Sick leave, desist from abusing it

Interactions in the social media have grown phenomenally in the last few years. Many people with mobile devices spend some time every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or on some other social networks. Most of the time is spent on some mundane social activities, but increasingly also on business and even health matters.

Yes, there are lots of health-related interactions going on in social networks. This is driven both by patients and healthcare providers alike. It is an exciting interaction, with benefits all round.

You want to be part of it.Unless you are a diehard stickler to traditional medical interactions that only happen in hospitals and doctors’ offices.Now, suppose some medical condition has been nagging you for some time. Being in and out of hospitals can only do so much to lighten up your spirits. Looking up similarly affected individuals in social networks can suddenly spur you into some unexpected burst of optimism.

You will find shared experiences, tips on coping mechanisms, advice on where to seek experts you never knew existed, and much more.Rare medical conditions especially render themselves well to social groups. Some medical breakthroughs have even been initiated by networks of people suffering from rare conditions!

You may find yourself medically isolated in many ways. It might be geographical, physical or even mental isolation. Social media has no boundaries, you can easily get back on track by consciously seeking out help via social connections. So called ‘friends’ and ‘likes’ can lead you onto a healing path, either by encouragement or specific recommendations. Look out for blogs that have a bearing on whatever is ailing you. You will sometimes be surprised to see how much virtual help is out there.

Don’t stop at interactions only with your peers and similarly afflicted groups. Doctors and nurses are increasingly having tangible presence on social media. Granted, health professionals have to subscribe to certain codes of ethics in social media, but you can eke out so much from them. Simple questions can easily be answered, with simple remedies recommended. Some medics will even go further and run professional social groups, with all precautions in place to maintain a balance between information and confidentiality. Nothing should stop you from tapping into all that.

The possibilities go much further. If booked to see your doctor say on a Friday, they can enhance your consult by directing you to their social media pages early in the week. There, you will find textual information and YouTube videos all related to your condition. By the time your appointment comes through, your interactions will be at a much higher level, with more balanced decision making.

Go beyond hospital corridors and doctors’ offices with matters of health. But beware that health-related social networks can only take you so far. You will still need to physically interact with your healthcare providers time and again.