Survey suggests more adults searching Internet for health information.

The number of adults who turn to the Internet for health information has nearly doubled in the past two years, from 31 percent to 60 percent," according to a study conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Researchers surveyed "2,253 people by landline phone and 502 by cellphone." Ranking highest "as the source adults most often turn to for health information" was healthcare professionals at 86 percent, followed by "family and friends" at 68 percent. Notably, "about half of all online health searches are on behalf of someone else, and...59 percent of users who go to the Internet for health information have read blogs or online comments made by others." Yahoo's Web life editor, speculates that "many adults may turn to the Internet for health advice," because "unlike the doctor's office, the Web is open 24/7, and it's increasingly accessible."

"Unlike the doctor's office, the Web is open 24/7, and it's increasingly accessible in all of the spaces where we live and work," she says.

"People are becoming advocates for themselves as patients by researching illnesses and health care information through the vast resources of the Web."

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