Online, in the workplace and in your health life, you cannot avoid privacy concerns. Identity theft, stolen credit cards, workplace surveillance, online medical records and other issues all touch on your rights as an individual to maintain privacy. The following list contains Web sites, articles and tools that you can use to learn about your rights as a U.S. citizen to your privacy, and how you can maintain that privacy through certain measures and with help from advocacy organizations.

Web Sites

1. COPA Commission, a congressionally-appointed panel, was mandated by the Child Online Protection Act.
2. COPPA, Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, is a simple site that details information about the act.
3. Dataloss db Open Security Foundation offers a wide range of information about data breaches, produced by project curators and volunteers.
4. FBI Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Website shows how to find those records already released and how to request unreleased records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Privacy Act.
5. GetIDSmart.com is the premier information source for individuals and businesses who wish to better understand how to protect personal information against identity theft.
6. Incredible Internet helps people of all ages cut through the Internet’s clutter to improve their everyday lives, while keeping families safe online.
7. OnGuard Online provides practical tips from the federal government and tech industry on how to guard against Internet fraud.
8. Privacy International has vigorously defended personal privacy for two decades.
9. Privacy.org is a site for daily news, information, and initiatives on privacy.
10. The President’s Task Force on Identity Theft is a government task force established by US President George W. Bush to fight identity theft.

Health Information Privacy

11. Health Information Privacy Laboratory (HIPLAB) at Vanderbilt University was founded to address the growing needs for privacy technology research and development for the emerging health information technologies sector.
12. Health Information Security & Privacy Toolkit aims to effectively address privacy and security issues pertinent to electronic health information.
13. HHS Health Information Privacy explains the HIPAA Privacy Rule as well as the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 (PSQIA).
14. HIPAA General Information is a portion of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which provides numerous links for further information about health care privacy.
15. HIPAA Privacy Rule and Public Health is a page from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) focused on health information privacy standards.
16. HIPAA.com provides extensive documentation, up-to-date resources and expert commentary to assist users with requirements and compliance.
17. Personal Health Information Privacy is run by a licensed health care professional who is concerned about privacy issues and civil liberties.

Advocacy Organizations

18. ACLU, or the American Civil Liberties Union, works to defend and preserve individual rights and liberties that are guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
19. Center for Democracy & Technology is a non-profit public interest organization working to keep the Internet open, innovative, and free.
20. Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility is a global organization promoting the responsible use of computer technology.
21. Electronic Frontier Foundation is the first line of defense when freedoms in the networked world come under attack.
22. Electronic Privacy Information Center was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy.
23. Future of Privacy Forum is a Washington, DC-based think tank that seeks to advance responsible data practices.
24. Global Network Initiative works to protect and advance the human rights of freedom of expression and privacy from the Americas to Europe to the Middle East to Africa and Asia.
25. Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a nonprofit, nationally respected advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding and prevention of identity theft.
26. Network Advertising Initiative is a cooperative of online marketing and analytics companies committed to building consumer awareness and establishing responsible business and data management practices and standards.
27. Privacy International is a non-profit organization based in London that acts “as a watchdog on surveillance and privacy invasions by governments and corporations” in more than fifty countries.
28. Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is a nonprofit consumer organization with a two-part mission — consumer information and consumer advocacy.

Tools and Free Anonymity Software

29. 12P Anonymous Network is an anonymizing communications network.
30. A Survey of Anonymous Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing provides a brief survey of searchable, peer-to-peer, file-sharing systems that offer the user some form of anonymity.
31. Anonymous – P2P is a starting point for people interested in learning about anonymous file sharing and communication.
32. Fire GPG is a Firefox extension under MPL that provides an integrated interface to apply GnuPG operations to the text of any web page, including encryption, decryption, signing, and signature verification.
33. GNU Privacy Guard allows users to encrypt and sign data and communication, and features a versatile key managment system.
34. Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition allows Firefox to be run from a USB flash drive, and it does not leave personal information on the computer.
35. OpenPGP Alliance is a growing group of companies and other organizations that are implementers of the OpenPGP Proposed Standard.
36. Planet Peer Wiki is an anonymous file sharing wiki that provides a comparison of anonymous networks.
37. The Big Opt Out is a plan to help individuals in the UK opt out of various components of the National Health Service (NHS) Care Record plan.
38. The EnigMail Project is a security extension to Mozilla Thunderbird and Seamonkey that enables you to write and receive email messages signed and/or encrypted with the OpenPGP standard.
39. TOR is free software and an open network that helps you defend against a form of network surveillance that threatens personal freedom and privacy, confidential business activities and relationships, and state security known as traffic analysis.

Other Sources

40. Anonymity on the Internet is an article that explains Internet anonymity and its pros and cons.
41. Federal Trade Commission Privacy Initiatives educates consumers and businesses about the importance of personal information privacy, including the security of personal information.
42. Identity Theft and Your Tax Records is offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so you can understand how identity theft might affect your taxes.
43. Invasion of Privacy is a document offered by FindLaw and that focuses on the legal aspects of individual privacy and rights.
44. Invasion of Privacy and the Media: The Right “To Be Let Alone” is an information source provided by The Florida Bar Web site.
45. Microsoft Security offers information through the links on this site, including an essay entitled, “10 Immutable Laws of Security.”
46. Office of Information Policy (OIP) is responsible for encouraging agency compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
47. Privacy and Security is a resource offered by Business.gov to help consumers understand ID theft, privacy laws, children’s online privacy and more.
48. Protecting Your Identity In the Virtual World is a resource offered by the Better Business Bureau online.
49. Protecting Your Personal Information is a resource offered by the Census 2010 Web site.
50. Your Right to Federal Records is a resource that covers the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.

Information about our bodies and our health is important, helping us make better decisions for improved health. The field of health informatics is using technology to provide information about our bodies, and meaningful ways to use that information for health. You don’t have to be involved in health informatics as your career to learn about your body’s statistics, though. There are plenty of free and freemium web apps available to help you keep tabs on your own health. Here are 25 apps that can provide you with insight to your body’s statistics:

Fitness

Keep track of your fitness level, exercise regimens and more when you use these great web apps.

1. Graffed: Keep track of your body’s shape and measurements with Graffed. This cool app allows you to keep track of how your body shape is changing, depending on your fitness, and how you build muscle. It shows an image of your progress. You can get better tracking for a small monthly fee.
2. DailyBurn: Learn about how you can achieve better fitness. A helpful app that helps you keep track of what you eat, and of your workouts. A great way to get into shape, tracking your progress.
3. MapMyRun: Where has your body been lately? This web app helps you keep track of your daily fitness run, including miles traveled and pace. A great way to reach fitness goals.
4. iStats: Keep up with your health stats with the help of this web app. Allows you to review your workouts, track your progress toward meeting your goals, and enter in reps, weight, time and more.
5. FitLink: Track your body mass index, keep track of other health statistics and train along with “friends” that you find in the community. A great fitness web app.
6. Daily Mile: Keep track of your fitness workouts and body stats. Share what you have done, and keep track of pace and other information about your running regimen.
7. Favorite Run: Another great way to map running routes and keep track of your body’s stats related to running, endurance and more.
8. Gmaps Pedometer: A look site that allows you to figure out how many steps you are taking, and keep track of other interesting body stats related to fitness. Includes a way for you to make different routes, and even count calories.

