Misinformation about the pandemic is rampant. The internet has become a great source of health misinformation. Misinformation can spread like wildfire. There’s information overload and people are having a difficult time separating fact from fiction. Is it possible to learn to debunk pandemic misinformation? Gary Schwitzer, Publisher at HealthNewsReview.org and Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, believes it’s possible to learn to debunk pandemic misinformation. He helps journalists and consumers understand…
Read More...Beyond the Captivating Headlines: How to Make Sense of a Health News Story
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Is the health news story accurate? Did a recent study prove that coffee may lower the risk of stroke? How was it reported? Writing magnetic headlines are required for any writer. After all, headlines capture your attention and at that moment you will decide whether to read the piece or not. According to Copyblogger, “On average, 8 out of 10 people will read headline copy, but only 2 out…
Read More...How to Filter Cancer Prevention Headlines
Guest post submitted by MD Anderson Cancer Center Most of us can’t keep up with all the new ways to avoid cancer. Thanks to the Internet, we now have an unlimited supply of cancer knowledge at our fingertips. But, how can we filter out the good, the bad and the questionable? Below are steps to help you tease out the facts when reading that next big news story on preventing cancer. Says who? Don’t just…
Read More...AHCJ Invites Qualified Health Journalists and Broadcasters to Possibly Connect
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA In a recent post I wrote about the unfortunate disbandment of NAMC and provided information about the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) as a possible alternative for former members to continue in health journalism. “NAMC folds, qualified members invited to AHCJ” by Pia Christensen, AHCJ member writes about the disbandment and the new membership guidelines that could offer former members the possibility for professional or associate membership. Additionally,…
Read More...Legacy of NAMC Comes to a Halt, Founding Member Bill Crounse, MD Bids Farewell and AHCJ Open its Doors
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA First, I’d like to say with a very heavy heart how saddened I am by the news of the disbandment of NAMC… The National Association of Medical Communicators (NAMC) closes its doors after more than two decades of inspiring health professionals to accurately communicate health and medical information to the public. NAMC has been spearheading its members in broadcast journalism, but succumbs to the pressures to stay vibrant and…
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