Editorial policy
Our aim is health information that is accurate, easy to read and honest about its limits. This page explains how we work.
Sources we use
- We base our articles and tools on official public health and medical sources, mainly the CDC, the NIH and its institutes, MedlinePlus, and other government health agencies and professional bodies.
- Every article and tool lists its sources with links at the bottom of the page.
- Where sources disagree, or the evidence is limited, we say so.
How we write
- Plain language. Short sentences, everyday words, and medical terms explained when we use them.
- The key point first. Each article starts with an "In short" summary.
- When to get help. Articles about symptoms and conditions include the warning signs that need a doctor or emergency care.
- No doses or diagnoses. We don't tell you how much of a medicine to take or what condition you have. For medicines, we say to follow the packet instructions and ask a pharmacist.
- No promises. We don't claim that anything will cure or prevent illness.
Tools
Our tools use published guidelines and cut-offs, such as the CDC's adult BMI categories. Each tool shows where its numbers come from, says what it can't tell you, and runs entirely in your browser.
Review and updates
- Articles are written by the GetReady Health team from the sources listed on each page. They are not currently reviewed by a doctor or other health professional. We plan to add review by qualified health professionals, and each article will show the reviewer's name when that happens.
- We check pages when official guidance changes and when readers report problems. The date at the top of each article shows when it was last updated.
Independence
We don't accept payment to write about products, and we don't carry adverts or affiliate links. If that ever changes, we'll say so clearly on the page.
Corrections
If you find a mistake, an out-of-date fact or a broken link, email [email protected]. We'll check it against the sources and correct the page if needed.