Weight Loss

Control your weight by keeping track of your measurements, nutrition and other information. Track your progress.

9. Traineo: This weight loss community and app allows you to put together a program that helps you track your weight loss efforts. Includes information that can help you track daily net energy, and reach your weight loss goals.
10. Project Weight Loss: A fun way to get a handle on weight loss. You can join to help keep track of what you have been eating, and track your progress, including your measurements and other body stats. Includes additional features for paying members.
11. PEERtrainer: This app provides you a way to track changes to weight and fitness. You also connect to others who can provide encouragement and help as you work to reach your goals. Keep track of your statistics and your progress, and make new friends.
12. BodyDaemon: Keep track of your body’s statistics with help from BodyDaemon. Include information that is helping you with your goals. Include information on body mass index, calories consumed and burned, and your weight.
13. Run Fat Boy Run: This app takes your body statistics and helps develop a reasonable weight loss plan for you. A great way to generate a workout, and then track your body statistics, especially weight, and the progress you make.
14. Skinnyr: Track your weight and other measurements with this great web app. You can see your progress in graph form without too much trouble. Includes a way to obscure your current weight if you choose to include your progress on your web site.
15. SparkPeople: Reach your weight loss goals, and track your body’s statistics. Track nutrition, calories, energy and more using this great web app.
16. Calories Per Hour: Keep track of consumed calories, and track how many calories you are burning. Uses your body’s stats to track your progress to create a weight loss plan. Then you can track your progress toward that goal.
17. Portion Distortion!: Keep track of what you are eating. A great way to see if you are eating too much for your body. Keep track of what you are putting into your body, and see how it is affecting you. Make the changes you need to in order to avoid the weight gain that comes with portion distortion.

Vitals

You can even monitor your vitals and keep track of other information with help from web apps. Some great applications to help you keep on top of what’s going on with your body.

18. CalcNexus: Keep track of your health and different body statistics with the help of an array of calculators. These web based calculators include heart rate, BMI, metabolism, calories burned and pregnancy.
19. 3D Pregnancy: Keep track of your pregnancy — in 3D — with help from this cool web app. See progress and compare it to your own.
20. SiDiary: Keep track of your insulin and other information related to type 2 diabetes. SiDiary helps you track body stats related to daily data. Free version, as well as paid version with added features.
21. My Mood Monitor: Use this to determine whether or not you might have depression. A good way to screen your mood, and monitor your feelings.
22. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) Test: Use this to track your attention, and to determine whether or not you could have an attention disorder.
23. Chemotherapy Tracker 5.0: If you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, you can use this handy software to keep track of your treatment’s effectiveness, and your experiences, including drug effectiveness and your reactions.
24. Heart Pal: Monitor your blood pressure, and export data. A great way to use the web or your smart phone to keep track of your blood pressure and your pulse.
25. Blood Pressure Tracker: This handy web tool from the American Heart Association is a great way to keep track of your blood pressure. It’s even printable, and you can bring it with you. A great way to stay informed about trends in your blood pressure.

If you love health care work and if you also are into technology, then a whole new world is opening up for you in the private and public health sectors. Health informatics jobs can range from sales jobs for electronic health records companies to software developers to bioinformatics and research. How do you find jobs in this field? While you could look at Monster.com, some of the most interesting jobs might be found at health informatics sites, organizational sites, or even at the actual job site.

This list of 33 essential Web sites to find health informatics jobs contains all that and more — we also included recruiting sites that list job possibilities on their Web sites.

HIM and HIT Jobs Sites

1. Advance for Healthcare Careers: This page, specifically for HIM specialists, offers jobs ranging from coders to faculty and administrators.
2. Health Career Web: Search through this medical job board page to find the HIM job you want. Jobs are separated by title, company, state and date posted.
3. Healthcare IT Central: Take advantage of resources like a content library, social media interaction, RSS feeds, upload resume and search features, a weekly job alert email newsletter, customized employer directory and personalized service.
4. Healthcare IT Job Board: Whether you’re searching for a new job, hiring or recruiting, HealthcareITReps.com is your online source for jobs in EMR, EHR and healthcare information technology.
5. Healthcare IT Jobs: This jobs site is dedicated solely to health care IT jobs. Post a resume, build an account, search for jobs and get alerts through RSS about updates.
6. HIMJobBoard: Serving the health information management field exclusively, this site provides listings for HIM jobs at premier healthcare facilities across the country.
7. HIP Jobs: This job board has served the healthcare industry, HIM providers and clinicians since 1999.
8. HISTalk Job Boards: While job boards sometimes lack focus, this job board is different. You’ll find jobs that range from sales to executive positions and from product managers to software design engineers.
9. Med IT Jobs: This site is filled with health care information management and technology jobs.
10. MedSphere: Jobs at this open source healthcare company range from software engineers to clinical system analysts to product management directors and customer care support.
11. Minnesota Health Information Technology Jobs at Mayo Clinic: If you have experience as a health information technology or medical records professional, Mayo Clinic would like to talk to you about opportunities at their facility in Rochester Minnesota. Take a look at the number of jobs available, just at this one location (currently three pages).
12. National Marrow Donor Program: This program is expanding, and their technological avenues are broadening as well. You can find jobs on this page that range from bioinformatics programmer analyst to project manager and operations database administrator.

EMR and EHR Jobs Sites

13. Advantage EMR: This is one example of an EMR company that seeks “bright, motivated and enthusiastic people to lead our sales and client relations efforts.” Applicants must have two years of medical industry experience in sales or as a medical practice office administrator.
14. EMR Experts: Another company that constantly seeks recruits. A person who has sales experience and a health informatics background could do well in jobs like the ones suggested here.
15. justEMRJOBS.com: This site is the ideal destination for searching through EMR-related job opportunities by location or by keyword search.
16. EMRJobs.com: Headquartered just outside of Denver, Colorado, EMRjobs.com is a privately held company that’s focused on providing the most up-to-date healthcare career opportunities, specifically those within the electronic medical record (EMR) industry.
17. hCare: This list of current EHR job opportunities at hCare is just a sample of what this company offers. HCA, the parent company, was rated as a “Best Place to Work” for IT employees in 2009.
18. MedReps: MedReps.com has helped thousands of candidates launch and advance their medical sales careers. These jobs include technology, ranging from biotechnology to Internet jobs.
19. The Informatics Group EMR Jobs: Look for jobs as testing managers, trainers and implementation trainers at this site.

