human health and the internet: how the internet has influenced some individuals’ mind, body, and...

Human Health and the Internet:

How the Internet has influenced some individuals’ mind, body, and

spirit.

By: Andre’ R. Manriquez

A Growing Demand

• In the United States, 80% of Internet users had searched online for health-related topics.

• As a result, some web sites now offer prescription and health advice online.

(ex. Drugstore.com, MyNutrition.co.uk)

Technological Revolution

• The Internet has influenced some individuals’ minds and provided support by:

• Exchanging email messages has provided comfort for individuals’ with loved ones in Iraq.

• Some individuals’ may research and obtain mental health support online.

• The Internet has had negative influence on some individuals’ minds by:

• Internet addiction may destroy a persons’ life.

• There is a strong correlation between excessive internet use and depression.

Physiological Influence of the Internet

• Online support groups are a community individuals’ offering motivation for newly health conscious.

• On the east coast, virtual-web based program HealthyHearts teaches kids about nutrition.

• However, there is a danger of illegal prescription drugs on the Internet.

• Some individuals’ make skip doctor’s exams and order potentially harmful drugs on the Internet.

How the Internet has influenced some individuals’ spiritual health.

• Studies show that individuals’ who pray often and attend church regularly live longer and healthier lives.

• 12 Steps Cyber Café offers advice for individuals’ with depression, addiction, sexual, or abuse questions.

• The Internet has influenced some individuals’ with support, and encouraged them to provide counseling for other people too.

Human Health and the Internet:Mind, Body, and Spirit

• Technology advances in science and information have provided some individuals’ with suggestions for a maintaining a healthier life.

• The Internet has provided a new lifestyle trend that has influenced some individuals’ to seek information and share support for their mind, body, and spirit.

Works Cited• 1. “Americans Search Online for Mental Health, Insurance, Drug.” • Ascribe Newswire. 16 July. 2003.• 2. BBC News Online: Business. “Silicon Valley blues.” • 12 Feb. 2001. • http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1165000.stm• 27 Nov. 2003. • 3. Bedillion, Mark A. “The 12 Step Cyber Café.” • http://www.12steps.org/ 15 Dec. 2003• 4. BUPA’s medical team. “Concerns over buying prescription drugs • on-line.” • 5 Feb. 2002.• http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/health_news/• 050202steroids.html• 16 Nov. 2003.• 5. Elam, Peggy. “Depression and Internet Use.” 17 May 2001. • http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/emotional/qas/• 0,,234103_1254.00.html • 16 Nov. 2003. • 6. EMAP Media Ltd. “My Nutrition.” May 2000. • http://www.mynutrition.co.uk• 16 Nov. 2003.• 7. “Frontline Pharmaceuticals Selects drugstore.com, inc. for • Mail Order Pharmacy Services.” • Business Wire. 21 Oct. 2003.• 8. Heys, John. “Virtual health Web-based program teaches kids • about nutrition and physical activity.” • Charleston Newspapers. 30 June. 2003.

• 9. Indian Express Group. “How the Internet is transforming the • physician-patient relationship.” 15 Dec. 2001. • http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/20011215/• international.html • 16 Nov. 2003.• 10. Jamison, Barbara. “Obsessive Internet use poses risk of • isolation, depression, researchers say.” 13 June 2000. • http://www.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/06/13/• internet.addiction.wmd/• 16 Nov. 2003.• 11. Kalb, Claudia. “Faith & Healing.” Newsweek. 10 Nov. 2003: 44. • 12. Linden, Tom M.D. “Dr. Tom Linden’s Guide to Online Medicine.” • New York: Adler & Robin Books, 1995.• 13. Mendoza, Mariecar. “San Jose man loses more than half his • body size.” Evergreen Times. Nov. 2003: 22+.• 14. Pal, Badal. “Email contact between doctor and Patient.” • British Medical Association. 22 Nov. 1999.• 15. United States Drug News. “Illicit Internet Prescription-Drug • Sales Booming.” 20 Oct. 2003• http://www.unites-states-drug-• news.com/content.htm?cid=335• 14 Dec. 2003• 16. Willet, Beverly. “Amid All the Bad Jokes, An ‘Eternal • Friend.” Newsweek. 10 • Nov. 2003: 15.