Advocating for Your Rights in the WorkplaceOftentimes it is scary to let your employer know that you have a chronic illness. It can be a time where you may fear there may be some retaliation because...reactions2comments
Predicting Advocacy Trends for 2025The Social Health Network recently gathered for its final Patient Leadership Council (PLC) meeting of 2024. In this meeting, Health Leaders spanning many condition spaces were invited and asked to...reactions2comments
Inspiring Patient Leader Kim Nash on Our PL Certification and How Advocacy Changed Her LifeSince we launched the Patient Leader Certification in 2023, we've had hundreds of Patient Leaders expand their knowledge base with the program. The Patient Leader Certification Program is the only...reactionscomments
Taking Colon Cancer Signs SeriouslyColon cancer is rising among young people, yet its symptoms are often overlooked due to age related biases. In 2024, colorectal cancer became the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in...reactions1comment
Ten Challenges of Advocating for Chronic Illness on Social MediaAdvocating for chronic illness on social media is no walk in the park. We face a myriad of challenges, from trolls peddling snake oil to well-meaning but misguided advice-givers who...reactions4comments
The Benefits of a Smaller Social Media FollowingAs an online health advocate for eczema warriors, it has often felt overwhelming for me to navigate the many online social media distractions of what is popular versus what content...reactions3comments
Media Representation of Disability and Chronic IllnessLiving with a chronic illness and/or disability can weigh heavily on a person. So when someone with a disability or chronic illness gets any sort of spotlight, it can be...reactions16comments
How to Partner With Your Doctor for Better CareDo you have a great relationship with your primary or speciality doctor? When I ask people I know this question, they often say no. If "no" is the answer then...reactions5comments
Laughter as Medicine: Using Humor in Health AdvocacyChronic illness is no laughing matter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some laughs when we advocate about it. Our bodies are always joking around with us, so it’s only right...reactions1comment
Burnout is Real: Self-Care Strategies for the Long HaulAnyone else used to be a fiery advocate and now you feel more like a slightly warm teabag? You know those times when your emails sometimes bounce off your inbox...reactions4comments
Filtering Personalities and Patient AdvocacyAddressing your advocacy comes with huge responsibilities, especially for those who bring their vocal experiences to a larger public audience. We establish and build our advocacy network with others who...reactions1comment
Being Compensated for Your Advocacy is PossibleHave you heard that you can be compensated for your advocacy work? It is a true statement. It might not happen as soon as you start your advocacy journey but...reactions9comments
Are You Advocating For the Right Reasons?When I first started my psoriasis advocacy, I was on fire to help make any changes that I could. Over 10 years later and I am still very much on...reactions3comments
Ethics Of Making Money From My Health AdvocacySometimes as an online health advocate I question if it is ethical for me to make money off my online health advocacy. When I first tried treating my eczema as...reactions8comments
10 Ways to Successfully Navigate Your Patient Advocacy JourneyEmbarking on a patient advocacy journey is a meaningful and impactful endeavor. However, there are moments when uncertainty creeps in, and you find yourself unsure about the next steps. Here...reactions3comments
Navigating a Colonoscopy: A Step-by-Step ExperienceColorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers with proper screening, yet screening rates remain well below a target of 80% in the United States. Colonoscopies remain the gold...reactionscomments
Cancer Treatment: Immunotherapy Versus ChemotherapyMore people may know of chemotherapy or chemo as a cancer treatment. But immunotherapy is gaining traction, and for good reason. Immunotherapy is a promising advancement in the treatment of...reactionscomments
Ethical Dilemmas in Chronic Illness AdvocacyIn my journey as a chronic illness advocate, I frequently encounter ethical dilemmas. These challenges, though complex, are so important to my role. Navigating these ethical issues often requires sensitivity...reactionscomments
Enter Our Giveaway: Medical Gaslighting Signed Book (*Giveaway Closed)**Please Note: This Giveaway is Now Closed** This month, we are thrilled to be offering a signed book giveaway, featuring one of the Social Health Network's very own Health Leaders!...reactions1comment
3 Practical Ways for Health Advocates to Safeguard Peace and Mental Health OnlineLiving with a chronic or terminal illness, or navigating a health journey, can be a formidable and isolating experience. Many people today turn to social media and online platforms to...reactions12comments