Are thgere any suggestions?

[kenkeith]

We're considering adding some hot-topic, debate-type health chats to our lineup this quarter!  All our Health Chats are a great way for live-time interaction among our members, as well as a great resource tool.  As you may know, our health chats immediately convert into archived info that's easily referenced anytime!

-  What hot topic, debate-like health chats would you and/or your community like to see added?  

Looking forward to some great ideas!

[ed34]

Nothing upcoming, yet the archives look abundant. When did it start lol.

[ChatterAlly]

I think this is a great idea, as long as we do not bring politics into the debate!  That would take the idea way off the tracks.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I have learned a lot in here by reading what others have gone through, their experiences and their treatment methods. This forum has been a tremendous help to me. I think to be able to debate medical issues based on those expereinces or current events would be great.  I thought Ed and Ken had already started one though. LOL JK  I agree with Ed on the chat room format though. Those can be hard to keep up with. I can't when I am using my netbook.  Just hovering over certain keys causes my screen to go one way or the other or post something before I am ready.
Erijon's idea about the cholestoral thing is a great start.  The first email I got this morning was from my brother in Russia checking to make sure I was getting my Tricor filled.  It said "You need it sis.  If you can't afford it I would like to pay for it." But you get the idea.  How important is taking Tricor or let say taking a statin is to treatng CAD?  Things like that I would read and take to heart.
In closing, I say, bring it on!

Thanks, Ally

[MH Community Mgr]

Hi Everyone,

Please stop by this link http://www.medhelp.org/health_chats/list_upcoming to take a look at upcoming chats and/or archived ones.  It's a live Q&A format with a predetermined topic.

Hope this helps.

The topic ideas don't have to be heart-related -- they can be about any medical topic!

Cheryl
MH Community Mgr

[ed34]

I agree. How does this chat thing work anyway? Do people take turns or all type at the same time? It would be nice if it was kind of organised, chat rooms can be a nightmare to keep up with and several tangents can occur, confusing you as to which one to follow.

[erijon]

Exactly why I put it out there. So much new information, some good some bad. How do we sort one from the other? NEED an expert for this one.

[ed34]

Sounds good with the cholesterol, just as long as they are in touch with latest findings in the latest research. There are a whole range of topics I would love to discuss, but whether I would be better off with a scientist is another matter lol. Here are some examples...
Stem cell research.e.g. How far has it come, have human hearts been created in labs yet as mice/rabbits have.
Collateral vessel development, e.g. how quickly can they form and when a major vessel is revascularised, how long does it take collaterals to shut down. Why doesnt everyone get them. Does EECP cause them to form in everyone?
Heart failure, e.g. techniques such as VLAD devices.
Apart from stem cells, what else is in the pipeline for treating CAD.

[erijon]

If we really want to test the waters, let's start with the whole controversy involving cholesterol, it's role in CAD,  and the myths surrounding it's treatment options as well what the NCEP has set for recommended levels. Always good for a spirited conversation, especially with an expert.

[ireneo]

There's been some debate lately in the news about who really needs or is qualified to have an ICD implanted. Not sure we could actually discuss it but I'd like to know more about the parameters concerning them.

[kenkeith]

":Oh and Kenkeith, no there are no losers, we all learn here so I totally agree with your outlook". Correct and a live contact interfacing live with a medical professional will keep the subject matter in focus.:)  I haven't seen any participation problems with the expert forum that accept questions.  Also, congested heart failure forum has doctors participating without any problems..  

I can't think of any of any topics other than that which has been mentioned?  Any other suggestions?  

[ed34]

I actually really enjoy reading your posts. I also have noticed how your knowledge has really grown and this comes across.
With regards to the debate idea, I think it sounds great to have a professional taking part, this, as I see it, would be a fantastic opportunity to learn much more. As long as the 'professional' is up to date with latest research though. I've spoken to many cardiologists who haven't a clue what I'm talking about. That makes you lose interest and wonder what you signed up for lol. But hey, one can only try. I agree with Ireneo, there could be some great debates and I think stents are a good one. There are many areas I would like to know more about, such as heart transplantation.
Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox now, carefully does it.

