Read
READ about an experience to gain information and control, and decrease any negative or stressful feelings.
Julia, NYC (HealthAngle.com user):
“It’s the ‘not knowing what to expect,’ the surprise element, that makes your anxiety so high. If I had known more about the procedure, I would have been much more relaxed. Don’t underestimate the power of communications. Tell me what to expect.”
“Patients given education experience less anxiety, are better prepared for the
consultations of health professionals, take an active role in decision making and the patient outcomes are more positive.” (Demir F., et. al., The quality and suitability of written educational materials for patients. Journal of Clinical Nursing, January 2008; 17 (2), 259–265.)
Our Features
- Professionally edited and doctor-reviewed stories about individual experiences with specific procedures
- Standardized and aggregated ratings
- Aggregated and physician-reviewed advice
» Next: Write
Write
WRITE about your experience to take control of your health, and help other people.
Harry, Massachusetts (HealthAngle.com user):
“Writing about my biopsy and my thyroidectomy helped me to feel in charge of my own body. The act of writing reasserted that I had to be positive in my recovery. It reminded me how important mind is over matter. It empowered me.”
Research shows that writing about your experience with surgery, a visit to the doctor or hospital, or struggles with an illness can offer insight and control, help manage feelings and, as a result, decrease stress.1-4
“Together with medicine, literature looks forward to a future [of]… recognition instead of anonymity, communion instead of isolation, and shared meanings instead of insignificance,” writes Rita Charon, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Narrative Medicine Program at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.5 Writing helps in “illuminating the common journeys upon which we all are embarked.” 6
Our Features
- Easy to use templates to make writing easy, fast and impactful
- Your writing will be professional edited
- You can write anonymously, if you choose
- Your story will be published
References
1. Langens, T.A., et. al., Effects of Written Expression: the Role of Positive Expectancies, Health Psychology, March 2007; 26(2):174-82.
2. Stanton, A.L., et. al., Randomized, Controlled Trial of Written Emotional Expression and Benefit in Breast Cancer Patients, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Oct 2002, vol. 20, 4160-4168.
3. Smyth, J.M., et. al., Effects of Writing About Stressful Experiences on Symptom Reduction in Patients With Asthma or Rheumatoid Arthritis, Journal of the American Medical Association, April 14, 1999, vol. 281, no. 14, 1304-1309.
4. Pennebaker, J.W., et. al., Putting Stress into Words: the Impact of Writing on Physiological, Absentee, and Self-Reported Emotional Well-being Measures, March-April 1992; 6(4):280-7.
5. Charon R. Literature and medicine. Acad Med 2000;75:23-7.
6. Charon, R. Narrative Medicine. LitSit Alaska, Healing Medicine.
» Next: Realize
Realize
REALIZE the best ways to decrease stress around a doctor or hosipital visit, and get the best care possible.
Paul Konowitz, M.D. (Medical Director of HealthAngle, surgeon and clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School, HealthAngle.com user):
“The emotional and physical aspects of illness and disease are not easily separated. Patients can play an active role in their own health by understanding the connection between mind and body, and taking steps to reduce stress.”
It’s normal to be anxious about medical procedures and hospital visits, because “as humans, we feel vulnerable seeing blood and needles and having pain because at some level, it is a threat to our survival,” explains Michelle Craske, a professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles ( UCLA ) and an author of the book Mastering Your Fears and Phobias.
You can reduce that stress by understanding aspects of a medical procedure, and forging a relationship of mutual respect and understanding between your doctor and yourself, explains Paul Konowitz, M.D., Medical Director of HealthAngle.
Our Features
- Expert written Insider’s Guides offers an advantage to get the best care
- Stress reduction programs to help you and family members take control of surgery and medical issues
- Tools to help better communicate with your doctor and navigate through a visit to the doctor or hospital
- Professionally selected trusted resources for additional medical information
- Updates to keep you informed of the latest research about chosen subjects
» Next: Relax
Relax
RELAX to reduce stress for yourself and family members, and feel better sooner.
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