National Stroke Association
About this site: This busy site dazzles the user with a wealth of information, blinking graphics, video clips, and links to other resources. The National Stroke Association, which dubs itself the "voice for stroke" covers the subject in depth, from risk factors to symptoms to rehabilitation. This is the sort of site users can revisit and still find topics of help to them. http://www.stroke.org/
Pluses: The site is available in English, French, and Spanish.
Minuses: Some visitors may find all the color and graphics distracting, and the pop-up advertisement (for the organization’s magazine) that appears on a user’s initial visit is annoying.
Best feature: Numerous video clips on all aspects of stroke deliver information in an accessible and entertaining way.
National Aphasia Association
About this site: Simply designed and easy to navigate, this site focuses on one possible outcome of stroke. Aphasia -- the impairment of a person's ability to use and understand words -- affects about one million people in the United States, according to the nonprofit National Aphasia Association. Visitors to the site can learn more about aphasia, sign up for a newsletter, and find a list of support groups in their area. http://www.aphasia.org/
Pluses: Periodic updates on new developments in aphasia research.
Minuses: A little more color and design work would make the site more appealing.
Best feature: Aphasics or their family members can contact people with similar interests in the Pen Pals section.
Heart Information Network
About this site: Post-diagnosis patients will appreciate the medical news, clinic directories, nutrition advice, Q&A sheets, resource guides, and patient stories on this site. The searchable question & answer directory has nearly a thousand Q&As on everything from coronary bypass to mitral valve prolapse. (http://www.heartinfo.org/)
Pluses: Find an expert with the Heart Failure Clinic Directory.
Minuses: Long lists of navigation options can be confusing.
Best feature: The electrocardiogram library shows you how to read your own ECG.
