web sites are available that will give you access to immediate support and information when you’re interested in exploring a topic in greater depth. While there’s no replacement for a qualified health care provider, online resources can give you a faster answer when you’re concerned about sensitive issues and don’t want to wait. Whether you’re concerned about spotting while on birth control pills, or you want tips on distinguishing which pill is right for you, you can get quick access to simple answers using resources such as Nurx, an online Birth Control service.

Live Chats

Thanks to the convenience of the internet, you don’t always have to go into your doctor’s office anymore to chat with a physician. There are many live chat services that will allow you to connect with health care professionals. Doctor2U lets you chat free with pharmacists, nutritionists, and doctors. Other sites, like Practo and A.D.A.M.s Ask a Doctor charge a fee.

Many physicians’ offices now connect with patients virtually as well. You may have the option to send your health care provider a message via his or her online portal to address common questions and concerns. This is a timesaving alternative to scheduling an appointment and going into the office. One of the top benefits of this approach is that your doctor can easily let you know if your concern warrants a visit, so you’re better informed about when you should or shouldn’t make an appointment.

Turning to the right online resources, you can access valuable information that will make it easier to manage your health in a well-informed manner.