Just a quick heads up for you public health folks on Twitter – our Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, has joined the platform.

The following is a guest post from Jayme Hummer. Jayme serves as Manager of Special Projects and Research at Enspektos, LLC. She also co-hosts the Path of the Blue Eye Project’s podcast, fyi: healthmarcomms. She has more than ten years of experience in research, project management, writing, editing, and publicity.

Part of the Path of the Blue Eye Project, unNiched is a series of live events for health marketing communications professionals interested in receiving stellar education and forging deep connections with their peers. We hold two types of unNiched events: micro and macro.  The macro event –  a large scale event focusing on innovation in health marketing and communications — is under development.  However, we held three unNiched(micro) events in 2011 at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City.  These intimate breakfast events feature discussion, networking and collboration around a range of topics, including mobile health, freeing federal and private health data and innovative health marcomms tactics and strategies. unNiched(micro) has been a success and we’ve seen a number of partnerships and collaborative efforts spring from the events.

Another aspect to the unNiched project is our Fellowship Program where we select one individual per year to attend one or two unNiched(micro) events and cover all travel expenses. The fellow also becomes a regular contributor to Walking the Path, the official blog of the Path of the Blue Eye Project and a leading member of our online community. We’re also interested in publishing articles and case studies produced by the fellow. We are currently seeking individuals from academic institutions or non-profits in health communication, including public health, mobile, hospitals, etc. to apply for the 2012 fellowship program. The program is open to individuals in the United States or Canada.
Interested in the program? Hop on over to the application form.  If you have questions or comments about the program, please submit them here.

The 7th annual Games for Health conference began today in Boston. This conference is one of several going on now as part of Games Beyond Entertainment Week, organized by Digitalmill, Inc. and is supported by the Pioneer Portfolio of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Today’s pre-conference line-up did not disappoint – I’m only sorry that I couldn’t attend every presentation! From accessibility to sensors, prevention to rehabilitation, medical education to research, the day was packed with awesome speakers, great design and a whole lot of inspiration. Here are just a few of today’s take-aways…

1. Gaming has the potential for application in a long list of healthcare topics.

Continua Health Alliance talked about the many health gaming opportunities, including integrative health activities, simple secondary input, chronic disease care and diagnostic gaming.

2. Incentives work.

Incentivizing gaming was a practice and recommendation across the board. Continua Health Alliance provided that competitions are the greatest motivators (the speaker referenced Partners Healthcare data not available in the public domain). Group competitions were also a hot topic – they are not only highly motivating but add a social dynamic different from head-to-head rivalry. Creativity and supplying options were also mentioned as important factors in considering incentives, for example, allowing one to apply credit to a cause, or trade it in for mobile minutes, may be more motivating than cash for some.

3. Users who share their success do better.

Bill Sabram of MeYou Health talked to this point, touting the power of connection. In Monumental, MeYou Health’s free iPhone app that “takes you to the top of virtual monuments as you climb real stairs,” users can share results with other users through social plug-ins, and these users are more successful.

Tomorrow looks just as promising! So, look for more conference coverage tomorrow on Pulse + Signal and follow the hashtag #G4H11 for live news.

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Bridgette (a.k.a. @bcollado)

It’s official. The remaining members of the Mayo Clinic’s new Center for Social Media advisory board have been chosen and I’m pretty excited about being a part of it.

The Advisory Board for the Mayo Clinic Center for Health Care Social Media includes representatives from various health care roles, including patients, who have been actively using social media, as well as representatives from other industries whose insights will help support the center’s mission.

Members will provide advice and feedback to leadership of the center and will contribute to advancement of practical social media application in health care.

As an organization, the Mayo Clinic has been an important institution in making things happen around better health. I’m happy to be working with a number of great friends and fellow health/medicine luminaries.

Big thanks for all the notes of kudos, encouragement and support that I get from all of you as I continue striving to make a difference.

