Success factors of communites of patients

This paper presents results of an empirical study regarding success factors of virtual communities of patients. These success factors capture what is important to members of virtual communities of patients and the interconnections between these aspects. We analyze the possible impact of success factors that we identify to the design and implementation of e-services as part of the business model for virtual communities of patients. We analyze what is of major interest to members of virtual communities of patients and the expectations of consumers of health related content on the Internet. This paper focuses on virtual communities of patients. Recommendations for new e-services are being discussed

Haematological, lipid profile and other biochemical parameters in normal and hypertensive subjects among the population of the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Objective: To determine the lipid profile complete blood count and other biochemical parameters in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. Design: Cross-sectional population-based epidemiological household survey. Setting: Population sample of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Results: Hypertensive individuals had significantly higher mean levels of glucose, Tc, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides and HBAIc, compared to normotensive individuals while there were no significant difference in the mean levels of Apo AI and Apo B. Within the same group there were variations in the levels of certain parameters between male and female. While the mean levels of haemoglobin, WBC and platelets were significantly higher in the hypertensive group compared to normotensive, there were no significant differences between these two groups in the levels of RBC, MCV, HCT, MCH and MCHC. However, the mean levels haemoglobin, RBC count and HCT were significantly higher in male compared to female within the same group with no significant difference in levels of WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC. Furthermore, the mean concentration of platelets was significantly higher in females compared to male within the same group. Hypertensive individuals had significantly higher serum sodium, chloride and calcium levels but a significantly lower potassium level when compared to normotensive with no siginificant differences between male and female within the same group. Conclusion: The lipid and electrolyte profile of hypertensive individuals differ from that of normotensive individuals in this population. This study has contributed towards establishing the normal values for a number of parameters involved in the aetiology of cardiovascular diseases in the population of Eastern province. East African Medical Journal Vol. 83(1) 2006: 44-4

Sharing and Caring: The Giving and Receiving of Information in Online Chronic Disease Communities

Online chronic disease communities are part of a healthcare phenomenon that empowers people to self-manage their condition. This paper discusses the growth and structure of such communities to identify the ways in which the sharing of information contributes to improved health outcomes. We draw together findings to offer a research agenda that will inform further studies in this complex area

“Relationship Connectivity” Counts:Lifetime Relationships, Family Structure, andRisk-Taking in Adulthood

The impacts of interpersonal relationships (in childhood and in early adulthood) on risk-taking behavior of young adults were the focus of this research. Data from the 2012 New Family Structures Survey (using a subset of 2,917 young adults aged 18-39), disaggregated by whether the respondents grew up in conventional or unconventional households, were augmented with eight interviews with health and counseling professionals. Healthy early family relationships and current romantic relationships offered the best protections against adult risk-taking behavior, irrespective of family household structure. On the other hand, a healthy parent-child relationship in adulthood and bullying victimization in childhood were both linked to increased risk-taking in later years, but only if raised in unconventional families. These findings contributed to the empirical literature on the consequences of healthy relationships, with natal families, peers, and partners, for positive life decisions and partly illuminated Agnew’s Strain and Aker’s Social Control Theories. Exploring a fuller range of unconventional family structures, a broader variety of risk-taking behaviors, and whether said behaviors turn into addictions will better highlight the long-term consequences of relationship connectivity for adult risk-taking

Transforming Health: International Rights-Based Advocacy for Trans Health

This report profiles projects from 16 organizations in twelve countries that address these barriers. These projects offered general health services as well as those related to gender transition, trained health care providers to respond to the needs and concerns of trans patients, conducted public education campaigns about discrimination against trans people, advocated for legal and medical policy changes, and organized trans communities to empower themselves.Collecting insights from these projects, Transforming Health makes recommendations to governments, rights advocates, health professionals and public health organizations, and health and rights donors

Responding to American Indian Communities: Southwest American Indian Collaborative Network (SAICN) Cancer Educational Activities

Developing educational materials and providing trainings in American Indian communities is a highly rewarding activity. However, to do so successfully a number of complex issues must be faced and cultural-tailored strategies to promote awareness must be developed based on the unique traditions of each tribe. In this paper we describe the educational activities conducted over a four year period by the Southwest American Indian Collaborative Network, a project funded by the National Cancer Institute’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. Activities fell into two broad areas: dissemination of cancer information through trainings and workshops and development of culturally-tailored educational materials

Theories And Success Stories Of Green Marketing

Green marketing is strategic process involving stakeholder assessment to create meaningful long-term relationship which customer while maintaining, supporting, and enhancing the natural environment. According to the American Marketing Association, green marketing is the marketing of products that are presumed to be environmentally safe. Green marketing subsumes greening products as well as greening firms. In addition to manipulating the 4Ps (product, price, place and promotion) of the traditional marketing mix, it requires a careful understanding of public policy processes. Environmentally friendly (also eco-friendly, nature friendly, and green) are terms used to refer to goods and services, laws, guidelines and policies claimed to inflict minimal or no harm on the environment