Oh and Kenkeith, no there are no losers, we all learn here so I totally agree with your outlook. Life's too short for handbag fights on the internet.

[erijon]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Perhaps my concerns are over nothing as I also love a good debate, we'll see how things work out.

Jon

[ireneo]

One last note from me and we'll let MedHelp decide what they want to do.

I've read many of your posts erijon and I don't recall any cranky factor in you. I'm thinking of other posters that didn't get the sympathy or attention they wanted and they left due to hurt feelings. I personally enjoy a good debate as long as there are no personal attacks, just sticking to the topic. That's why I enjoy reading the editorial pages in the newspaper too. Lots of interesting viewpoints there.

[erijon]

Well, alrighty then. If you go back to the first page of members, you'll find myself, Flycaster, Jack54 (at one time he was a great contributor) and Momto3. In truth, we were around much longer than that. If my input is now considered "the cranky factor" then I'll bow out of this discussion. I just did not want to see the same type of petty arguments take place here as on other sites that do have an open chat. I am not hyper-sensitive, but if the way members have been treated publicly on this forum over the past few weeks, really months, is any indication, this will not work. This thread is a good example of how these things usually end up. I can get that on many other web sites, it's why I spend time here instead.

Have at it all...........................

[ireneo]

My goodness! I thought it was going to be interesting, finding a topic that folks would like to discuss because of conflicting information out there. I never even thought of the "cranky" factor. I find it hard to believe that so many people are unable to discuss something without becoming hyper-sensitive to other views. Hmm.

Other forums have Health Chats and I think they've turned out well, haven't they?

[erijon]

I comprehend the format very well, considering how it was presented as there has been a few changes from what was originally mentioned to a few posts ago. I am not sensitive nor do I have a thin skin, I'm just concerned about the final result. Most people don't know how to discuss, but everyone knows how to argue, that's how these things end up in most cases and I was just passing along my concern. Sorry if that struck a sore spot, you don't want input, don't ask the question.

Who's going to moderate these chats? Who's going to decide what is appropriate and what is not. Will inappropriate posts be deleted? Who's going to enforce the rules? Will members end up being banned for crossing a line? There is much more to be considered than just a topic.

Is Medhelp going to become a chat room? Feels that way.

[kenkeith]

Q: As far as "debate" topics, I don't know.  However, when ever you, KenKieth, and Ed34 get together there is some real interesting, erm, uhm, debating going on.  Love to see a good drag out fight, erm, uhm, Debate between you two! ;-)

>>>>>That has been said a few times before, and I agree!...it is a learning process for me as well, and I enjoy the discussion.  There are no losers from my standpoint, but I can't speak for ed.:)  

Erijon you are entitled to your opinion, but we don't agree and apparently you don't understand the format. The same information I received was posted...I understood the information and apparently others did as well. It will be an addition for the first quarter on MH from my information, and I was asking if anyone had any ideas for a discussion. You are not required to participate, and if you don't have any relevant questions or constructive information you may not want to take part.

[erijon]

This thread makes my point. Take a look, you have one person (actually 2 of us) disagreeing, one person on a rant, one person awaiting a fight and I guess a comment about the disagreeing posts being disruptive. What you are left with is exactly what they have at WebMd in many of their interactive communities.

Again, if there were some ground rules and an expert participating which was not mentioned originally, there may be a benefit. If not, it's going to become messy.