I am married, have 3 kids..Read Tarot cards , do astrology , love fringe science , write poems/ditties/short songs..smoke, drink.etc …Enjoy reading….oh yes, I have Tourettes ( full blown, you know, swearing and aggresive jerking…) and I’m a High Functioning Autistic….Basically, I’m a dream come true..no not really, thats just silliness….

These are the words from Guy +. His videos are going round very fast on the internet right now. Tourettes F*CK Karaoke.
Organisations can spend thousands of Dollars on marketing campaigns. But stories in a form like Guy + is doing have a much bigger impact. The video above, the karaoke version of the fragile R.E.M. song ‘Losing my religion’, got over to 280.000 views on YouTube.

One of the comments on YouTube: “I feel really bad asking, but? is it okay to laugh?” To be honest I was laughing out loud seeing the video for the first time. But I also feel respect and he deserves it from all of us.

Listen to a interview Guy + did this week on UKHD RADIO, London, Britain (UK).
About his wife: “She have a weird sense of humor”.

Tourettes Interview by MinutesofMayhem

Guy + about Tourette syndrome [Wikipedia]: “I do not imagine it could happen to just anyone, I was born with it but it was ‘locked’ up…to quote a description of adsd related tourettes…If you were to watch video’s of me as a child you would see it there…relax my friend if its in your gene’s? then it could happen to you..if not, don’t panic….”

See more karaoke and other videos at his video channel.

His latest karaoke video: “Once again one finds oneself ticcing like a ‘mofo’ , so the only solution is to record a Tourettes karaoke version of Spandau Ballet’s ‘Gold’…”:

For those of you who regularly stay updated on things going on in the forward moving world of Health 2.0, health/social media, etc. you are undoubtedly aware of the exciting addition to next year’s South by Southwest Interactive (known to many as SXSW) event. There will be a one-day track devoted to health, giving opportunity for innovative ideas and thoughts to be shared at one of the largest gatherings I know of for all things interactive (technology, media, design, etc.). Check out the Social Health event blog post for more information.

For those of you not familiar with SXSW and its ‘Interactive’ focused series of events – take a look at their website for pretty much all you need to know. From their description:

SXSW® Interactive features five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders, the incredible new SXSW Trade Show and an unbeatable lineup of special programs showcasing the best new digital works, video games and innovative ideas the international community has to offer.

As you can understand from this brief description – it’s the perfect gathering place for thought leaders, innovators and people interested in taking things to the next level, much like I am aiming to do with public health.

Speaking of things I’m involved with, I am super excited to announce that I have been appointed to the brand new SXSW Health Advisory Board! In this position I will have the opportunity to check out some of the fantastic submissions to the health track and offer additional thoughts/insight. Although a lot of the spotlight now is on healthcare systems and physician-patient relationships – I’m looking forward to seeing ideas planted in the grassroots (no pun intended) efforts of public and community health, where education and communication are key foundations.

Quite a bit of forward movement has occurred since I started writing on Pulse + Signal a few years ago and I am beyond ecstatic to see health being given a voice on a platform as large and influential as SXSW. Not only do I look forward to reviewing the panel submissions but also attending next year in Austin to listen, process and meet the ideas/people pushing the envelope.

A big thanks to Dana Lewis, Shwen Gwee, Tom Stitt and Reed Smith for their hard work to bring about this great addition. Also thanks to all those pioneering in their fields of health to make important change happen.

Today is the birthday of one of the most awesome people to grace the Web on nonprofits using social media – the fantastic Beth Kanter.

Beth is turning 53 this year, but she isnt asking for a new iPhone or a Snuggie…she is asking that folks help her send Cambodian children to school. Here is the link (Facebook Cause) to where you can help her out.

Beth has been a shining example for me ever since I entered the world of blogging – her endless energy to crusade for the greater good has affected so many and I just wanted to make sure and say a big THANK YOU Beth for continually inspiring me.

One of the things I try to do here with Pulse + Signal is to highlight the human side of public health. Once again, although there are plenty of numbers and data to be examined in public health – it really boils down to the people that are affected and whose lives can be improved.

