While I agree that “non-medical professionals” shouldn’t be hanging out random advice, I also know that far too many doctors out there prescribe medications without a discussion on natural alternatives or listening to patients about experiencing side-effects. (I have been through this with my husband over the past two years with three doctors, one of which is the reason he is on dialysis now.)

That said, if a writer wants to write about health and share a medical journey, it needs to be either well-notated that this is one person’s experience or document research within the article.

A well-executed, well-researched article can validate a person’s medical issues and give them confidence to discuss health issues and options with their doctor. My own personal research is what forced my husband’s nephrologist to finally listen to us about the fact that the lisinopril he had put my husband on was causing his Vertigo. Hubby still has lingering balance issues, but the evidence I gave the nephrologist from the Mayo Clinic site caused him to agree with us.