HealthLinks: Shared Decision Making

Practis Blog

Keep your website, newsletter, and social media content fresh and engaging with Healthwise HealthLinks. The copy promotes timely health themes by highlighting topics in the Healthwise Knowledgebase. Use the copy below on your website homepage or condition-specific pages, and create links to the related Healthwise Knowledgebase topics. You can also place the copy in emails, newsletters, or any other patient materials.

Back Surgery: A Difficult Decision

Perhaps the only thing more painful than a herniated disc is the agony of deciding what to do about it! For some people, the relief surgery can provide is worth the risks, while others prefer to wait it out or try physical therapy and lifestyle changes. You have a lot of questions—and you’re not alone. Watch this video to hear what people just like you said when deciding whether herniated disc surgery was right for them.

[Create a hyperlink to Lumbar Herniated Disc: Should I Have Surgery? on your website. DOCHWID=aa6282]

Are Blood Thinners Right for Me?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that causes poor blood flow and may lead to blood clots. Anticoagulant medicines—sometimes called blood thinners—make it harder for your blood to clot. This is good because it makes you less likely to have a stroke, but it also puts some people at risk of bleeding problems. So how do you know whether you should take this medicine? Check out our fact sheet to learn more about AF, the pros and cons of anticoagulants, and who should (or should not) take them.

[Create a hyperlink to Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Take an Anticoagulant to Prevent Stroke? on your website. DOCHWID=tx2209]

Once a C-Section, Always a C-Section?

Even if you’ve had a cesarean (C-section) in the past, you have choices for your next pregnancy. Many women opt for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) because it offers a faster recovery. On the other hand, if you choose a planned C-section, you know how and when you will give birth, and you avoid problems that can come up during an unplanned cesarean. Still unsure? Answer the questions in this decision aid and get more information so you can decide which choice is right for you.

[Create a hyperlink to the decision aid Pregnancy: Should I Try Vaginal Birth After a Past C-Section (VBAC)? on your website. DOCHWID=aa37799]

The Pros and Cons of Statins

Statins are a kind of medicine that can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. People who smoke or have diabetes are at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Your sex, age, race, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels also play a part. Even if you’ve never had heart problems before, you might be prescribed statins. If you don’t want to take a pill every day, you may be able to lower your risk with a heart-healthy lifestyle. Learn more about the pros and cons of statins and decide what’s right for you.

[Create a hyperlink to Statins: Should I Take Them to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke? on your website. DOCHWID=aa44406]

Social Media Teasers

  • The only thing more painful than a herniated disc is the agony of deciding what to do about it! Hear how others chose between surgery and other options. [Create a shortened URL to Herniated Disc Surgery: How Others Decided on your website. DOCHWID=aa6282]
  • Blood thinners can help some people with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) avoid strokes. Are anticoagulants right for you?
    [Create a shortened URL to Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Take an Anticoagulant to Prevent Stroke? on your website. DOCHWID=tx2209]
  • Once a C-section, always a C-section? Not necessarily! Answer a few questions and get the facts about VBAC vs. repeat cesarean.
    [Create a shortened URL to Pregnancy: Your Birth Options After Cesarean on your website. DOCHWID=aa37799]
  • Even if you’ve never had heart problems before, you might be prescribed statins. Learn how they work and whether you should take them. [Create a shortened URL to Statins: Should I Take Them to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke? on your website. DOCHWID=aa44406]
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