Recruiters and Organizational Job Sites

20. AHIMA Career Assist: The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the premier association of health information management (HIM) professionals. Use their tools to find a job or to create a career.
21. CiSoftware: Ci Software is an established IT contract staffing company that also happens to focus on healthcare. You can click on this link to search through their jobs or contact them by submitting a resume.
22. Global HealthCare Recruiters: This company specializes in the recruitment and placement of health information management and directors, EHR consultants and managers and much more.
23. GPPHI Public Health Informatics Jobs: The Global Partners in Public Health Informatics posts information about jobs in the public health sector on this page.
24. H.I.M. Recruiters: H.I.M. Recruiters is dedicated to serving health information management professionals and firms specifically. HIM candidates also can find interview and resume tips here.
25. HIMSS JobMine: The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) provides readers with a list of jobs available to HIM professionals.
26. Job Bank Network: This site is supported by the Ohio Health Information Management Association. You do not need to be a member to register and search for jobs.
27. KForce: Check out this list of about 200 HIM positions, offered by a company that actively seeks these job positions. Kforce’s 1,900 staffing specialists operate 63 offices in 41 markets in North America and two in the Philippines.
28. Maxim Staffing Solutions: Maxim Health Information Services is a leading national staffing company for the Health Information Management (HIM) field. HIM professionals with Maxim will find a wide range of rewarding job opportunities available on a full-time, part-time, contract, travel, and remote basis.
29. OfficeTeam: This specialized administrative staffing group offers jobs in the medical field, including a variety of technology careers. You can search through their job offerings to learn more.
30. Searchlight Recruiters: This recruiter provides executive search and staffing to healthcare providers, payers and vendors nationwide. Additionally, they offer healthcare IT Risk Management and Compliance Services to healthcare providers nationwide.
31. StaffPointe: Regardless if you are looking for HIM/IT jobs in metropolitan, suburban, or rural community, this company claims they can help you.
32. University of Illinois at Chicago: This is an example of how some larger university hospital and research facilities offer jobs. In specific this page offers jobs geared toward health informatics.
33. World Health Organization: This page at WHO demonstrates the type of individual that this organization looks for to work at WHO. Most should demonstrate a high level of technical knowledge.

Information technology is building in the medical sector, along with new jobs in many of the start-ups mentioned in this list. From visual and imaging information to health care IT, new products and services — including online services to patients — provide new opportunities for an individual who specializes in health informatics, as well as to investors. These 25 notable start-ups are changing the medical information industry.

All companies listed below are privately owned. Some Web sites also offer information for employment. This list is categorized and each link is listed in alphabetical order, leading to the company Web site.

Healthcare IT

1. COMS Interactive, LLC: This company has developed a Software as a Service (SaaS) disease management system that improves the quality of care that residents receive in long-term care facilities, while driving increased occupancy and revenue.
2. CoverMyMeds helps physicians and pharmacists complete Prior Authorization and other insurance coverage determination forms for any drug and for most drug health plans. Patient authorization is required to use the site.
3. DOMA Technologies: This is a privately owned Virginia Limited Liability Corporation founded in 2000, which provides Software as a Service (SaaS) document management applications and services aimed across multiple vertical markets. DOMA is involved in helping hospitals, physician practices and other health care providers turn paper records into digital files for easy access, routing and retrieval.
4. Explorys: This company enables leading healthcare and life sciences organizations to expand research within their ranks by providing a powerful, accessible, and intuitive platform to collaborate, search, and tag meaningful correlations between treatments and outcomes within patient populations.
5. Glide Health: This company produces a complete mobile desktop for patients, doctors and other healthcare professionals. They are automatically synched with doctor’s Electronic Medical Records (EMR) platforms and makes possible compatible and secure exchange of patient records among different systems.
6. Human Arc: The focus of this company is on reimbursement recovery for healthcare providers, revenue enhancements for health plans, and health care coverage cost savings for employers.
7. Lexi-Comp: Since 1978, Lexi-Comp has evolved its content base and technology solutions to provide clinically relevant, real-time information at the point-of-care in knowledge areas that include pharmacology, interactions, diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests, pharmacogenomics, poisoning and toxicology, dentistry, infectious diseases, and patient education.
8. MDG Medical: MDG has developed the ServeRx automated medication management system for reducing medication errors, enhancing nursing and pharmacy productivity, and lowering health care costs.
9. NextBio: This company provides a platform that enables life science researchers to search, discover, and share knowledge locked within public and proprietary data. In effect, this product allows senior R&D management to increase research productivity, while decreasing research costs, by better utilizing publicly available experimental data and unlocking the value of past, current, and future internally-generated data.
10. StreamlineMD: StreamlineMD delivers an affordable, reliable Electronic Medical Records (EMR) solution to small and midsized physician practices. This is the first EMR solution to combine software, local training and support, and remote hosting into a subscription-based service. StreamlineMD is the highest-rated EMR system in the marketplace for small practices, according to the leading industry consultant, AC Group.
11. Talyst: This company produces a software platform that integrates pharmacy barcoding, storage, inventory, ordering and clinical systems. They are dedicated to improving patient safety and operational efficiency in acute care hospitals and in long-term care, as well as in closed-door, correctional, and retail pharmacies.

Communication and Imaging Technology

12. Covia Labs: After acquiring its core technology from DARTdevices, Covia developed solutions for the Alert & Respond and Command & Control markets and added a Push-to-Talk application, so that first responders and military personnel can improve operational capabilities and save lives.
13. Interventional Imaging: This company’s disposable catheters can generate high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the arteries. This new proprietary technology includes micro-coils that can be inserted directly into a vessel to communicate with the MR system, representing a novel approach to MR imaging from within the body.
14. NextSlide Imaging: NextSlide has developed a digital imaging tool set for laboratory hematology that enables users to review smears via a full-resolution digital image rather than traditional microscopy. Not yet approved by the FDA for clinical use.
15. nViso: Although this tool was created for marketing purposes, the vision of how to use it in the medical information field could be limitless. The product is a Web-enabled software that subjectively measures emotions through facial expressions, along with the ability to adapt to cultural differences.
16. Twenty20: This company produces ContourHD, the world’s first and smallest wearable video camera. While the Web site focuses on sports, this type of information technology seems ideal for the medical field, especially surgical procedures.
17. VasoLux: VasoLux’s technology provides a real-time histological assessment of the tissue without the need to take a biopsy. Additionally, VasoLux’s technology is designed to be used intra-operatively — a feature not possible with competing molecular imaging technologies such as MRI, SPECT, and PET.
18. ViewRay: ViewRay, Inc., a privately held medical device company, has earned a 2010 NorTech Innovation Award for its advancements in radiation therapy technology for the treatment of cancer. ViewRay was honored for its unique combination of medical imaging and radiotherapy, which is designed to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
19. VSee: When you find a product that has been field-hardened to work well over wireless tactical networks in the Mideast and Africa, you might be interested in its use in a medical environment. VSee is designed for ad-hoc informal remote work — the constant micro collaborations that get things done.
20. Zin Medical: This company has partnered vMetrics with NASA and the Cleveland Clinic, providing a fully configurable, multi-parameter wireless biometric monitoring platform technology. The modular distributed architecture allows vMetrics to be used across any commercially available wireless network including WiFi, cell phone and wireless medical telemetry systems.

