Bottom Line: Having a hard time managing your health on your own? Joining a peer group can be your secret weapon.
If Facebook and Twitter are all that come to mind when you hear the words “social network,” you may be missing out on a powerful force that can help you live better. Health social networks are changing the way we take care of ourselves and filling gaps in the health-care system.
What’s in it for you? Face-to-face groups can be your secret weapon for winning the battle with a chronic disease or adopting a healthy behavior. And for people who say they just aren’t “joiners,” other ways of participating, such as online or through texts and phone calls, also can help you reach your goals.
And there’s a health social network for just about every need, from pain management to caregiver support to life after cancer. One big difference between peer groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and these networks is that they’re connected to a hospital system or medical group, so you get a deeper level of care along with the emotional, social and physical benefits.
What to expect: Some groups are led by doctors or nurse practitioners (and may be covered by your insurance)…others are led by experts in particular fields.
Face-to-face groups may have anywhere from a handful of people to 100 or more, while online health social networks may have thousands of participants. Sessions may last 30 minutes to several hours. Most face-to-face groups meet weekly or monthly, and some are goal-oriented. For instance, at La Clinica, a health-care provider in Medford, Oregon, the group “Aspire Mindfulness” helps people cope with anxiety, chronic pain and stress. Its “Prescription Kitchen” teaches nutritious cooking skills on a budget. There is no definitive start or stop point, so you can join at any point and feel welcome.
Many health social networks focus on wellness and removing obstacles that get in the way of making healthier choices. At La Clinica, the conversation isn’t centered on what to do—participants already know what they need to do to lose weight, quit smoking or watch their blood sugar level—but on what they are doing to lead a healthier life, which broadens the conversation. This approach helps you find out what is or isn’t working for you and what you could be doing more of, less of or differently.
So, while some people in a weight loss group might lose a certain amount of weight, the bigger goal is for everyone to make positive changes such as engaging in regular exercise and learning to better manage stress and stress eating. The weight loss is just gravy on top of those other benefits.
In large part, the strength of a network comes from the participants and the perspectives they bring to the table. In a sense, the students become the teachers as they share tips and advice that often take things in new directions.
The bigger picture: Another benefit of these networks is the human connection that they foster, which helps fight loneliness, an emotion with a direct and negative impact on well-being.
Finding a health social network. Begin your search at a hospital, health system or university near you and ask what groups are available. Public health organizations are another great resource. The American Lung Association, for instance, has the Better Breathers Club with chapters across the map. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has 200 groups organized through 38 chapters. Many other health organizations offer groups and classes.
Log on. Online health networks are another option, especially if there are no in-person groups near you or if you’re nervous or hesitant to join one—it’s a great way to scale in to a live group. For instance, the American Heart Association has a vast network of special forums and groups for anyone affected by heart disease or stroke.
Commit. Once you sign up for a group, be present and open to the experience for at least a few sessions. Be willing to honestly confront your problems and share your ideas with the others. Don’t be surprised if friendships develop. Many people who come in week after week and month after month eventually start spending time together outside of class.