[RadioAstronomyObserver]

As far as "debate" topics, I don't know.  However, when ever you, KenKieth, and Ed34 get together there is some real interesting, erm, uhm, debating going on.  Love to see a good drag out fight, erm, uhm, Debate between you two! ;-)

[kenkeith]

Thanks for the responses.  I don't see a chatroom with members interfacing live with a medical professional for health related questions a platform to vent.  It seems it would be a learning experience from a viewpoint of a doctor regarding issues of medical interest such as new technology and expectations for specific health concerns, etc.

I'm not aware of any advertising agenda associated with a chatroom experience...That would be against the MH rules wouldn't it?  But I have never participated in chatroom environment so I don't have a comment? I can accept that as a negative, if true....But there is no off-topic agenda as the topic is member generated, but it is possible to direct the topic away from helpful information to some advertisement...I can't comment if that has been the experience of flycaster...if the motivation of a chatroom discussion is questioned that is a valid objection.

Disruptions notwithstanding, thank you.

[RNRita]

Actually, I think I read wrong.  I agree with KenKeith and ireneo!!  Never said I could read!!!!!

[RNRita]

I agree with Flycaster and Erijon.  We should all be adults here.  I know feelings can get hurt, but if you choose a topic and people go in with the understanding that everyone is different, and can have different symptoms, as well as opinions, without being attacked, it could be a great help to others.  Being perfectly honest, I would love a chat ROOM to talk about arrhythmias that you could go to when you're feeling particularly awful and would like someone to talk to....like a support group.

There are support groups out there for almost everything except, you guessed it, arrhythmias.  I trust a lot of the people's opinions that have been here and just coming.  I also can see different views.  If everyone realizes this is no place to personally attack, and others realize that not everything IS a personal attack,  I think it could work well.

[erijon]

I have to agree with Flycaster on this as well. This forum is about helping, not chatting in a controlled environment. If the purpose is to get some of the off topic discussions off the public forum, I could understand that as it will help cut down on the drama. I guess some members feel a need to rant here publicly, but I don't think a chat will help that cause, it may just intensify it.

Again, under the proper conditions it may be well worth the effort, but unless there are clear rules of conduct it may just become  an argument as I have seen on other forums. You know me, I'll stick my nose in if you proceed.

Just my 2 cents..............

[vienna13]

I am with Flycaster on this one. I would not participate. I like to be who I am everywhere, not only in the corner that might be  pointed out saying: 'now there you can do your debate';)))) like a boxing ring.
  
But I understand from where Ken is coming from and understand it well what is Ireneo saying.:)
It is a NEED , because this board became artificial .

  You better watch what you say, because if you hurt other people sensitive   they might run to the ‘teacher ‘ and telling their wishing on other boards as well: that hoping  you will be banned from here for good.:))))… bitter bitter…
  
Well if I think back for example our beloved HCOL, sure it is here a little boring that place,.:)  also Since we don't have here people like Jack and Jim.:((( Don't even mention a real  on-line expert like  our great "surfgirl" who was able to bring here a little fun-smile while was a nurse and also  gave excellent advices  And what she got? We all know: BANNED :(…it is what it is….

  Anyway my friends, vent is over.:)))Yay I just hope I haven’t break any rule again with this post, because if I will lose my last little yellow star;)))) that I got for helping people  2 was already taking back, 1 day or two days ago.... yay...:) then  I really must become a full time ghost. ))))))haha…..

  Have a great evening ALL!!!

[kenkeith]

Thanks for the feedback.

Maybe there is no clear understanding, speaking for myself,  and I have asked for the format:
Here's a link that will help you get a better feel for our health chats: http://www.medhelp.org/health_chats/list_upcoming

At the top navigation bar, under "Experts" you'll find a drop-down menu for health chats!  

We take questions prior to the actual one-hour long free health chat, and the day/night of the chat when our physcian expert is live with us, we take new questions, too, and post them in a live chat .. Q&A.  Then after the chat is finished it automatically (and immediately I may add) turns into an archive of the Q&A's session!  This info can be used to direct members to, found in search engines, or used in our health pages, etc

Again, thanks for taking the time to respond.