Click here to read an original op-ed from the TED speaker who inspired this post and watch the TEDTalk below.

"The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy." These are heartfelt words by award-winning actress Meryl Streep.

Do we all...

Part 1

This is a two-part post. Part one provides insights from health care journalists to help consumers understand health news, and part two shares insights to help consumers navigate through health care.

With more consumers turning to the Internet to search for health information, the process can be labor...

What would you think if your doctor posted pictures on Facebook or Twitter clearly showing him or her intoxicated? Is it okay to post pictures showing alcohol use without any signs of intoxication?

What if your doctor posted pictures of patients without their consent? Is it inappropriate for doctors to...

Social media rules are pretty simple. Be transparent, be authentic, be yourself, and be engaging. While these social media rules seem simple, do these rules apply to everyone who engages in social media? Even health care professionals? What happens when their "social" activity includes postings and uploads that might not...

Dr. James H. Berry, DO, medical director of Chestnut Ridge Inpatient Acute Dual Diagnosis Program and assistant professor at the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia Health Science Center, answers a few short questions for smokers.

Barbara: What's the difference between nicotine dependence and nicotine addiction?

Dr....

While Hurricane Sandy's fury wreaked havoc on the Northeast and caused massive destruction, one thing is for sure: Sandy's wrath is no match for nurses' strength.

Nurses' role in the media is often overlooked because it often focuses on the heroic activities of the doctors. Health care isn't a competition...

The Wild West of mobile health (mHealth) is taking the health care industry by storm, but "there are no rules to the game," said Joseph C. Kvedar, M.D., founder and director at the Center for Connected Health in a recent interview. Mobile health is a "game changer," he added, but...

Do you feel connected with your doctor or other health care providers? Do you partner with your providers? How important is patient engagement to you? What words do you use to define patient engagement? Do you consider yourself an empowered patient or health care consumer?

What is patient engagement?

Here...

This is a four-part series addressing the issues of gaming in health care.

In parts one through three, Joseph C. Kvedar, M.D., Fabio Gratton, and Bill Crounse, M.D., offered their insights on how gaming is helping to change the landscape in health care, and now in part four, I offer...

This is a four-part series addressing the issues of gaming in health care.

In part one Joseph C. Kvedar, M.D., shared his insights on how gaming is changing the landscape in health care.

In part two Fabio Gratton, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Ignite Health offered his insights on...

This is a four part series addressing the issues of gaming in health care.

In part one Joseph C. Kvedar, M.D., answered the question, "Is gaming changing the landscape in health care?"

In part two Fabio Gratton shares his insights on how gaming is helping to change the landscape in...

Do you think gaming can improve health care and help you live a healthier life?

There is no doubt gaming is all the rage, and according to The Entertainment Software Association, (ESA) consumers spent $25.1 billion on video games, hardware and accessories in 2010.

Jane McGonigal, game designer,...

If you're a smoker your company could be penalizing you by tapping into your wallet.

How do companies curb health care costs?

Do healthier employees lead to increased productivity? Several progressive companies believe so and have committed to providing employees with programs to help engage them in a healthier lifestyle.

In a recent Harvard Business Review blog, David Armano writes about the six pillars of influence that leads to measurably favorable outcomes.

To achieve measurably better health, the pillars Armano explains can certainly be adopted.

He notes how the "social web can amplify signals, influence behavior and lead...

Comprehensive Guide for Medical Professionals and Patients Engaging in Social Media

Social networking offers value. It allows doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to collaborate, connect and engage with the community and their colleagues. I recently talked with Dr. Marc Siegel about Medical Social Networking on FOX NEWS Live....

This is the latest post in our series, TwitterPowerhouses, which focuses on the contributions of people who've helped to expand, influence, and redefine how we view social networking.

As the texts and records of ancient societies show us, health and fitness have always been essential to the growth and...

There are some things in life that should clearly be ignored. The telemarketer who calls your house at all hours of the day and night, the endless commercials and newspaper ads claiming unbelievable weight loss results with minimal effort, and any health news story that promises a "miracle" or "cure."...

Do you worry that harmful chemicals leach out of plastic containers into its contents? Are plastic containers toxic? Do you drink from plastic water bottles? Are you concerned about the safety of plastics?

Information circulating about the dangers of plastic containers has created fear and confusion.

Recently, I

Do you feel you are the most important part of the medical (health care team)?

In a recent post on Healthin30, "When Doctors and Nurses Work Together" I wrote about the team-based approach for caring and treating patients, and it addressed the relationship between nurses, doctors, patients and...

It is with empathy that we can engage and empower our patients.

Do you feel it is important for your doctor, nurse and other health care professionals to be empathetic towards your needs? Do they understand you? Do they listen to you, engage you and help empower you in your...