Healthcare Provider and Social Media - Post 15

One of today's suggestions was to write about why healthcare professionals should use social media.

I am blessed to have an AWESOME primary diabetes healthcare provider. Dr. R. isn't an endocrinologist but she is an ANP-BC, CDE. I looked it up. It is "Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified, Certified Diabetes Educator". I'm not sure she could fit many more letters behind her name.

My visit with her two times ago she asked me if I tweeted. At the time I didn't. I didn't even have a smart phone (.. and still don't. Don't judge.)  She had been to a recent CDE seminar where she met Cherise.  She told me about how they all wore blue for Blue Friday and how there is a group of people on Twitter who are there to help at anytime.  "They are there to talk to or to even ask the carb count of something, like German Chocolate Cake, if you don't know it*." I was hesitant.  I didn't know if I would be able to Tweet from anything but my computer, and what good would that do when I was out and about.  I left that appointment with Twitter on the brain and vowed to look into it sometime that week.

A couple days later during my lunch hour I logged on to Twitter and did some research.  I could use my antiquated old phone, it would just take a little more work.  So I went ahead and signed up.  I believe that is the best thing I have personally done for my diabetes care.  Since then I have participated in many a Wednesday evening #DSMA chat.  I have made many new friends around the world that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I do not know whether or not my HCP uses social media for professional work, but I do know that she very highly recommends it to her patients.  Now, if only I could get insurance to cover a smart phone... Hmmmm.




Picture and Recipe found here.

*{A slice of three layer German Chocolate Cake - which is 1/12 of a 9in round cake with coconut pecan frosting, is about 83carbs}