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...Active Healthy Kids and Outdoor Play- Preparing for Life’s Little Mishaps
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Preparing for Life’s Little Mishaps While Engaging Your Kids in Outdoor Play “Play, Incorporating Animistic and Magical Thinking Is Important Because It: Fosters the healthy, creative and emotional growth of a child; Forms the best foundation for later intellectual growth. Provides a way in which children get to know the world and creates possibilities for different ways of responding to it. Fosters empathy and wonder.” – Rachel Carson, “A…
Read More...How to be an Empowered Health Consumer
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Empowered health consumers know how to take charge of their health and are proactive in their care. Whether they’re surfing the web for health information, visiting their doctor or health care professional, or a patient in the hospital; empowered health consumers know how to question and communicate. This blog is a continuation of the “He Said, She Said” post where I promised to give you tips about how to…
Read More...Fireworks Bring Beauty But Can Be Dangerous
Simple Safety Tips for July 4th Fireworks By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA If you gather to watch fireworks this July 4th chances are you’ll hear many ooh’s and aah’s among the crowd as they watch the spectacular bursts of colors glowing in the sky. Leave it to the pros While fireworks are part of celebrating Independence Day, shooting off fireworks should be left to the professionals, even if they are legal in your neck…
Read More...Real Simple Magazine Taps Experts for Emergency Care Advice
Preparing for Life’s Mishaps by Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Having this card in your wallet could save your life in an ER When Real Simple Magazine reporter contacted me for a story on emergency rooms, I was delighted to help out. I think it’s important for readers to have the perspective from a nurse on the front line of the ER as well as ER doctors. The March edition of Real Simple is on…
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