Jean Hailes education

We talk about our families, our favourite TV shows and what’s in the news, but how often do we discuss our health? Dealing with a health issue, either your own or that of a family member, can be a very lonely and confusing experience. Whether it’s a new diagnosis, or a condition that you’ve been coping with for years, finding people who understand what you’re going through can provide advice, reassurance and emotional support.

About Healthshare

Healthshare is a free online social health network where you can connect with people from all over Australia sharing similar health challenges or health interests to you. Healthshare also provides credible health information through its relationships with leading Australian health organisations. Registered users have the option to join over 350 topic-specific communities (anonymously if they wish), where they can connect with other people affected by the same medical condition as them. You can ask questions or start a discussion, share personal stories, create a health blog, bookmark useful content from the web, download information sheets and offer and receive support.

Seeking health advice online

Communicating with other people who share the same medical condition as you can offer a number of benefits. You can learn from each other’s experience, support each other and empathise with each other. It is important to remember that health information shared online should not be taken as specific medical advice, in the same way that you wouldn’t expect a medical diagnosis from your mum, your hairdresser or your next-door neighbour. Healthshare encourages all members to use the website as an educational tool as it cannot replace the advice of a trained medical practitioner.

Jean Hailes and Healthshare

Jean Hailes is providing trustworthy information and evidence-based advice on menopause, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to the corresponding Healthshare communities, as part of our commitment to reach out to all Australian women. One of the many benefits of Healthshare is that you can connect with people from all over the country – all you need is internet access.

To find out more about Healthshare or to register, go to www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/online-support-communities

Darryl Jackson, Healthshare CEO said, “We’re on an exciting journey to develop Australia’s social health network for people, practitioners, community organisations and service providers to collaborate. Jean Hailes is a highly credible source of health information and expertise in women’s health and we‘re delighted to be working with the organisation on this important health initiative.”

Content Updated November 2011