Effective Date: May 2026 | Last Updated: May 2026 SterlingMedicalCenter.org is an independent health research publication operated by the SMC Research Desk. This Privacy Policy describes how this site collects, uses, and protects information when you visit sterlingmedicalcenter.org. By using this website, you agree to the practices described in this policy. This site is not a medical practice, clinic, or healthcare provider. It does not collect, store, or transmit protected health information (PHI) as defined under HIPAA. The “Medical Center” in this domain reflects prior ownership history and does not indicate clinical operations.
Information We Collect
Information collected automatically: When you visit this site, our web servers and analytics tools automatically collect certain technical information, including your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring URL, pages visited, time spent on pages, and date and time of your visit. This information is collected in aggregate and is used to understand how visitors use the site, identify technical issues, and improve content. Cookies and tracking technologies: This site uses cookies — small text files placed on your device by your browser — to support site functionality and analytics. Cookies used on this site may include session cookies (which expire when you close your browser), persistent cookies (which remain on your device for a set period), and third-party cookies placed by analytics and advertising services. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though doing so may affect your experience on this site. Third-party analytics: This site uses web analytics services, which may include Google Analytics, to collect aggregated information about site traffic and usage patterns. These services use cookies and similar technologies to collect data in accordance with their own privacy policies. Information collected by analytics services is used in aggregate form and is not linked to personally identifiable information by this site. Information you provide voluntarily: If you contact this site through a contact form or email, we collect the information you submit — including your name and email address — solely for the purpose of responding to your inquiry. This information is not added to marketing lists or shared with third parties.
Affiliate Links and Third-Party Tracking
This site participates in affiliate marketing programs. When you click an affiliate link on this site, you may be directed to a third-party website where the merchant's own cookies and tracking technologies apply. This site does not control the data practices of affiliate partners or the websites you are directed to through affiliate links. Affiliate links on this site are identified in accordance with FTC Endorsement Guidelines. Clicking an affiliate link does not cost you anything additional, but may result in a commission being earned by this publication if a purchase is made. The affiliate disclosure at the top of each relevant article and on the Affiliate Disclosure page describes these relationships in full. When you click through an affiliate link, the merchant's platform may place cookies on your device, collect your purchasing behavior, and process any transaction information you provide directly to them. That data is governed by the merchant's own privacy policy, not this one.
How We Use Information
Information collected by this site is used for the following purposes: Site operation and improvement: Aggregated analytics data is used to understand which content is useful to readers, identify technical problems, and improve the site's editorial focus. Responding to inquiries: Contact information submitted through the site's contact form is used only to respond to the submitted inquiry. Compliance: We may retain information as required by applicable law or to protect the legal rights of this publication. This site does not sell, rent, or lease reader data to third parties. This site does not build individual user profiles for advertising targeting purposes. This site does not send unsolicited commercial email.
Third-Party Services
This site may embed or link to third-party services including video players, social sharing tools, and external research databases. These services operate under their own privacy policies and may collect data when you interact with their embedded elements. This site is not responsible for the data practices of third-party services.
Children's Privacy
This site is not directed at children under the age of 13 and does not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information through this site, please contact us using the information on the Contact page so that we can delete it.
Data Retention
Analytics data is retained in accordance with the default retention settings of the analytics platforms used. Contact form submissions are retained only as long as necessary to respond to the inquiry and are not archived for ongoing use.
Your Choices
Cookies: You may opt out of analytics cookies through your browser settings or through opt-out tools provided by analytics platforms (including the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on). Note that disabling cookies affects all sites you visit, not only this one. Do Not Track: Some browsers transmit Do Not Track signals. This site does not currently alter its data collection practices in response to Do Not Track signals, though we respect your right to configure your browser as you choose.
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in site practices, applicable law, or third-party service relationships. The effective date at the top of this page reflects when the current version was last revised. Continued use of this site following an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy may be directed through the Contact page. SterlingMedicalCenter.org is an independent health research publication. This site is not a medical practice, clinic, or healthcare provider and is not affiliated with Sterling Medical Center & Urgent Care, Saad MD Medical Clinic, or any medical practice, physician, or healthcare organization. See our Non-Affiliation Notice for full details.