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Social Networking for Health, Applied

I wrote about the potential impact that social networking can have on health care yesterday without asking myself a crucial question: Will I participate?

For some offerings, like managing personal health records and bills, absolutely not. That’s not information that I want on the internet, nor is it something I’m willing to share with a third party.

I was initially reluctant to try Revolution Health because I didn’t want to give them all the information that they require in the set up. So I used my junk e-mail address and made up a birthday. I’ll disclose these things to my bank, but that’s about it.

I’d like to think that I’d participate in the social parts, but it’s doubtful. I’m not much of a joiner, nor am I good at obligational interactions. It’s kind of like the forums that I used to participate in. I enjoyed the regular contact with other headache sufferers and got a lot of good information, but I lost the emotional need for it so I stopped posting. I continue to think about some of the participants, but I’m still not involved.

I already have a blog (obviously), so unless I used it to direct people here, the blogs on social networking sites aren’t necessary. The emotional needs I mentioned before are met by all the wonderful people who e-mail me after finding this blog.

So, there’s a potentially great tool that’s success depends on how much people contribute. I applaud this, yet doubt I’ll participate. Considering that I do and share a lot more online than many other people would be comfortable with, I doubt I’m not alone in my reluctance.

With this in mind MigrainePad may be the best option. Not only does it offer a comprehensive headache journal, but it now allows you to track weather in relation to your headaches.

3 thoughts on “Social Networking for Health, Applied”

  1. Hi Kerrie,

    I’ve been reading your blog since the NY Times article on occipital stimulators. I think it is invaluable — it’s my home page.

    I have had chronic migraines for about 15 years. They are partially managed by a stimulator. Unfortunately, the wire has created neck pain and has had to be replaced once and will probably require another replacement. Otherwise, it has reduced the frequency of debilitating migraines sufficiently to allow me to return to work.

    Although I have an advanced degree and work in the mental health field, prior to following your blog, I avoided migraine research. When I’m hurting, I can’t and when I’m not, I won’t since thinking about migraines can sometimes cause one. Your site is a painless source of useful information.

    I’ve tried to chronicle my migraines on and off for years to identify triggers and find some new and miraculous way to cure them. Unfortunately, they seem to be multifactorial and, perhaps my new MD is correct in calling them “primordial” — an intrinsic part of my makeup. Nevertheless, I am joining migrainepad as a charter member since I’m an optimist at my core and I know there is always new information to be discovered and applied.

    Thanks Kerrie. Keep up the good work. Meg

  2. Thanks for the Health 2.0 analysis. As a Revolution Employee I was a bit disappointed to hear that you don’t forsee yourself participating in our site’s features. I just want to remind you that we are a new site and are constantly adding new features, tools and content (and have a lot of interesting projects in the works). I would encourage you to continue to keep checking back to see how our site evolves.

    ********
    It does look like a great site and terrific for many people, just not something I can see myself participating in. I’ll definitely keep an eye on it.

    Kerrie

  3. “I’m not much of a joiner, nor am I good at obligational interactions.”

    Sort of non-headache-related, but it’s nice to hear that from another nice, functioning person. Thanks for yet another pick-me-up.

    ********
    I’m glad my neuroses can be of benefit. 😀

    Kerrie

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