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…

Social Media: Top 5 Useful Health Tweets

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Twitter is a powerful form of social media, and it is a phenomenal resource for sharing information.  Twitter can help improve your health. A significant blog on Mashable, “HOW TO: Use Social Media for Better Health” by Ben Parr, he writes that “Healthy living can be a shared experience.” Social media is about connections and information, while healthy living is about consistency and knowledge. Combined, social media can bring…

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…