They call it the Information Age for a reason. The Internet has unleashed seemingly endless quantities of information, including health info – some valuable, some misleading at best. And, contrary to what many might think, not everyone knows how to use a computer, let alone navigate the virtual world of the “Net.” Add a scary medical condition or diagnosis, like cancer or heart disease on top of it and you have a recipe for a potential misinformation disaster.

Marshall Medical Community Health Library in Placerville has established a free, personalized program to help. Supported by a generous grant from the Marshall Foundation for Community Health, the library is offering one-on-one training to teach people how to use the Internet to find trustworthy health information. “The people we’re serving may have upsetting health conditions they’re dealing with, and unfamiliarity with how to use the Internet effectively to get helpful information,” says Community Health Librarian Alison Clement. “We’ll get them set up on a computer, and give instruction and hands on experience at each person’s own pace so it’s not overwhelming.”
Upcoming sessions will focus especially on finding reliable cancer and heart-related information online.

Scheduled dates and times are Wednesday, July 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon; and Tuesday, July 24th, from 4:30-6 p.m.. Training sessions in Spanish will be available on Friday, July 6 from 1-3 p.m.

The classes will be held at the Marshall Medical Community Health Library, conveniently located at 681 Main Street, Suite 103.

Interested people can call Alison at (530) 626-2778 to reserve a space, ask questions or get more information.