A new survey finds that more than eighty percent of Internet users in the United States search for health information online. The survey found that searching online is one of the leading ways that people look for a second opinion though doctors are still the main source of health information.
Forty-four percent of people are actually looking for doctors or other providers when they search for health information online. Another finding of the survey: Two-thirds of Internet users look online for information about a specific disease or medical condition.
The Internet has also become an important source of emotional support for people with health problems. Susannah Fox says one in five Internet users has gone online to find other people who have the same condition. It was more popular among people with more serious health issues—one in four people living with chronic diseases (慢性病). And it was basically off the charts with people living with rare disease. They are so eager to find other people online who share their health concerns.
A disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than two hundred thousand people worldwide. The rise of social networking has made it easier for people with rare diseases to connect with each other and feel less alone. Social networking is also changing the way some doctors and patients communicate with each other. Dr. Jeff Livingston operates a medical center for women in Irving, Texas. His office uses password-protected software to share information with patients.
“We provide the patient full access to their medical care. Anything I can see, the patient can see. All of their notes, all of their doctor visits are right there. All of their lab work is right there.” Dr. Livingston says the software has increased efficiency, reduced costs and improved relations with patients.
小题1:From the first paragraph, we can know _________.
A．most online health information is reliable
B．more people now turn to the Internet for medical advice
C．people shouldn’t rely on the Internet for medical advice
D．doctors are no longer the patients’ first choice小题2: The underlined words “off the charts” in Paragraph 3 mean _________.
A．very popular
B．not accessible
C．far away from
D．not attractive小题3: By using social networking, patients with rare diseases can _________.
A．find effective cures
B．get emotional comfort
C．ask for financial support
D．consult doctors anytime小题4: Which of the following is NOT true of Dr. Livingston’s software?
A．It cuts down medical expenses.
B．It decreases the time spent on medical care.
C．It takes doctors closer to their patients.
D．It gives patients a medical test online.