Patient Care

21. eMedical Lending: This is a new method of financing that connects patients with a network of lenders through eMedical’s relationships with medical practices and their proprietary direct to consumer web-based application. While this business is listed under patient help, eMedical also works with health care providers.
22. Globefunder Ventures Inc.: This private revenue cycle solutions and tech company offers a web-based platform, IOU SOS, that helps patients find a way to save money on medical bills. It works much line Priceline or eBay, by helping providers speed small balance collections and by providing clients with motivation to pay.
23. Healthy Humans: Healthy Humans helps people with chronic illnesses by focusing on the underlying causes of illness based on real research and real results. Patients receive medical plans, and the patient can track his her or improvements through an integrative approach to treatment. Healthy Humans received the 2009 Life Sciences Startup Company of the Year award from the Eastern Technology Council.
24. KEAS: Keas Care Plans are designed to help shed some light on a specific health and wellness issues, but the information comes in all shapes and sizes. By working with medical professionals and other health experts, KEAS adds new plans all the time to help people cope with a variety of health issues.
25. Treatment Online: This service uses the familiarity and anonymity of the Internet to provide programs for people who are stigmatized about seeking help for behavioral problems. It combines a rich choice of self-help resources with psychological support, evaluation, and information within a safe and secure environment.

If you are looking for reliable information on health, one of the best places to go is the web sit of the Centers for Disease Control. CDC.gov offers a number of resources and information that can help you keep on top of what is happening in the world of disease, health education, and even healthy living. Bust myths, read about the latest advancements in medicine and track disease outbreaks. CDC.gov offers a treasure trove of useful information. While there are thousands of web pages on the CDC site, some are especially helpful and user-friendly. Here are 10 resources that are especially helpful in terms of the issues that affect your every day health:

1. Diseases & Conditions: You expect the Centers for Disease Control to have information on a number of different diseases and conditions — and you’re right. This page provides links to reliable information about a number of diseases and conditions, including commonly known conditions like ADHD and lesser-known diseases like tuberculosis. It’s easy to jump to different diseases, searching by keyword, or using the handy index letters. Find out about symptoms, causes, treatments and more about different conditions. You can also find links to some of the diseases of current concern, and links to latest disease news, scholarly information and journals.
2. Emergency Preparedness and Response: You never know when disaster will strike. As a result, it is a good idea to have a plan in place, and know how to respond to different situations. CDC.gov offers helpful information related to bioterrorism, mass casualty events, severe weather disasters, disease outbreaks and other emergencies. Different sections help you connect to information you need in order to be ready for the unexpected. Learn what you should do, and find out how you can cope with disaster. Also provides information and updates on recent catastrophes. Use this handy guide as a way to prepare your family for nearly any emergency, and to provide yourself with advance knowledge of what to expect so that you are ready when the unthinkable happens.
3. Environmental Health: Concerned about the environment you are living, and the environmental issues your family is exposed to? You can get a great deal of helpful information from this resource on environmental factors and their influences on you and your loved ones. Some of the issues covered include air quality, rodent problems, carbon monoxide, mold, extreme weather, toxic chemicals and water purity. You can find toxic substance guides and read toxicological profiles, as well as get information on the effects air pollution, hygiene and climate change. Learn about what to do in the presence of hazardous substances, and how you can minimize your exposure to dangerous environmental conditions and problems. This includes mundane things like avoid over-exposure to the sun as well as more pressing problems like what to do in the event of an asbestos problem.
4. Women’s Health: Women have specific health needs, and the Centers for Disease Control recognize. Their section on Women’s health is extremely helpful, providing healthy living tips, information on diseases and conditions that are more likely to affect women and their health, and offering information about pregnancy. Includes links to studies and breaking news on health and medicine. Also find information and news on women’s health events, like National Women’s Health Week. You can also fine links to podcasts, videos and other multimedia that illustrate different points and offer interesting insights and resources that can help you get into living a healthy, fulfilling life — no matter your age.
5. Men’s Health: It used to be that many didn’t realize that men need some specific information on their health as well, since it was assumed for so long. However, there is a need to provide good, reliable information for men’s health. Learn about specific diseases that are of grave concern to men (such as testicular cancer). This section isn’t as extensive as the page for women, but it nevertheless covers some interesting points on health issues likely to affect men. This includes information on leading causes of death, a number of different topics, concerns about alcohol abuse and smoking, and healthy living tips. You can also find links to other subjects of interest, including the government’s flu site. Take a great quiz testing your knowledge of healthy living topics. Then use the correct answers to help you make the changes that you might need in order to live healthier and reduce your chance of contracting different diseases. You want to be as healthy as you can be.
6. Parent Portal: This is one of the most useful resources available on the CDC.gov web site. It offers helpful information that every parent can use to raise a healthy family, both in terms of body and mind. Learn about emotional health and physical health during child development. Indeed, it offers different sections on pregnancy, infants & toddlers, children and teens. Learn about the different development processes that go on with children at different stages, and how you can be a better parent. Very helpful on a number of levels with links to studies, and information on medication. You can also watch parent videos, full of information. Learn about myths associated with different health recommendations, and get reliable advice on what you can do to encourage healthy habits in your children as they grow and develop. This is an indispensable resource for anyone, parent or other relative, who is involved in raising children, no matter their age or stage of development.
7. Healthy Aging: You can learn how to age with grace and health when you take advantage of this resource on aging. Includes healthy living tips and a number of links to studies and other information on aging. Looks at preventing some conditions and problems. Meant for senior citizens, and those who care for them, this portal offers you a great deal of interesting information on a variety of subjects, including caregiving, health disparities, end-of-life preparedness, and emergency preparedness. A lot of solid research, and statistics on aging and living life. Also includes information on common ailments that affect senior citizens, including arthritis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Get healthy aging tips, and learn about the issues related to falls. Also includes interactive data on health indicators. A fun and educational way to get the essentials on senior health and wellness.
8. Travelers’ Health: Do you like to travel? Many people find seeing new places and people fulfilling and exciting. If you are one of those people, the Centers for Disease Control provides a helpful primer on how you can keep yourself healthy when you travel — whether you are going across the country or halfway around the globe. Find out about diseases that you might encounter when you travel, and get the lowdown on which vaccinations you might need before you travel. You should also read the sections on illness and injury when you are out of the country. Includes tips for health and safety. You should pay special attention to travel alerts and warnings related to certain areas of the globe. Some trouble spots should avoided, and you can see which are of concern. Of especial interest to many is the up-to-date information on travel to Haiti, for those interested in participating in missions to help out.
9. Injury, Violence & Safety: Learn about how you can be safer, avoiding accident and injury in a number of situations. This portal leads to a vast amount of helpful information on brain injuries, choking, water safety, workplace safety, child abuse and elder abuse. There are a number of helpful tips and hints on what you can do in situations in which injury is likely, and steps you can take to minimize the danger on playgrounds, in the water, in vehicles and in a number of situations. Also addresses family violence and abusive situations, and how you can avoid them, and what you can do if you or someone you live is in an abusive situation. This portal also has a section on mental health and suicide, addressing concerns related to depression and anxiety.
10. Healthy Living: If you have questions about your health, wellness and other issues, you can use this portal to find useful and reliable information about various aspects of health. You can also learn more about insurance, and properly protecting yourself. This includes sections on different parts of the body, as well as addressing issues such as dental health, reproductive and sexual health, sleep disorders, vaccination, mental health, nutrition and substance abuse. You can get good information on how to stay healthy, with tips for keeping your weight at a healthy level, and tips on reducing your chances of stroke, cancer, diabetes and STDs. Search by topic, and learn about what you can do to remain healthy at each stage of your life. An excellent resource for just about anything you need to keep healthy.

