Frequently asked questions

With so much information on the web, it's hard to know what you can trust. Take some time to review websites to check if they’re safe and worth your while. Questions to consider include: 

• Who created the site and why? Who funds the website? Look for sites created by trusted organizations (e.g. National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, American Heart Association) or by licensed physicians or health care providers. Check the "About Us" section to learn more about the author or organization. Is the purpose of the site to explain and inform, or to sell a product? Avoid sites that only sell and advertise products. 

• What is the quality of the information? Fact-check health information on the sites you use. Compare information on the site you are reviewing to information found on websites created by reliable, well-known organizations. Look for information based on scientific evidence rather than on opinion. Avoid sites that promote unbelievable claims and miracle cures.

• When was the information updated? Check how often the site is updated. When was the information reviewed? Does the information clearly list the experts who reviewed the content (e.g. scientific or medical advisory board)? Does the website list current references from reliable sources?

• What about social media and apps? Social media sites are online communities. These sites may connect you not only to family and friends, but to strangers, too. You may find health information on social media. Some of it may be true, and some of it may not be. Just because a post is from a family member or trusted friend, it doesn’t mean the information is true or scientifically correct. 

• How will the site protect your information? Does the site tell you what information they collect from you and how they’ll use it? Do they post a privacy policy? Read it. Be sure you feel comfortable with information the site collects and how it will be used. There’s a difference between sharing your personal information through your doctor’s secure online health portal versus sharing information on social media or other websites. Although your doctor's portal may keep your information private, other sites may not. Beware of what you share.

Learn more about evaluating health websites from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

No. The Children's Health Resource Center (North Campus) and the Andrew Family Children's Health Resource Center (South Campus) are open to serve the health and wellness information needs of Advocate Children's Hospital and the communities they serve. Having a doctor in the Advocate system is not required. Ebooks are available to loan to persons living in the United States.

Click here to access our catalog and learn how to borrow library books, materials and eBooks.

Yes. SIBSENSATIONS offers support for siblings of children with disabilities or chronic conditions. Children meet peers with similar experiences in a fun and friendly atmosphere, where they can discuss their common joys and concerns. They learn how to handle situations they all face regularly and discuss what it's like having a brother or sister with different abilities. We do this through games, activities, crafts and age appropriate discussion.

We meet once a month during the school year. For more information, see our events calendar in our library catalog.

Medical play can help your child express feelings about medical care. Under the guidance of a trained resource center team member, children can practice health care skills with teaching dolls and medical supplies. We also provide medical play stickers, paper hats, and other pretend medical supplies for kids to explore their own health concerns.

Schedule an appointment: Call 847-723-CHRC (2472) to schedule medical play time for your child.