Health Union Announces the Launch of Migraine.com: Online Destination Dedicated Solely to Migraine Disease Provides Unique Tools and Content

PHILADELPHIA, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Union, LLC announced today the launch of its first website, Migraine.com (http://migraine.com). This independent site will feature robust, physician-reviewed information on the clinical and social aspects of Migraine disease, as well as numerous interactive tools to help patients and caregivers better understand and manage the condition.  Over time, the site will leverage its extensive community platform where patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can learn from and share with one another.

The Impact of Migraine

Migraine disease impacts an estimated 37 million Americans. Although Migraine disease can run in families, the cause is not yet fully understood. Migraine attacks are characterized by painful and often debilitating symptoms, which may include severe head pain, neck pain, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. These attacks interfere the ability to function in everyday life, whether that means going to school or work, caring for family or enjoying social activities.

Migraine ranks in the top 20 of the world's most disabling medical illnesses, and every 10 seconds someone in the United States goes to the emergency room with a headache or migraine. American employers lose more than $13 billion each year as a result of 113 million lost workdays due to Migraine. There is no cure for Migraine disease.

Due to the highly acute nature of Migraine attacks and the large number of people the disease affects, Migraine represents one of the most active patient communities on the Internet, with over one million Migraine and headache related searches online each month. Furthermore, Migraine disease affects more women than men and, as the primary healthcare decision maker in most households, women are generally more likely to take an active role in their health.

Migraine.com intends to become the largest and most informative online destination dedicated exclusively to Migraine and headache.

"I see many patients in my office each week," said Dr. Susan Hutchinson, founder and director of the Orange County Migraine and Headache Center in Irvine, California, "but through my work on Migraine.com, I can reach thousands in an instant, and I find that really gratifying.  Additionally, as a Migraine patient myself, I understand and appreciate the value of the tools on Migraine.com and I recommend the site to all my patients."

Dr. Hutchinson is a member of the panel of expert contributors to Migraine.com, and she regularly blogs and publishes articles on the site.

An Engaging New Website

The new site Migraine.com features hundreds of pages of physician-reviewed content about Migraine and headache. New content is added to the site almost every day from either a physician or patient advocate and there are discussion groups and forums for patients to learn from one another. There is an "Ask The Migraine Expert" section where users can submit a question to be answered by a physician or patient advocate. All new entries are announced via Twitter (@Migrainedotcom) and on the Migraine.com Facebook page (Facebook.com/MigraineDotCom).

The site also features valuable self-management tools such as the interactive "Migraine Journal," where patients can track their personal Migraine history in a safe, secure environment. This journal data can then be shared with a physician or caregiver in print or via e-mail. Other tools include the "Symptom Checker" where patients can get a better understanding of their Migraine Symptoms, and the interactive "Migraine Majority" user polls, which allow users to share their experiences with Migraine disease.

Additionally, the Migraine Offer Center, outlines consumer savings offers on pharmaceutical products, devices, over the counter medicines, books and other Migraine-related products and services.

In addition to a panel of physicians, noted patient authors, advocates and bloggers also regularly contribute to the site.

"I am very excited about being involved with Migraine.com," said Teri Robert, author of the book Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches and an expert contributor and moderator on the site, "The quality, depth and breadth of content and tools of the site are outstanding.  Whether you've just had your first Migraine or, like me, are a life-long Migraineur, you will find this site very engaging and helpful."

iPad Giveaway

To celebrate the launch of Migraine.com, Health Union will give away an Apple iPad ® to one of the first 500 people to share their Migraine story on the site. To enter or to learn more about the iPad sweepstakes on Migraine.com, including the complete participation rules, please visit Migraine.com

About Health Union

Health Union, LLC is based in Philadelphia. Its mission is to enrich the lives of those impacted by disease by fostering open and honest interactions about health conditions between and among patients, caregivers, professionals and providers. Harnessing the full power of the Internet, social media and emerging technologies, Health Union aims to help patients make more informed decisions about their healthcare. Health Union does not manufacture, distribute, market or sell any product to cure, diagnose or prevent Migraine disease or headaches. To learn more, visit www.health-union.com.

SOURCE Health Union, LLC