Technology is providing interesting opportunities to advance our knowledge of science and improve our lives. Indeed, technology is shrinking down to the nanoscale, putting objects and devices at up to one billionth of a meter in size. That is amazing, and it means that scientists are working on projects at a scale so small that they are working with molecules and even atoms in some cases. Nanotechnology is providing the potential for a number of new discoveries and breakthroughs, including in materials. New materials are being discovered regularly, including biomaterials that have some amazing potential. Here are some of the top nanotech and biomaterial blogs around.

Nanotechnology

Learn about what is happening in the world of the smallest machines. Interesting breakthroughs and fascinating science.

1. Soft Machines: This blog focuses on thoughts related to the future of nanotechnology, looking at where we are and where we might be going.
2. Responsible Nanotechnology: A look at developing nanotech in a way that is more socially responsible.
3. blog nano: Looks at what is happening in the world of nanotechnology.
4. Next Big Future: A look at what our future could look like, with the help of nanotech.
5. The Foresight Institute: This blog looks at explaining the transformative technology that is nanotech.
6. Nanotechnology Today: The latest information and news related to nanotechnology and more.
7. Nanotechnology Development Blog: Learn about how nanotech is developing and read about the latest breakthroughs.
8. Nanotechnology Now: News and information related to nanotechnology and related developments.
9. Nanotechnology News and Information: Just what it sounds like, this blog features the latest in news on nanotech, as well as jobs in the field.
10. Nanotech Buzz: Get the latest news and happenings in the world of nanotechnology.
11. Nanotechnology Law Blog: An interesting look at legal issues surrounding nanotechnology.

Quantum Computing and Mechanics

One of the most interesting and exciting applications of nanotechnology is for use with quantum computing. Learn about the advancements made in this area, and how they relate to nanotech and biomaterials. Besides, to understand things at the nanoscale, it helps to have a knowledge of quantum mechanics.

12. Michael Nielsen: This blog looks at computer development, including quantum computing, from one of the pioneers in the field.
13. Shtetl-Optimized: An interesting look at items related to science and the theory behind quantum computing.
14. The Quantum Pontiff: A look at all things quantum, especially in terms of theory and research on quantum computing.
15. in theory: Delve into the world of quantum theory, and how it can lead to interesting new possibilities.
16. Computational Complexity: A look at computational learning, including theory about computation, and sometimes looking at quantum computing.
17. Quantum Mechanics Demystified: Attempting to make quantum mechanics a little more understandable.

Materials Science

Learn about the science behind developing new materials and the interesting possibilities provided by these advancements.

18. Engineering World: A look at materials science from the perspective of an engineer.
19. OSU Materials: Learn about materials science and education from Ohio State University.
20. Materials Science News: Updates and more from the materials science blog at Science Daily.
21. Gold Innovations: An interesting look at how gold can be used to advance technology. Applying a material we know about for new purposes.
22. Materials Today: Looks at the latest technology advances in the field of materials science.
23. DMSE News and Events: This is the blog of the MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Lots of news and interesting accomplishments.
24. MRS: Fun & Newsworthy: The Materials Research Society has a fun blog related to materials and science. Some of the items take a look at science fiction, while other items look at the advancements of science.

Biomaterials

These materials are those made from the building blocks of life. Read about some of the interesting advancements in biomaterials.

25. Biomaterials, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News: Get the latest news in biomaterials development and science.
26. Biomaterials News Feed: Pulls in different bits of news from around the Internet about what is happening in biomaterials science. Also includes videos and old lectures.
27. Biotech Blog: Get the latest in biotechnology news, and in what is happening with biomaterials.
28. helpBIOTECH: Explore biotechnology and materials, and what it means for the future.
29. Kush Tripathi’s Blog on Biomedical: Get a look at biomedicine and the materials and applications that come with the territory.
30. Intute Blog – biomaterials: A look at different subjects related to biomaterials.
31. The Biotech Ethics Blog: Consider the questions of ethics brought up by biotechnology and research into biomaterials.

Devices and Applications

Find out more about nanotech and biomaterials can do for a number of different fields. A look at the applications of nanotechnology and biomaterials.

32. Medical Device Link: How new devices based on new technology can improve the filed of medicine.
33. Nanotech – The Circuits Blog: This blog from CNET News focuses on nanotechnology used in many of our devices.
34. Nanotechnology Made Clear: This blog focuses on the applications of nanotechnology, and how it can be used in devices and for technological advancement.
35. Window for Devices: News and information about new gadgets and gizmos.
36. Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Bioengineering and the Like: A look at the news revolving around devices and biotech, and including commentary on recent happenings.

Physics

Understanding the fundamentals of physics can be important to these new and exciting fields of science. Here are some solid physics blogs, many of which offer posts and insights into nanotech and biomaterials.

37. PhysOrg.com: Covers a number of interesting physics subjects, and features plenty of information on nanotech and biomaterials.
38. Not Even Wrong: A physics blog that looks at many aspects of science and technology.
39. Andrew Jaffe: Leaves on the Line: An interesting physics blog addressing different areas of physics — and life.
40. APS Physics News Ticker: Get information on the latest physics discoveries, including new materials and nanotechnology.
41. Resonaances: An interesting blog following the latest happenings in particle theory.
42. Cocktail Party Physics: A fun look at physics and how the whole thing works.
43. Uncertain Principles: Explores different principles of fundamental physics, and connects it to politics and culture.
44. EMPG Blog: Considering mathematical physics, and the latest science discoveries.

Chemistry

Chemistry plays a big role in biomaterials and nanotechnology. Without a firm grasp of chemistry, it becomes difficult to create new materials and understand nanotech.

45. Chemistry Blog: Keep with the latest chemistry news, and see interesting insights and experiments from a chemistry teacher.
46. Useful Chemistry: Putting chemistry to good use for a number of applications in a number of fields.
47. The Culture of Chemistry: Learn about what goes on in chemistry, and how it benefits the world.
48. Chemistry World Blog: A look at the latest news and information, as well as breakthroughs and advancements, in chemistry.
49. Anne Marie’s Chemistry Blog: A look at what is happening in chemistry, as well as insight into how useful chemistry can be.
50. The Sceptical Chymist: This blog is written by the editor of Nature Chemistry, and features interesting stories about chemistry, including those on how it helps nanotech and biomaterials.

