Web Sites Worth Watching

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is an association of more than 6,000 health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and independence of older adults and to promoting high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable long-term care for individuals who are chronically ill or functionally disabled. The society's Web site provides full-text versions of its position statements on public policy and ethics, as well as clinical practice guidelines, medical education guidelines, and a selected bibliography in geriatrics. A directory of geriatrics health care services in managed care, which is organized by state, describes programs and lists contact persons. The site also features an extensive array of links to health-related federal government Web sites and other national aging- and health-related organizations.

Mental Health/Aging Advocacy Project, Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania—www.mhaging.org A resource for people seeking practical information on mental illness and its connection to aging. Offers guidance in finding appropriate, accessible help for older persons in need.

British Medical Journal—www.bmj.com Includes full text of the current issue, a "rapid responses" section that includes letters written in response to the current and most recent issues, and a "customized alerts" option that allows users to receive e-mail notification when the journal features topics of interest to them.

Mental Health and Treatment of Inmates and Probationers—www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/mhtip.htm This section of the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics' site presents survey data on offenders who were in prison or jail or on probation and reported prior treatment for a mental or emotional problem.

National Cancer Institute—www.nci.nih.gov/ A report on confidentiality, data security, and cancer research discusses the tension between the need to protect the confidentiality of persons participating in research and the need for access to research data by other investigators. The site includes CancerNet, an information center regularly reviewed by oncologists and updated with the newest research findings.

Adam-www.adam.com Includes sections on men's, women's, and children's health, as well as diet and nutrition, first aid, and mental health. The "Health Illustrated" section features full-color medical artwork.

America's Doctor—www.americasdoctor.com Presents health news, bulletin boards, and listings of products. The site also allows users to have private, real-time, one-on-one chats with a physician, therapist, or other health care specialist 24 hours a day.

Johns Hopkins Office of Continuing Medical Education—www.med.jhu.edu/cme/ Offers a calendar of events, listings of special programs and distance learning opportunities, and on-line case studies and presentations.

Compeer—www.compeer.org The organization fosters supportive, friendship relationships between community volunteers and children and adults receiving mental health treatment. The site provides information on volunteer opportunities, success stories, affiliate locations, and program effectiveness, as well as general information about mental illness.

ADHD News—www.adhdnews.com Aimed at parents and professionals who deal with children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, the site includes general information, a service provider directory, and information about Social Security benefits. Users may also subscribe to a free, monthly on-line newsletter.