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Patient Advocacy: 15 Winning Ways to Attract More Readers to Your Blog

August 24, 2018 in , /by

Have you ever had the sinking feeling of pouring your heart and soul into writing something you felt sure people will want to read, only to find this isn’t the case? That, apart from your Mom and your best friend, it feels like no one else is reading your blog? Having your own blog is […]

Coping With Scanxiety: Practical Tips from Cancer Patients

July 24, 2018 in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

“Every three to four months I get a wake-up call that my life has taken an unexpected turn. Believe me, there are daily reminders of how different I am now; but scan time is big time scary time, mentally. It takes living with cancer to yet another level of heighten sense of mortality and anxiety.  […]

Patient Advocacy: Six Steps to Craft a Compelling Message

June 26, 2018 in , /by

Patient advocacy involves sharing your unique knowledge and experience of a disease or condition with the ultimate aim of raising awareness and influencing people to create a desired change.  This might include speaking at an event, telling your story in the media, or working with an organization to develop new treatment guidelines.  This month’s post […]

What Does It Mean To Be An Empowered Patient?

May 22, 2018 in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

The term “patient empowerment” is among the top buzzwords in health care circles, but as with many buzzwords, they can mean different things to different people.  The term is most often used to emphasize the value of having patients assert greater control over their health and health care.  WHO defines empowerment as “a process through […]

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Hashtags in Healthcare…But Were Afraid To Ask!

April 25, 2018 in , /by

If you are using social media to find and share health information, chances are high you are already using hashtags. Hashtags, a way for users to easily find similar themed content, are used regularly by millions of social media users, especially on the micro-blogging site Twitter. Chris Messina, a social technology expert, is credited with […]

Grief, Loss, and the Cancer Experience

March 27, 2018 in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

“In a society which is much more inclined to help you hide your pain rather than to grow through it, is necessary to make a very conscious effort to mourn.” -Henri Nouwen Grief is a natural response to loss. While many people think of grief only as a reaction to bereavement, we can feel grief […]

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Patient Advocates

February 26, 2018 in , , , /by

“Without doubt, you have to leave the comfort zone of base camp and confront an entirely new and unknown wilderness.” -Stephen Covey Stephen Covey’s best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was first published in 1989 as a business and self-help book. Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning ourselves to what he calls “true north” […]

Patient Advocacy: Understanding Your Illness

January 26, 2018 /1 Comment/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

The news that you, or a loved one, has a serious illness can be a terrible blow.  You may be faced with an array of emotions ranging from shock to fear to anxiety. You will likely have many questions and concerns about what the coming days and months will bring, and the impact living with […]

How To Boost Your Online Advocacy Through Blogging

January 2, 2018 in , /by

Are you looking for a way to boost your advocacy activities online? One of the best ways to do this is to create a blog. Many patients blog about their illness as a way to advocate for better treatment and care and to provide guidance and support for other patients. Blogging shows your commitment and […]

A Woman’s Guide to Living with Heart Disease

November 28, 2017 in , , , /by

It’s my great pleasure this month to interview Carolyn Thomas, journalist, blogger and heart health advocate. Her popular Heart Sisters blog was recently turned into a book, A Woman’s Guide to Living with Heart Disease. As a heart attack survivor Carolyn is on a mission to educate women about their heart health. Hi Carolyn, can you […]

Fact or Fiction: 10 Common Breast Cancer Myths Busted

October 24, 2017 in , , , /by

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while many of us may think there is already plenty of awareness of breast cancer these days, it’s quite surprising how many myths exist alongside the facts.  Some breast cancer myths still continue despite a lack of evidence. A survey found that agreement with the phrase: “It seems […]

12 Keys to Finding, Growing, and Nurturing Your Online Community

September 26, 2017 in , /by

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” – African Proverb Before the Internet connected people from every corner of the globe, many patients experienced their illness in isolation.  The Internet (and social media in particular) has lessened our sense of isolation, helping us feel more connected […]

How To Cope With Cancer-Related Fatigue

August 22, 2017 in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

We all know what it’s like to feel tired – physically, mentally and emotionally, but usually after some relaxation and a good night’s sleep, we are ready to take on the world again. When you have cancer, though, rest often isn’t enough. Fatigue caused by cancer and its treatments takes a toll on your stamina […]

Patient Advocacy: Ten Tactics for Mastering Social Media Success

July 19, 2017 in , /by

Social media extends beyond the world of Facebook and Twitter. It encompasses blogs and other newer social platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest. If you want to raise awareness of your cause, amplify your patient advocacy activities, and create change where it’s needed most, social media is an important channel to share your message […]

The Advocate’s Guide to Reporting Live from Conferences and Events

June 20, 2017 in , /by

Reporting live from an event is a way of engaging your followers by sending updates about an event as it occurs. It allows you to expand the reach of in-person events to provide valuable insights to those who are unable to attend in person. I believe it is part of our role as advocates to […]