You know how important it is to boost your brain power. Increasingly, the world requires more smarts. If you can think fast, think well and remember things, you have an edge, whether it’s in the job market or just staying on top of your game. If you want to make your brain stronger and faster, though, you have to give it a good workout. Just like everything else, how you use your brain can make a big difference in the results you get. Here are 55 tips that can make your brain stronger and faster:

Knowledge Boost

Increase your knowledge base, and continue learning. An interest in the world around you, and the never ending quest for knowledge, can actually boost your prain power. Here are some ways to experience a knowledge boost — and keep your brain strong:

1. Discover your learning style: In order to accumulate knowledge, you need to understand how you learn best. Figure out your learning style, and then use that knowledge to boost your brain power.
2. Rediscover the encyclopedia: You can get a great overview on a number of different subjects when you read an encyclopedia. Do it online or offline, but you can learn about something new each day when you read the encyclopedia.
3. Revisit tough school subjects: You can give your brain a workout when you revisit tough school subjects. Had a hard time with math? Go back and do a refresher online. Was English your Achilles heel? Review sentence diagramming.
4. Stay up to date: Know what’s happening in the news. Keep track of current events by watching the nightly news, reading the newspaper or looking online.
5. Look at things from the other side: If you have an opinion about a certain subject or issue, look at it from the other side. Learn the merits of the opposing opinion, and try to understand another point of view. This type of critical thinking will boost your knowledge base and your brain power.
6. Consider philosophy: There are few things that can give your brain a good workout like trying to answer philosophical questions like “What is truth?” and “Why are we here?”
7. Take community education classes: If possible, take a class in something you find interesting. You can audit a class at a university or enroll in community education. A great way to continue building knowledge and strengthening your brain.
8. Enjoy open courseware: Even if you can’t attend a class in the “real” world, you can do so online. Many universities offer open courseware that allows you to learn for free. MIT has especially expansive open courseware offerings.
9. Read scientific journals: Whether you read online or off, getting information from scientific journals and other publications can boost your knowledge and brain power.
10. Look for new experiences: Few things can increase your brain power like new experiences. Look to experience new things every so often.
11. Pay attention to your environment: The way your environment is arranged can help you focus better and absorb knowledge better. A tidy environment, and one that is cool, can actually help enhance your study skills.

Creative Boost

Creativity can help improve your brain function. Here are some tips for using creativity to build your brain’s strength and agility.

12. Explore your creative side: Try writing, art or performance to see whether you enjoy. You don’t even have to be good at it; just working at your creativity can help you increase your brain power and speed.
13. Read for fun: Don’t just read for knowledge; read for fun as well. Even if you enjoy reading novels, you can boost your brain power by working your imagination as you journey to new places using your mind.
14. Don’t forget to laugh: Laughing relieves stress and releases chemicals that help you feel positive. Humor can be a good way to release tension and let your brain get a little relaxation.
15. Learn a musical instrument: The learning processes that go into music can benefit you. Learn a musical instrument to increase your brain power and enhance personal enjoyment.
16. Listen to music: The creative processes in music can benefit you, even if you just listen. Classical music is especially beneficial for the brain.
17. Volunteer: Use your talents and skills to help others. Volunteering can be a good way to build brain power as you meet new people and learn new things.
18. Learn about other cultures: Understanding other cultures can be an interesting and creative exercise that can help you gain new perspective while making your brain stronger.
19. Keep a dream journal: A dream journal can encourage you to examine your subconscious, and you may find new answers in creative ways in your dreams.
20. Develop a hobby: Find something you enjoy doing and develop that skill through a hobby.
21. Interact with others: Socializing can be a to learn new ideas and share your own. Creative sharing — or just relaxing with others — can boost creativity and make your brain stronger.
22. Consider a child’s perspective: Look at things as a child would. This is a great creative exercise that can help make your brain stronger

Memory Tricks

If you want to improve your memory and make your brain faster at recall, here are some tricks you can practice:

23. Use an organizer: Organizing your thoughts and appointments can help you recall needed information faster.
24. Get adequate sleep: You remember things better when you are properly rested.
25. Use more senses: As you learn, focus on smell, taste and touch as well as sight and sound. This will help you with recall.
26. Linking: Link a new concept somehow to something you already know. This will help you organize the information in your brain.
27. Practice: Just like anything else, if you want a good memory, you have to practice. Practice recalling information you have learned.
28. Mind mapping: You can use mind mapping to learn how to visualize what you have you learned, and then recall it earlier.
29. Try to avoid distractions: Concentrate on what you are doing, and try to avoid distractions when possible.
30. Mnemonic devices: You can use a number of mnemonic devices to improve your memory function, including systems of letters, grouping and even rhymes.
31. Take notes: When learning something, take notes. Writing it down can help you commit things
32. Use your non-dominant hand: You can increase your brain power and your memory by exercising your brain with the use of your non-dominant hand.
33. Make a to-do list: Sometimes you need external reminders to help you keep your memory sharp. A to-do list can help you stay focused throughout the day.

Stay Sharp

Once you have begun building your brain power, you want to stay sharp. Here are some tips that can help you keep your brain strong and fast.

34. Physical exercise: You can enhance your brain function by staying physically active.
35. Meditation: You can sharpen your mind powers with some meditation. Give your brain a charge, and keep it focused.
36. Relaxation: De-stress yourself in order to give your brain time to process and rest a little. This will help it stay sharp and learn better in the future.
37. Sudoku: You can exercise your mind skills, and keep them sharp, with the number game Sudoku.
38. Crossword puzzles: Simple and fun crossword puzzles can help exercise your mind to keep it fast and sharp.
39. Trivia games: Played online or with a group of friends in person, trivia games can be great ways to exercise your memory and your brain.
40. Video games: Some video games are designed with education and brain function in mind. Games that require you to think things through and solve puzzles to advance can be helpful in maintaining your brain power.
41. Strategic board games: Games like chess, Risk and even checkers can help you analyze situations and think strategically, boosting your brain power.
42. Some card games: Some card games, like bridge, can keep your mind sharp by encouraging thought about strategy. Even poker can test your ability to determine probabilities.
43. Teach: One way you can keep your mind sharp is to teach others. You can teach as an adjunct, offer community classes or tutor in order to keep your mind sharp.
44. Learn sign language: Sign language connects motor skills to the brain, and brings more mental effort to communication.

Brain Food

If you want to boost your brain power and quickness, you need to eat the right things. There are some nutritional guidelines that can help you improve braing strength.

45. Omega-3 fatty acids: The oils found in fish and some plants, like flaxseed, can improve brain function.
46. Red wine: In very moderate amounts, red wine can help your brain.
47. Blueberries: These delicious berries can help neurons in your brain.
48. Strawberries: Antioxidants in strawberries can help your brain, and the vitamin C and potassium have other benefits.
49. Folic acid: This nutrient can help you avoid memory loss. Folic acid supplements can be a good addition to your brain food regimen.
50. Fiber: Keep your body and mind functioning properly and in balance with fiber.
51. Water: Dehydration can be detrimental to the brain. Drink lots of water to avoid this.
52. Eat breakfast: Get off to the right start every day with proper nutrition, and your brain will be more active.
53. Beware of caffeine: While moderate amounts of caffeine can be helpful (one cup of tea or coffee), too much can overstimulate the brain, and the following crash can cause problems.
54. Watch out for alcohol and drugs: Substance abuse is very detrimental to brain function.
55. Limit junk food: Junk food drains your brain power and slows it down. In order to make your brain stronger and faster, you need to limit your intake of junk.

If you are involved in health informatics, it can help to read various blogs on the subject. Health informatics combines a number of disciplines, including medical science, health care, information science and computer science. The idea is to combine technology and medicine in such a way as to more efficiently and effectively coordinate health care efforts. Here are some of the top 50 health informatics blogs that can help you learn more about health informatics and stay up to date on the latest advancements:

General Health Informatics

These are blogs that specifically refer to health informatics practices and ideas.

