I blog about the connections between spirituality and health. Much of my time is spent researching, writing, and editing. I really enjoy my work. But sometimes, late at night, when I am reading some health story or editing a blog, I ask myself, “So, why again am I doing this?”
Today, I was reminded why by Dr. Claire McCarthy of Boston’s Children’s Hospital. She has been blogging for quite some time, and reminded her readers of the importance of social media. She stated that more doctors need to use social media, and she stated why, “Because that is where the patients are.” She referred to the Pew Forum research study that stated that 80 percent of people with access to the Internet look up health information online.
She stated, “The Internet is changing how we think about health; it has empowered people to look for different kinds of answers and to share their experiences with others.” That has been my goal in the first year of my blogging experience. I am glad to share the insights Christian Science has given me to healthy living. It has taught me the value of prayer.
I have found prayer to be very effective as a way of keeping well, and of overcoming disease when it strikes. I have found great comfort and healing in these Biblical words of David, “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever:” (Ps. 138: 8).
But this is not a one-way conversation. Social networking has taught me to listen to – or rather, to read – others’ points of view. I have a stack of research that I have found and loved of the impact of thought and love on health. Articles by Janice Neumann, Manya Brachear and Dr. Julie Chen have opened my eyes to all forms of integrative medicine. It is so interesting to me that 76 percent of health care workers and 83 percent of doctors and nurses used complementary and alternative medicine, according to Health Services Research.
And so, I add my experience on the effectiveness of prayer to the discussion. I hope that my words are found encouraging and inspiring to others facing health decisions, or maintaining their well-being.
So, why do health bloggers – myself included – do this? Because we care.
