Health Resources
Trusted resources to support your health journey. Every organization listed here is well-established, reputable, and committed to patient education.
Major Health Organizations
These organizations are among the most trusted sources of health information in the world.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
nih.gov
The primary federal agency for biomedical and public health research. Their MedlinePlus resource is one of the best plain-language health information sources available.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
cdc.gov
America's health protection agency. Provides reliable information on diseases, conditions, healthy living, and public health emergencies.
World Health Organization (WHO)
who.int
The United Nations' specialized health agency. Offers global health guidance, disease information, and international health standards.
Mayo Clinic
mayoclinic.org
One of the world's most respected medical institutions. Their patient education library covers thousands of conditions with clear, accurate information.
Cleveland Clinic
clevelandclinic.org
A nonprofit academic medical center with an extensive health library. Known for clear explanations of conditions, treatments, and procedures.
Condition-Specific Organizations
Specialized organizations that focus on specific conditions, offering targeted support, education, and community.
American Cancer Society
cancer.org
Comprehensive cancer information, support programs, and resources for patients and caregivers navigating a cancer diagnosis.
American Diabetes Association
diabetes.org
Education, advocacy, and research for all types of diabetes. Offers meal planning tools, medication guides, and community support.
American Heart Association
heart.org
Heart disease and stroke prevention resources. Includes risk assessment tools, lifestyle guidance, and emergency response education.
Arthritis Foundation
arthritis.org
Resources for the 54 million Americans with arthritis. Covers treatment options, exercise programs, and daily living tips.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
nami.org
The largest grassroots mental health organization in America. Provides education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families.
American Lung Association
lung.org
Lung health resources including asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and air quality information. Offers a free lung helpline.
Alzheimer's Association
alz.org
Support and education for Alzheimer's and dementia patients and caregivers. Offers a 24/7 helpline and local chapter resources.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments, drugs, or procedures in people. They are a critical part of how medicine advances and can offer access to cutting-edge treatments before they are widely available.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine maintains ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of over 400,000 clinical studies from around the world. You can search by condition, location, or treatment type.
How to search for clinical trials:
- Search by your specific condition or diagnosis
- Filter by your location to find nearby studies
- Look for studies that are "Recruiting" for current opportunities
- Always discuss with your doctor before enrolling
Patient Guides
Practical advice to help you navigate your healthcare experience.
How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment
- 1Write down your symptoms — when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse.
- 2Make a list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
- 3Prepare your questions in advance. Write them down and bring the list with you.
- 4Bring your CLARITY report if you have one — it gives you and your doctor a shared starting point.
- 5Know your family medical history, especially for conditions that run in families.
- 6Bring a trusted friend or family member if you want support or a second pair of ears.
- 7Be honest with your doctor, even about things that feel embarrassing. They have heard it all.
- 8Take notes during the appointment or ask if you can record it for your reference.
Understanding Your Lab Results
Lab results can look like a foreign language. Here are some of the most common tests and what they measure:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Helps detect infections, anemia, and other conditions.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Checks blood sugar, calcium, and electrolytes. Gives a snapshot of your metabolism and organ function.
Lipid Panel
Measures cholesterol levels (HDL, LDL, triglycerides). Helps assess heart disease risk.
Hemoglobin A1C
Shows average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Key test for diabetes management. Below 5.7% is normal.
Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4)
Checks how well your thyroid is working. An underactive or overactive thyroid affects energy, weight, and mood.
Urinalysis
Examines your urine for signs of kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and other conditions.
Remember: a single abnormal result does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Your doctor interprets results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and history.
Navigating Health Insurance
Health insurance can be confusing. Here are the key terms and tips you need to know:
Premium
The monthly amount you pay for your insurance plan, regardless of whether you use it.
Deductible
The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs.
Copay
A fixed amount you pay for a specific service (like $30 for a doctor visit).
Coinsurance
Your share of costs after meeting your deductible, usually a percentage (like 20%).
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The most you will pay in a year. After this, your insurance covers 100%.
In-Network
Doctors and hospitals that have agreements with your insurer, meaning lower costs for you.
Tips for Managing Health Insurance
- Always verify a provider is in-network before scheduling
- Request pre-authorization for procedures when required
- Keep copies of all bills, EOBs, and correspondence
- You can appeal denied claims — most insurers have a formal process
Get your personalized report
These resources are a great starting point. For information specific to your situation, try CLARITY.