That’s why I am really excited to get the story of Angela Current, a friend of mine that I met through Twitter, out here for you all to be inspired/motivated. The fantastic thing about Angela is that apart from being a six year Liposarcoma survivor (in her leg), she is a dedicated runner that trained throughout treatment and three surgeries – running her first 5k race eleven months after diagnosis!

With Angela I wanted to delve into the psych and thought process of a cancer patient who gained encouragement & motivation through social media and online networks. Although many of the current trends in the 2.0 world are looking for the next big shiny thing, when it comes to the health of individuals sometimes it’s just finding support and pertinent information that is what’s needed. Don’t just take my word (or Angela’s for that matter), the Pew Internet Project has great numbers that reinforce how people use the Web for finding health information.

Here is the Q&A session I had with Angela:

Pulse+Signal: When were you diagnosed with cancer and what sort of information/resources did the doctor give you as far as learning about your condition and understanding what can be done about it?

Angela: When I was initially diagnosed, I had hounded my doctor until he told me over the phone. This was on a lovely Friday the 13^th, giving a whole new respect to that day. I was told that it was a Sarcoma and he didn’t know what the treatment would be, as it was such a rare form of cancer. I didn’t get to see the specialist the following Tuesday. With so little information, I spent the weekend expecting to lose my leg and having to go through chemo.

Once I saw the specialist (he informed me that there was no reason to lose the leg or go through chemo) and he did the biopsy, I was formally diagnosed with Liposarcoma (a six inch by 4 inch mass all behind and wrapping around my right knee). With that information, I was able to dig in and seek information online. Besides the basic information (name and a one page description) most of the information, I had to find on my own.

Pulse+Signal: Prior to being diagnosed, had you been familiar with social media and its tools?

Angela: Before diagnosis I had visited chat rooms and did basic research/internet surfing, but everything changed after that.

Pulse+Signal: When did you first think about engaging with social networks and for what purpose did you think it would serve?

Angela: I immediately dove into social networks to find research and just to find someone/anyone that had been through what I was about to go through. I was desperate to find someone that could tell me what to expect. I knew radiation and surgery was ahead of me and wanted to know that I was going to be okay

Pulse+Signal: Tell us about your first encounter with social networks geared toward your (then) life with cancer – pros and cons?

Angela: I ventured into a couple different chats for cancer survivors/caregivers, but found that the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network to be the one I stayed with, along with the WebMD Cancer Support Board.

The chat was nice for instant moral support and for meeting people like me, with cancer. The only drawback was that on rare occasion, someone would stir up trouble, but that happens with any sort of chat. I developed some wonderful friendships through that chat and it assisted me in getting through a very difficult time.

The support board was nice in that you could post questions and often when you came back, the answers were waiting for you. I’m still very involved with this board and love the incredible relationships I’ve developed through it, as well. You could vent your feelings, without worry of someone thinking less of you, because everyone understood what you were going through.

Pulse+Signal: Overall, how did the use of social networks help you through your battle with cancer?

Angela: Overall, I can’t see how I could have made it through my cancer experience without the support I received through social networks. I was the only person in my family to deal with cancer, so no one knew how to deal with it or me. Being the youngest of most of my friends, I became a sad reminder that it can happen to anyone and most of my friends just vanished. They didn’t know what to do or say and I understand that, but it left me alone on a number of levels. The chats/boards became my lifeline and about the only social life I had for the next several months of treatment and therapy. The moral support was priceless.

Pulse+Signal: What can others learn from your experience? What advice would you give newly diagnosed individuals regarding the impact of social networks/media for getting through cancer?

Angela: Through social media, no one needs to feel alone when going through a crisis like cancer and the fears, depression, etc. that comes with it. It’s a wonderful way to find people going through exactly what you’re going through. I found a woman in Florida that was going through exactly what I was going through and she was an angel when it came to support.

I would recommend anyone dealing with cancer to get involved with the social support available out there. Especially if you’re lacking support and information, it helps to fill in the voids. There are some incredible people out there that have long since been through the battle and they have personally dedicated their time to assisting others. It’s wonderful to have a family to go through the battle with you, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to communicate with others that “get it” with cancer. Only those that have been through it can truly understand it.

