What is a Medical Emergency?

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA About Emergencies: What is a medical emergency and when to call 9-1-1 Debate brews over whether emergency departments are busier since the Affordable Healthcare Act expanded insurance coverage the beginning of this year. While the debate continues, it is important for you to understand what a medical emergency is and when to call 9-1-1. The information in this post, What is a Medical Emergency? is from the American College of Emergency…

Read More...

A TEDEd Presentation, Sugar: Hiding in plain sight, plus other names for added sugar

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA This is a short charming animated informational TED-Ed Original presentation, Sugar: Hiding in plain sight-Robert Lustig. “While sugar is easy to spot in candy, soft drinks and ice cream, it also hides out in foods you might not expect — including peanut butter, pasta sauce and even bologna! Robert Lustig decodes confusing labels and sugar’s many aliases to help determine just how much of that sweet carbohydrate makes its…

Read More...

Brief Recap of Tweets for The Great American Smokeout

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA The Great American Smokeout Twitter Chat presented by Sharecare was ongoing spirited conversation for five hours filled with valuable information. The Hashtag #quitforgood led the chat. Every third Thursday in November The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout. First, thank you to all the participants. Thank you to all the smokers who were involved in the conversation. Whether you recently quit smoking, were looking for information on…

Read More...

Sharecare Presents: The Great American Smokeout Twitter Chat

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 43.8 million people (18 years or older), in the United States smoke cigarettes. What’s even more astounding is that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Every year in the United States more than 440,000 deaths occur. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases (including emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic airway obstruction)….

Read More...

Are Doctors Writing Prescriptions for Fruits and Vegetables?

Fresh produce program gains momentum in weight-loss fight By Christine S. Moyer More doctors are writing prescriptions for a proven weight-loss treatment with no negative side effects — fresh vegetables and fruits. The initiative, known as the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, was started by the Connecticut-based nonprofit Wholesome Wave in 2010. The organization aims to improve access and affordability of fresh, locally grown produce to underserved communities. The program targets overweight and obese children…

Read More...