People are using the Internet to share information with each other at lightning speed. Combined with mobile technology, it is transforming the way the world works. This influence extends to health care and the way people are connecting to one another to improve their health...
How are people connecting online to get health information? The Pew Research Center found that one in five Americans have gone online to find people with similar health concerns. This figure is higher—one in four—for people with a chronic illness. In addition, many people have “second degree” Internet access through a caregiver searching online on their behalf. This is an important connection to the online world for older individuals and those who are other-wise offline.
In addition, people experiencing a significant change in health not necessarily related to illness, such as pregnancy, weight loss or quitting smoking, are using the Internet as well. One in four Internet users track weight, diet, exercise routine or other health indicators with online tools.
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