1. Health Informatics Blog: Learn about health informatics from the U.K. doctor that founded the Health Informatics Forum.
2. Biological Informatics: Get a look at informatics in the field of biology.
3. Ted Eytan, MD: Learn about e-Health and how technology can make health care better.
4. New Media Medicine: Includes great medicine podcasts, including podcasts related to health informatics and e-health.
5. EMR Implementation & HITECH Act Blog: Get the inside look at electronic medical records and other aspects of health informatics.
6. Health Informatics Forum: Discuss the latest developments in health informatics with students and professionals.
7. HealthNex: Get the latest information on health informatics and patient-centered health care with the help of technology.
8. Health Care Renewal: Discusses topics related to improving the health care system, including topics related to health informatics.
9. Information Therapy (Ix) Blog: A blog about information therapy and developing the science around it.
10. Goomedic: Information and news about the latest informatics products, as well as developments

Anatomy and Physiology

It is a good idea to know about anatomy and physiology if you are going to work in health informatics. Many of the things that you do will be aimed at mapping the human body and being able to use electronic information to help in diagnosis. Here are some good anatomy and physiology blogs:

11. Human Physiology: This tag from the Life Sciences Blog can direct you to interesting developments in physiology.
12. Sacramento State – Anatomy and Physiology Blog: A great resource on the build and make-up of the human body.
13. Morbid Anatomy: Learn about anatomy from a number of angles, including art and death.
14. Street Anatomy: Interesting look at using anatomy in art — including digital art.
15. Medical Blog: Articles and posts about the human body and advancements in medicine.
16. Medical Humanities Blog: Combining medicine with the humanities and understanding how disease works in the body.
17. Health Blog: Get a general idea of health, and how to improve the health of the body.
18. Biomedicine on Display: A great blog featuring different aspects of biomedicine, and including information about the human body and how it works.

Information Science and Information Technology

When working in health informatics, you will need to know about information science and information technology, since these are combined with medicine and health to create health informatics. These blogs can give you a good foundation.

19. DIS Blog: This blog from the Department of Information Studies at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. looks at information science, and also looks at how it helps medicine.
20. Australian Health Information Technology: Look at the latest news in health IT.
21. Neil Versel’s Healthcare IT Blog: News and information from around the world of information technology in health care.
22. AssembleMe: This is a blog devoted to informatics, and the interpretation of data.
23. Information Science: This blog from Science Blogs follows information science and technology.
24. Information Technology Blog: Keep up to date on information technology developments.
25. Scott MacLeod’s Anthropology of Information Technology: This blog focuses on the development of IT.
26. Jared Rimer’s Technology Blog and Podcast: Keep up with technology and information with these helpful posts and podcasts.

Computer Science

Learn about how computers work, and how to use computing as part of your health informatics job.

27. Jason’s Computer Science Blog: Learn about computer science, and how to understand computers.
28. Computer Science is COOL: A blog about computer science and what is happening in the world of computer technology.
29. Mobile Health Computing: A blog about using technology on the go as part of a health practice.
30. EHR Bloggers: Learn about electronic health records and using computers in health care.
31. Rough Type: This is a blog about computers and computing, and how they are related to different aspects of life, including health and health care.
32. MedicalComputing.net: Get information and news on medical computing and health informatics.
33. Papers in Computer Science: Get an idea of what is happening in the world of computers.
34. Computer Forensic Blog: An interesting look at how to get into the nitty-gritty of computers.
35. Interactive Intelligence Blog: Insights into data, and interaction in a technology world.

Statistics

Stats is very important when it comes to health informatics. Here are some good statistics blogs to help you with your health informatics learning.

36. Fishing in the Bay: These are “statistical musings” with a medical twist.
37. Data Sciences Analytics: Learn about the science of data, and how it is used in a variety of ways.
38. Analytic Bridge: Using information and statistics for analysis.
39. Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science: A helpful blog about using statistics to create models and make assessments.
40. Social Science Statistics Blog: Learn about stats from Harvard.
41. Lies and Stats: It’s been a while since this blog was updated, but it still has a great deal of useful information about how statistics are used.
42. Overcoming Bias: Learn how to use data and how to overcome the biases that may be in that data.
43. The Endeavor: A great blog that includes statistics posts and information.

Radiology and Medical Imaging

One of the important things you will do in health informatics is imaging. You will then need to be able to interpret what you see. Here are some blogs about imaging and radiology.

44. Sumer’s Radiology Site: Great images and information related to radiology and medical imaging.
45. A Radiology Geek’s Blog: Get information and insight into radiology.
46. RadGirl Radiology Blog: A great look at what is happening in the world of radiology.
47. Radiology Ramblings: News and information about radiology.
48. xRay2000: Articles, images and more about radiology and imaging technology.
49. Radiography & Radiology Blog: Learn about the latest developments in radiography and radiology as part of medical science and technology.
50. Medical Imaging Talk: Get the latest in the world of medical imaging.

From pandemics to bioterrorism and from imaging to medical records and communication, open source software is changing the face of healthcare. These developments are important to developing countries, especially, during crisis or by improving communication within rural areas. The list below contains a smattering of the hundreds of open-source software programs available to the medical community and to their patients.

Open Source software is licensed under an open source license or in the public domain, and programmers can modify or restructure the software capacity to help these programs become even more efficient. This list of twenty-five open source software projects that are changing healthcare is divided into categories, and each software is listed alphabetically within those categories. This method shows that we do not favor one software over another.

Public Health

1. Epi Info: This is a public domain statistical software program for epidemiology and that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is available for Microsoft Windows, and include analytic routines on outbreak investigations that surpasses any paper surveys available today.
2. epiSPIDER: Learn more about emerging diseases from this experimental map. This map derives its information from news reports and is screened by dbacl, a digramic bayesian classifier, and then passed on to the OpenCalais web service for named entity annotation.
3. Sispread: Simulation of Infectious Spreading: This software allows users to easily perform epidemic simulations and analyze the results. This project is released under the terms of GNU General Public License.
4. The RODS Open Source Project: Real-time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance (RODS) is an open source public health surveillance software. RODS Laboratory has been modifying this software since 1999, as it continues to collect and analyze disease surveillance data in real time.
5. Zyxware Health Monitoring System: Download this software to monitor diseases such as malaria. This is a reporting and analysis module and a GIS module which displays data through Google Maps.

Medical Records

6. ClearHealth: This software has built credibility for its functionality and ability to replace software designed by vendors. ClearHealth, and open source product, prides itself on customer service as well as software designed specifically for high-volume or low-volume practices.
7. Community Health Information Tracking System (CHITS): This open source software won the ADOC Stockholm Challenge for its ability to help train health workers at low cost at health centers in the Philippines. This software also set standards for the development of more compatibility among software systems to allow for a wider flow of information.
8. FreeMedForms: This is a multi-platform and multilingual open source project released under the new BSD license. It was developed by medical doctors and is intended for health professionals to test medical health records management.
9. GNUmed: Professionals who use Unix-like systems can use this medical software package that is secure, respectful of patient privacy and that is flexible, fully-featured and multilingual.
10. OpenEMR: This software is intended as an open source replacement for medical applications such as Medical Manager, Health Pro and Misys. OpenEMR is a “LAMP” type of web based software application that uses a web server such as Apache, MySQL as the database and PHP as its programming language.

