Health Activists Use Social Media To Help Americans Understand President Obama’s Health Care Plan

A few weeks back, we let you know about a poll that we conducted that measured how well the general public understood President Obama's proposed health care plan. As the bill continues to make its way through Congress, we looked back at the data -- particularly the comparison of Health Activists and the general public -- and found Health Activists are considerably more knowledgeable about the President’s proposed health care plan than most Americans.

A few key findings:

• 64.1% of Health Activists correctly stated the plan will limit/cap out-of-pocket medical expenses an individual can incur, versus only 42.3% of the general public


• when asked if the plan would ensure competition among health insurance companies, 63.1% of Health Activists correctly said yes, versus only 41.8% of the general public


• Among Health Activists, 92.2% said that the President’s plan would cover all US citizens, as opposed to only 69.2% of the general public


• 72.8% of Health Activists correctly said the plan would not include those who are in the country illegally, as opposed to just over half (50.7%) of the general public

This shows the importance of Health Activists in researching and translating the complex information withing the health care reform bill. “As all aspects of health care grow more complex, Health Activists are emerging as the new experts,” says Jack Barrette, WEGO Health CEO, “they have combined real-life experience with online research and a mastery of social media to become consumer opinion leaders. President Obama would do well to get to know Health Activists as he works to explain his plan.”

For the full release, be sure to our press page.

Exclusive Event for Health Activists: "When to See a Reproductive Endocrinologist: 7 Key Factors", with Glenn Schattman, MD, Cornell University

Join us on Wednesday, November 4th for an exclusive, Health Activist-only event: "When to See a Reproductive Endocrinologist: 7 Key Factors".

Our speaker, Dr. Glenn Schatmman of Cornell University, is one of the country's leading reproductive endocrinologists.

Health Activist participants will gain:

• Valuable insight to help women online to make informed decisions
• In-depth medical updates - usually reserved for physicians - about the factors that all TTC women should consider
• Exclusive direct access to Dr. Schattman during our live Q&A session

This event is free and made possible by one of WEGO Health's sponsors.

We'll be offering this one-hour webinar at four different times on Wednesday, November 4th: Noon, 4PM, 6PM and 9PM (please note: all times are Eastern Standard Time)

Earn $5 for RESOLVE:

WEGO Health is always looking to improve the quality of our Health Activist events. To help us incorporate your ideas and feedback into later programs, WEGO Health will invite all webinar attendees to participate in a brief follow-up survey.

For every attendee who completes this short survey, WEGO Health will make a $5 donation to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Your time helps us learn where we can improve and helps RESOLVE reach more families coping with infertility.

To receive your invite to this exclusive event, please complete this brief survey: Fertility Webinar Survey.

A member of the WEGO Health team will email you if you qualify for this event.

Please contact us at community@wegohealth.com if you have any questions about attending "When to See a Reproductive Endocrinologist: 7 Key Factors".

Upcoming Insight Groups: Sleep Health Activists

We are holding online focus groups on Thursday, October 22nd for people who are active contributors to online sleep communities.

Focus groups will be held at 12 Noon Eastern Time, 4pm ET, 6pm ET and 9pm ET on Thursday, October 22nd

Please note: These groups will take one hour and are held remotely. Participants can join from anywhere in the country, but will required to be online and on the phone at the same time.

All participants will receive a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate.

We are looking for people who:

1) Have experience with Shift Work Disorder
2) Stay current on news and treatment options for sleep problems.
3) Are active contributors to online health communities.

Not sure if you’re an active contributor? We’re looking for people who participate in online discussion forums, question & answer sites, blogs, Twitter, etc.

If you are interested in joining us on Thursday, October 22nd, the link below will take you to a short survey to see if the group might be appropriate for you:

Sleep Insight Group Survey

Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

In lieu of the 25th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) I wanted to start a post that's full of links to breast cancer sites and other information and ask the community - what are you doing to celebrate this month? Whether you're a survivor or have a loved one that is - October is a month to honor all you've endured and the huge achievement you've made. And while the media sometimes tends to make Breast Cancer seem pink and cheery - it's not called "battling" cancer for nothing. Let's brainstorm ways to honor those who have survived, those who have passed on, and those who continue to fight breast cancer.

Go to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Site

Read the American Cancer Society's Take on NBCAM

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Wikipedia's article on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Debunk the 7 Breast Cancer Myths

Check out Sarah's blog post "It's Almost Time to Feel your Boobies."

Planning a Breast Cancer Awareness event? Get media attention with these tips.

See what's going on at the Susan G Komen for the Cure Site

Skeptical about the "fighter" terminology? Join Marie's discussion.

Join WEGO Health's Cancer Group

Add your comments to these past WEGO Health posts:

• Breast cancer decline matches HRT decline

• New Research: Habits That May Cut Breast Cancer Risk

• Avoiding Breast Cancer - New Research Suggests Prevention Habits

• Breast Enhancement

• Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer

What are you planning? What are others in your online communities planning? What tips do you have for commemorating this month? What are your favorite stories or links? Join the conversation!