Pulse+Signal: Any resources you would like to share that have been a particularly helpful?

Angela: As I mentioned, WebMd has a wonderful Cancer Support Board on their website and the American Cancer Society has nearly limitless resources and support through their website. I can’t say enough about how wonderful both those sites are.

I always say that cancer is a lonely place and when diagnosed you need to be able to find people that understand where you’re coming from. It can make a huge difference in how you deal with the circumstances.

———————–

Thanks so much Angela for this fantastic insight into how you approached interactive online resources to help you through your treatment! Angela is a certified resume writer and career coach – you can also find Angela on Twitter!

Alot has changed over the past several years as far as online social resources – her are some other great ones that are changing the way patients learn and cope with their diseases: PatientsLikeMe and my friend Alexandra Carmichael’s CureTogether.

When I think of healthcare, I traditionally think of barriers. Barriers to access or afford healthcare. Geographic, socioeconomic, and educational barriers. There are also communication barriers to overcome, from general public health education to basic health literacy where people are able to read and understand written directions from their health care providers. And, there is a barrier between healthcare organizations and patients and consumers who want to use new and “social” media tools to communicate in different ways with their healthcare providers.

Healthcare is surprisingly progressive in terms of using new, digital and social media tools to communicate with their public. However, due to the nature of the “emerging” medium, there are no standards or best practices. There has been no place to share or really learn about successes and effective communication in healthcare. Thus, it was essential to develop a community or central focal point to bring together professionals from a wide range of healthcare organizations and perspectives to discuss, build, and evolved best practices in health communications. Participants from hospitals, physician practices, government agencies, universities, PR/marketing/advertising firms, non-profits, student groups, and more should be able to collaborate through candid questions and answers from both leaders and those in the trenches working to improve healthcare communications. Thanks to #hcsm, they can!

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#hcsm, or healthcare communications & social media, is a hashtag conversation that started in January 2009 that has evolved into a large community on Twitter. Using the 140-character messages to enable the conversation, anyone with an interest in health communications can engage in an informative discussion about a wide variety of topics.

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The discussion is moderated via @HealthSocMed, with a moderator who leads the discussion each week. The moderator provides topics, selected from community suggestions, to cover each week. The topics are not limited to social media, and include all aspects of communications, but based on the audience participation and the nature of the communication channel, often trend to include some aspect of social media with most discussions. Anyone with a Twitter account and an interest is able to participate in the conversation.

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However, it is not required to have a Twitter account to watch or “lurk” in the conversation, with the help of search.twitter.com and the new search abilities on the home page of Twitter.com, so the conversation for the most part has few barriers to participation. There is no fee or credentials required to participate. Participants are asked to respect one another, to stay on topic while using the hashtag during the specific appointed hour, and not to “spam” or sell products or services to the community. Although Sunday nights are the main conversation, you can check out #hcsm any time during the day or night to find interesting conversations and links to #hcsm-related information.

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One of the benefits of this medium being “new” and “emerging” is that it is flexible and open-sourced. Meaning, we have the power and opportunity to influence the way we will use it for years to come. This is why I believe #hcsm is important; it gives #hcsm participants & contributors the opportunity to make waves & share their innovative insights with everyone.

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Public health probably has the most to benefit from emerging digital media trends and technologies – because we, the public, can help guide and develop it to fit our needs. We also have the opportunity to use these tools to reach people who previously have had no access. In the hands of public health professionals, the power and reach of social media may be limitless. We can set the agenda for change, and we can make an immediate difference.

My good friend Leslie Bradshaw recently gave a presentation on social media down in Jacksonville, FL. to an important group of people: physicians. In this new time of hyper-connectivity and consumers with real time information, the Florida Academy of Family Physicians got a real treat with this one.

Here is one of my favorite slides:

The Health 2.0 movement is definitely gaining steam and I’m glad that Leslie was able to dive in and spread some knowledge. I’m hoping it will be effective.

Here is the entire presentation she gave this past weekend -