Health "Net"s

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Technology

Just a few years ago, the choice of living in areas away from metropolitan centers meant virtual isolation from the health services and support groups that flourish in urban centers. Now, with the advancements and availability of the online world, health care services are simply a modem away.

The following is a list of the three major on-line service providers, American Online, CompuServe, and Prodigy, as well as an overview of the health care services they provide. We've also included some helpful hints to make it easier for you to navigate the often complicated world of the Internet. The listings continue on page 83.

The "Big Three"Computer Networks in a Nutshell

America Online

Active, friendly self-help forums. Most live chat and support groups. Great forum for seniors (SeniorNet). Most graphically attractive interface. Easiest to use, highly intuitive. Limited selection of medical database materials.

Compuserve

Active, friendly self help forums. Most extensive medical databases. Most medical professionals online. Most medical professionals as forum leaders. Most business-oriented. Most expensive premium services.

Prodigy

Active, friendly self-help forums. Great special membership rate for those with chronic illness. Great kids' resources. Great way to find information (Homework Helper). Chunky, childish graphics and interface. Annoying unrequested ads flashed on screen.

Member Registry

All the commercial services have a member registry where you can search the membership roster for characteristics, e.g., to see who else is from your home town, has fibromyalgia, or collects first editions of Dr. Seuss. Looking through the registry is a great way to find the people you'd like to connect with. On America Online, click on "Get a Member's Profile" in the Members menu. On CompuServe, use "Go dir" (for "directory"). On Prodigy, use the jumpword "member list."

AMERICA ONLINE America Online offers a very comprehensive list of health services. The following are health and health-related forums on AOL, as well as some of the different subtopics found under in each:

The Better Health & Medical Forum (Keyword: "Better Health")