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...Smoke-Free Hospitals and Patients
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Nurses and doctors and other members of the health care team strive every day to provide quality patient care. We focus on patients by understanding their needs. We listen, assess and evaluate. We work together as a team focusing not only on the patient, but family members as well. We formulate individual care plans addressing each and every need. Providing quality patient care is the single most important goal…
Read More...Hope for Smokers
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Part I Some people think that a rainbow means hope and a new beginning. For those people who already smoked their first cigarette and are now addicted, there is hope to live a healthier life. If smokers are successful in quitting, they may see hope at the end of their rainbow. Hope in the form of living a healthier life and breathing easier. The truth is that most people…
Read More...