Imaging

11. 3D Slicer: Use this multi-platform resource for segmentation, registration and three-dimensional visualization of multi-modal image data, as well as advanced image analysis algorithms for diffusion tensor imaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging and image-guided therapy.
12. CTSim: This is an open source computed tomography simulator that focuses on the process of transmitting X-rays through phantom objects. CTSim has a wide array of image analysis and image processing functions.
13. DeVIDE: Otherwise known as the Delft Visualization and Image processing Development Environment, this product is cross-platform framework for rapid prototyping, testing and deployment of visualization and image processing algorithms.
14. Endrov: This open source software provides both a library and an imaging program that can be used for most daily use or prototyping. Based on Java, it is portable and also can be run locally as an applet.
15. Open Source PACS Framework: Offered by UCLA Medical Imaging Informatics, this product is a free and open source image referral, archiving, routing and viewing system. It goes beyond conventional PACS by integrating wet read functions, implemented through DICOM Presentation State and Structured Reporting standards.

Medical Practice

16. CARE2X: This open source software integrates data, functions and workflows in any healthcare environment. The components consist of HIS, PM, CDS (Central Data Server) and HXP (Health Xchange Protocol).
17. Elexis Praxisprogramm: This open source software offers an Eclipse RCP program for all aspects of a medical practice. Look for electronic medical record capacity, laboratory findings, accounting, billing and other capabilities to ease office flow.
18. Office Manager: This office management software was designed for medical practices, doctors groups, DMEs, retailers and more. Look for user/patient management, point of sale, scheduling, sign-in, inventory, insurance claims management and accounting in a multi-platform environment.
19. Open Dental: Organize a dental practice with a powerful MySQL database built upon open standards. While this is an open source system, there is a cost for telephone support and training.
20. TAPAS: Also known as the Technology Assisted Practice Application Suite, this software serves as a model to assist primary care physicians in clinical practice. The software includes the ability to conduct medical summaries, messaging, prescription management and serves a connection to the EGADSS clinical decision support server to provide patient specific preventive reminders.

Mobile Devices

21. CommCare: This software was designed with community health workers in mind, as it provides a way to supply efficient care in rural areas under better supervision and coordination of community health programs.
22. EpiHandy: This open source tool revolutionizes the way in which surveys and data collection is done in health and development research. This is a multi-platform program.
23. Frontline SMS: This mobile open source tool is perfect for NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that work in developing countries, as it makes it easier to conduct two-way communication. The software is free, but users pay for messages sent.
24. Mobilisr: This software was designed to help facilitate communication in health, employment and public safety sectors by enhancing communications for greater efficiency and access to services.
25. Ushahidi: Ushahidi means “testimony” in Swahili, as this software allows anyone to gather distributed data via SMS to email or transmit to Web or visualize information on a map or time line. The goal is to use this device during crisis response.

Health informatics is a fascinating field, representing the intersection of computer science, information science and health care. Sometimes it is called medical informatics. Health informatics began in the 1950s, as microchips and computers began to emerge. However, the field didn’t really start taking off until the 1970s as computers shrunk in size. And now, with today’s technology, it is little surprise that health informatics is a booming field with a number of applications. If you are interested in learning more about medical informatics, or just brushing up on your skills, here are 25 free open courseware classes on health informatics.

Anatomy and Physiology

First of all, it helps to have a basic understanding of the human body. Health informatics requires that you have a grasp of what’s going on with the body so that you can interpret what you are seeing. Here are some good, basic classes on anatomy and physiology:

1. Human Biology Course from the University of Leeds offers a basic overview of how the human body works at the smallest level, including a section on introductory anatomy.
2. Human Growth and Development from Tufts University provides an insightful look at how the body is formed and develops from birth to death.
3. Anatomy and Physiology from Western Governor’s University offers images and helpful information on how the body works, system by system.
4. Human Physiology from the University of Utah provides a helpful overview of the way the body is built, and how it functions.
5. The Human Body from Harvard University is a great resource for all things that have to do with the body, and how it works.

Information Science and Technology

You need to have a grasp of basic information science and technology in order to effectively put together medical images, build databases and integrate health into information technology. Here are some open courseware classes that can help you learn more about information science and technology:

6. An introduction to data and information from Open University offers a basic look at how computers work, and how they organize data for our use.
7. The database development lifecycle from Open University helps you understand how to put together a database, and how to use it to retrieve the information you are looking for.
8. Information Technology from MIT provides you with an overview of information technology, its uses and how to create databases and surveys.
9. Global Issues in Information Technology from Weber State University offers an in-depth examination of how information technology is used in our society, and addresses issues, such as privacy, that come up in the health informatics field.
10. Medical Artificial Intelligence from MIT is a fascinating course that lets you look at how artificial intelligence works, and how it can be used in a medical setting.

Computing

How you use a computer, and how you set up a computer to organize information and display it can make a big difference in your level of success in health informatics. Here are some free open courseware classes that can help you bring your computing skills up to snuff.

11. Medical Computing from MIT helps you grasp how you can use computing while at the cutting edge of medical science.
12. Information Visualization from the University of British Columbia offers you a look at how you can learn how to take information and use a computer to display it in an interesting and useful way.
13. Human Computer Interaction from the University of Washington looks at the ways that humans can use computers, and how it affects them on a number of levels. Also includes some programming assignments and information.
14. Dataflow Programming from Connexions provides a look at how you can manage data flow, and program accordingly.
15. Communication, Technology and Policy from the University of Southern Queensland in Australia offers a look at how computers are changing technology and communication, and the policies that come with that. These concepts are transferable to health informatics on a number of levels.

Statistics

Informatics of any kind rely on statistics. If you are going to do medical informatics, you will need some knowledge of statistics and how they work. Indeed, this will help you present your data, and help you analyze it. These statistics open courseware classes can help you get a basic understanding of statistics.

16. Introduction to Probability and Statistics from MIT offers a basic look at how statistics work, and the forces at work behind probability.
17. Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Solutions Using R and Bioconductor from Johns Hopkins University looks at biostatistics. This interesting course focuses mostly on use R software as your statistic program, and how it can be integrated into health informatics.
18. Statistics Mathematical Principles from the University of Tokyo is an English language class that focuses on the math principles behind statistics.
19. Mathematics and Statistics from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is a collection of courseware that you can use to examine math and stats.
20. Experimental Statistics from the University of Puerto Rico can provide you with a basic understanding of how you can use stats as part of different experiments.

Imaging

One of the most interesting aspects of health informatics is the use of imaging. Indeed, technology has provided us with the ability to look inside the human body. Capturing this information, and interpreting it, is an essential part of medical science and informatics. Use these open courseware classes to learn more about imaging.

21. Noninvasive Imaging in Biology and Medicine from MIT provides you with helpful information on how imaging can be used in ways to enhance diagnosis.
22. Holographic Imaging is another offering from MIT, and revolves around using computers and lasers to create holographic images, and addresses the principles behind how these images work.
23. Graphic Design from Miami Dade College is part of iTunes U, and offers a look at graphic design. Understanding these fundamentals of image production and manipulation can help you as you display information.
24. Audiovisual Production Learning Club from Open University provides a forum for learning how to capture images, and then how to manipulate and distribute them.
25. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Data Acquisition and Analysis from MIT provides you with a look at how to make use of MRI’s and analyzing the data received.