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Genetics and Health

Genetics and Public Health Information To Trust

by Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD on July 29th, 2005

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!.

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