From the Publisher

Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night

Dylan Thomas wrote those words more than 60 years ago as a plea to his dying father to not accept his fate, to struggle against his illness. While modern medicine and all its attendant capabilities and technologies might appear as miracles to someone from Thomas’ time, the intervening years and advances have done little to change one thing: successful treatment often begins with the patient. And often, the best initial dose of medicine is delivered in the form of reliable information. The words empowered and empowering get bandied about with great regularity nowadays; everything from discount airline tickets to an ever-expanding palette of cable channels now claim to empower those lucky enough to reap their benefits. However, it does not dilute the effect and real meaning of these words to assert the truly life-changing and, dare we say, empowering potential of the Internet when it comes to questions of medical information. With the vast store of healthcare knowledge, research data, peer-reviewed journal articles, and patients’ personal accounts of their struggles and triumphs over illness available online to those who know where to look, no longer do patients have to feel their only option is to accept what their illness has in store for them. The more patients learn about a given disease or condition, the likelier they are to gain confidence, and improve not only their outlook, but also their prognosis.

We realize that the prospect of sifting through such an immense amount of information, spread out over many, many resources and websites, can be intimidating, especially for those just beginning their quest and for patients who feel less than at home searching the Web. To help get you started, this issue features a Cover Story detailing the experiences of three people suffering from serious conditions who got over their initial shock upon diagnosis, began to look around at the information available to them, and took an active role in improving their treatment. The article also features advice and recommendations on where to begin your search. This issue’s Feature Article explains the importance of fully understanding your physician’s treatment recommendations the better to comply with them for maximum curative effect, but also to prepare yourself to ask informed questions. We also offer articles addressing the topics of obesity in children and teens, and the benefits for seniors from a proper fitness regimen. And, in keeping with the theme of self-education being one of the keys to improved health, we provide an assortment of links to trustworthy websites covering a variety of conditions.

So take to heart the advice of the great Welsh poet and don’t just cope with your disease or condition, seek out the information that will allow you to become a fully empowered and active participant in your care and engage your healthcare providers in a dialog that will lead to the best outcomes for you. Thanks for reading.

Yours,

Michael J. Hennessy
Publisher
mhennessy@mdnetguide.com