Articles

The day my doctor told me I had multiple sclerosis, I felt like my life had been ripped apart. I was a bodybuilder, a gym owner, a man who defined...

When our daughter was diagnosed with the rare disease known as sickle cell anemia at just a few weeks old, our lives took an unexpected turn. We were faced with...

Many of us are Social Health Network advocates here. We advocate for people that suffer from illnesses that we may or may not also suffer from. Sometimes we are patients...

HealtheVoices, Johnson & Johnson’s one-of-a-kind leadership program for online health advocates, is now accepting attendee and speaker applications for its annual conference, September 27-29, 2024 in Princeton, New Jersey!  Now...

Health Union's Patient Leader Certification is the first of its kind. This program helps sharpen and improve health advocacy skills. Divided into 12 lessons, this program goes at your own...

When I was first diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, I could never imagine the journey my condition would open for me. I thought it was a curse and nothing...

There are many reasons why patients, caregivers, and advocates share our health journeys. My non-exhaustive list is below.Despite all of these important reasons, one thing we often don’t talk about...

Watch the video below and join us as we discuss caring for your mental well-being in the digital age, tailored specifically for patient advocates and caregivers. Learn practical strategies and...

I decided to turn down my first big girl job a year after college. I have cystic fibrosis (CF), and my life had other plans in store-keeping up, in that...

Have you ever considered getting a service dog to help with your medical condition? Service dogs are dogs that are trained to help their owners with their disability. Disabilities are...

In the digital age, having a following often comes hand in hand with unexpected direct messages asking for financial help. It’s a perplexing yet frequent occurrence—individuals assuming an advocate’s/public figure’s...

You can start to sense when the relationship has run its course. Maybe clinic appointments are feeling rushed. Maybe you don’t feel heard or understood. Maybe you don’t feel comfortable...

Living with lupus feels like navigating a complicated maze full of unexpected twists and turns. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, can impact various organs and systems in the body, causing...

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the concepts of patient-centered care and patient leadership have become increasingly vital in shaping the quality and effectiveness of how medical care is given...

In the realm of patient advocacy, passion and dedication are often the driving forces behind the invaluable support provided to individuals navigating the complex world of healthcare. Often, we advocates...

Patient advocacy doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. Art is an underrated form of patient advocacy that can be beneficial, not only for the artist, but also for the...

One of the things I wish that was available when I started my advocacy is that there would exist a handbook that gives you insight into what you can do...

The new Social Health Network (SHN) provides space to connect with other Patient Leaders. In August, we posted several prompts to the Social Health Network Facebook page to act as...

As a passionate advocate for those living with multiple chronic conditions, I've walked alongside numerous individuals facing ongoing health challenges. I've witnessed firsthand the difficult nuances of the healthcare journey...

Recently, I compiled a data analysis report. The data was collected through the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America’s (FCSA) application. It was important that I understood the needs of the 351 people waiting for our...