Did you ever get one of those headaches that starts back here and goes all the way around, over to here? How about an Excedrin headache? If so, you should join the club. While it would be easy to dismiss these folks as "The Fraternal Order of îOw! My Head Hurts," it would also be unfair. The National Headache Foundation is a legitimate organization with the important purpose of serving the needs of many people in pain (the site lists support groups which hold regularly scheduled meetings in 15 states). The most useful part of this site is the full text of 26 headache information sheets, providing answers to common headache questions. - Gary Barker
I, who squat to pee, am vindicated. Other boys I know consider this habit a vestige of successful housebreaking, the kind that comes with living with ladies; but the folks here confirm that Ive been closer than most to doing it right all long. So ha! There are articles here on proper colon irrigation and ejaculation control, but dont read them if youre the type who gets nauseated watching nature specials on the tiny organisms that inhabit our bodies. As for me, when a 116-year-old doctor tells me Id better flush my tubes, Im gonna listen. - Ismael Marrero
Immunet provides easy access to quality information about HIV/AIDS, and although the site gears its info toward caregivers, anyone seeking information on the disease can use the resources here. AIDS Treatment News, the highlight of the site, is an easy-to-understand newsletter about the latest happenings, including new drugs, upcoming clinical trials, and alternative treatment options. You can read through a calendar of upcoming conferences and sign up to participate in a variety of e-mail forums. The site also features a beta version of GARD, the Global AIDS Resource Directory, which provides a large database of assorted American AIDS organizations. - Dorrit Tulane Walsh
You knew it would happen eventuallytherapy via e-mail and CU-SeeMe. The site fully describes its services, including detailed bios of staff counselors and extensive discussion of privacy and confidentiality concerns. To hear Wired Senses tell it, e-mail counseling has some advantages over counseling in your therapists office: Its cheap, you dont have to leave your house, and youll probably know more about your Wired Senses therapists background than most patients know about their in-person therapist. The disadvantages are obvious: lack of the personal touch and privacy worries. Wired Senses uses a secure server, but come onits the Internet. - Dorrit Tulane Walsh
For those with physical and mental disabilities, the Internet has been a real boon, providing ready access to previously arcane information about their conditions. More than ever it's possible to facilitate contact between afflicted persons from around the world. Family Village uses the metaphor of a villagewith a university, coffee shop, hospital, place of worship, recreation center, and so onto supply visitors with useful links to other Web pages, newsgroups, and databases. The extensive catalog on disabling conditions is useful to clinical providers as well as other interested parties. - Steve LeVine
In search of a sick bed? The Hospital Locator will kick down a list of all of the hospitals in any area you specify by city, state, or zip code. Once you've seen your options, click on a specific hospitals name to access additional information. Accreditations, size, and services offered will help you narrow down your search and decide whats best for you. Print out the map, check yourself in, and get well! - David Pescovitz
HIVpositive.com bills itself as "your comprehensive resource to improved quality of life." It discusses nutrition, drugs, caretakers, money matters, scientific news, and other important subjects in an easy-to-understand and educational manner. Much of the material is written by physicians specialized in HIV prevention, treatment, and care. If you're HIV-positive, have a friend who is, or are at risk yourself, this site offers a wealth of information you should know about. In fact, it's full of information that everyone should know about. - David Pescovitz
Do you know what happens inside your brain when when you take a bong hit? Visit The Learning Trip on the American Council for Drug Education Web site to find an answer to that question and to expand your mind with other information on recreational drug use. It should be noted that the ACDE wants "to diminish substance abuse and its impact," and while the site doesnt condescend, it does take an adamant just say no stance. Perhaps Timothy Leary offered a better attitude for everyonefrom psychedelic psychonauts to Nancy Reagan disciplesto take: "Just say know!" - David Pescovitz
Ballsy name for a site, right? Well, testosterone is serious stuff. According to The Testosterone Source, "Testosterone is the most important male hormone, not only because it influences masculine physical characteristics, but because it also affects mood, sexual drive, and energy level as well as promotes normal development and maintenance of bone and muscle." And more than 5 million men in the U.S. are short on the stuff. Don't worry, thoughtreatments are available, and options, such as injections, tablets, and transdermal delivery systems, are explained in simple terms at this site. (In fact, the site itself is sponsored by a pharmaceutical company that manufactures a treatment.) - David Pescovitz