Is It a Running Blog If You No Longer Run?
We're now entering Week 4 since my trip to the ER and to a new world of pain, partial paralysis and yet another prescription for physical therapy.
And while I stare down an uncertain future, I thought I might throw out something I've learned about how we now manage our own health.
A survey published on numerous sites last week shows that a third of consumers are turning to their "friends" on social media for medical advice instead of their health care providers. They're publicly talking in detail about their illnesses and injuries and asking for first, second or third opinions. Aren't you glad we have HIPAA to make sure our medical records stay private?
Of course, some of these people may not have health care, especially if they are under 65. And some folks likely use pseudonyms or post anonymously to be as candid as possible. Unless you use some of the more sophisticated tools out there, your real identity is easy to trace. Just so you know.
The report was produced to be sure health care providers are aware of this sea change so they can get in on the action and become more involved with social media. And, of course, leverage all this business intelligence gathered over public channels.
The same week as the report's release, one such social network asked where people turn for coaching advice, which prompted one of my favorite "friends" to remind people there's a lot of bad advice liberally distributed by well-intentioned runners and triathletes on that very site.
I do hope the pros take the PwC report to heart and become more engaged to shut out the charletons and the ill-informed from doing more damage. Remember: no one knows your body better than you.
A survey published on numerous sites last week shows that a third of consumers are turning to their "friends" on social media for medical advice instead of their health care providers. They're publicly talking in detail about their illnesses and injuries and asking for first, second or third opinions. Aren't you glad we have HIPAA to make sure our medical records stay private?
Of course, some of these people may not have health care, especially if they are under 65. And some folks likely use pseudonyms or post anonymously to be as candid as possible. Unless you use some of the more sophisticated tools out there, your real identity is easy to trace. Just so you know.
The report was produced to be sure health care providers are aware of this sea change so they can get in on the action and become more involved with social media. And, of course, leverage all this business intelligence gathered over public channels.
The same week as the report's release, one such social network asked where people turn for coaching advice, which prompted one of my favorite "friends" to remind people there's a lot of bad advice liberally distributed by well-intentioned runners and triathletes on that very site.
I do hope the pros take the PwC report to heart and become more engaged to shut out the charletons and the ill-informed from doing more damage. Remember: no one knows your body better than you.
