Are You Following a Health Influencer or a Health Advocate? Here's How to Tell
Episode Description
In this episode, I’m breaking down the rise of health influencers and what it means for women’s health. From my perspective as a patient, content creator, and creative professional, I explore how we got here, and why so many women are turning to social media for answers.
I talk about the growing disconnect between patients and the healthcare system, especially for women dealing with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and complex diagnoses. When those gaps aren’t addressed, people don’t stop searching, they start looking elsewhere, and that’s where health influencers step in. But this conversation isn’t just about misinformation. It’s about monetization, marketing, and understanding how the online health space actually works. I break down the patterns behind influencer content, the role of attention as currency, and why certain messages are so effective.
I also share the red flags I look for in online health advice, including quick fixes, guaranteed results, and simplified “root cause” solutions, along with the green flags that signal trustworthy health advocates who prioritize education over selling.
This episode is about building self-advocacy and learning how to navigate health information online, so you can make more informed decisions about your body and your care.
Timestamps:
[00:00:28] Health Influencer Intro
[00:01:51] Health Influencers vs. Health Advocates
[00:03:37] My Experience As A Patient
[00:06:07] Corporate Take Over of Health Systems
[00:08:15] The Patient Voice and Narrative Medicine
[00:10:04] Social Media, Attention, Currency & Monetization
[00:11:01] My Experience as a Creative Professional
[00:12:49] Terrifying Accounts in Social Media
[00:13:24] My Experience as a Content Creator
[00:14:16] Health Influencer Red Flags
[00:15:20] Pet Peeves of Timelines, Quick Fixes and Root Cause
[00:18:51] Heath Education Green Flags
[00:20:26] What Do You Stand For?
[00:22:13] Practical Research Skills Coming Up
[00:22:59] Communicating With Your Physician
[00:23:25] The Second Season Mission
Resources From This Episode:
Narrative Medicine by Dr. Rita Charon
Why I Wore Lipstick To My Mastectomy: A Memoir by Geralyn Lucas
More from The Hairy Chin:
Disclaimer: The Hairy Chin does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical concerns.
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