Speaking Event: PIAA International Conference, Amsterdam

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA   I recently had the honor of speaking at the PIAA International Section Conference, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” — How Threats Can Become Opportunities in Medical Liability, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The conference was designed to allow attendees to share experiences relating to medical liability and the medical indemnity industry internationally, and it was a huge success. I was delighted to be invited to participate to speak about…

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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…

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Sharecare Helps to Engage and Empower Consumers with Mobile Health App-AskMD

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA From digital to doctor with a click on your iPhone or iPod touch Self-diagnosing is not a good idea, but arming yourself with accurate, credible and trustworthy information is a great idea. It’s such an exciting time in health care today. Digital technology helps to empower and engage consumers to take charge of their health, and it fosters consumers to be active participants in their healthcare. One way to…

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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…

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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)….

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