ProfNet Experts Available on Mobile Health, HPV Vaccine, Choosing a Pet, More

Also in This Edition: Jobs for Writers, Media Industry Blog Posts

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Dec 12, 2014, 09:46 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

How Do You Use Mobile in Your Reporting?

EXPERT ALERTS

Mobile Health Innovation Saves Lives, Improves Patient Outcomes
Eliminating the VA Would Lead to Significant Negative Consequences
Medicaid Recipient Sues State for Loss of Home Care
HPV Vaccine Saves Lives
German Shepherds to Gerbils: How to Choose the Best Pet for Your Family
In a Divorce, Who Gets to Keep the Dog?
Should You Date Your Best Friend?

MEDIA JOBS

Administrative Correspondent – Associated Press (LA)
Senior Writer – Boston Globe Media (MA)
Senior Reporter – Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

10 Career Tips From Marie Claire's Editor-in-Chief
How to Build Your Personal Brand
Blog Profiles: Car Blogs

EDITOR'S NOTE:

To better understand how members of the media use mobile devices (phones or tablets) to produce stories, PR Newswire for Journalists is asking users to participate in a quick, eight-question survey. The survey will remain open until Dec. 31: http://bit.ly/prnjmobile

EXPERT ALERTS:

Mobile Health Innovation Saves Lives, Improves Patient Outcomes
Morgan Reed
Executive Director
ACT | The App Association
"Mobile health innovation is saving lives and improving patient outcomes. But, much of this new technology is slow to reach consumers because of regulations drafted before there was even an iPhone. It is essential for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Congress, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make existing regulation more accessible and useful for tech companies making these life-saving resources."
The 2014 mHealth Summit took place this week in Washington, D.C. -- a critical location to discuss advances in mobile health. ACT brought in members to participate in a panel on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Dec. 9, addressing mobile health innovation and regulatory roadblocks. The member companies also met with key Congressional offices to talk about the need for regulatory reform. Reed is available to discuss highlights from the panel and the Congressional hearings, as well as mobile health innovation in general. In addition to leading ACT, he also serves as the policy chair for mHIMSS.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/morganreed
Media Contact: Courtney Bernard, [email protected]

Eliminating the VA Would Lead to Significant Negative Consequences
Sherman Gillums Jr.
Deputy Executive Director
Paralyzed Veterans of America
"Eliminating the Veterans Health Administration would lead to significant negative consequences, particularly for veterans with the severest of injuries, such as spinal cord injury, blindness, amputations, brain injury. Specialized services were developed to care for the complex and unique health care needs of these veterans and is part of the core mission and responsibility of VA. There are no private sector alternatives that can fill the void."
Gillums began his military career in the U.S. Marine Corps when he enlisted at the age of 17. He quickly ascended into leadership, reaching the rank of chief warrant officer in 10 years. During his career, he served in numerous assignments, including a tour as a Parris Island drill instructor, program officer for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton's Close Combat Program, and director of the Combat Visual Information Center. Shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, as he prepared to deploy to Afghanistan with the 1st Marine Division, Gillums suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury, ending his military career at age 29. During his military career, he earned two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and a Global War on Terror Service Medal. Based in Washington, D.C., he is available to discuss spinal cord injury; disabled veterans employment; veterans benefits; caregivers for the catastrophically disabled; the Department of Veterans Affairs; and health care legislation concerning veterans.
Media Contact: Kelly Saxton, [email protected]

Medicaid Recipient Sues State for Loss of Home Care
Ronald Fatoullah, Esq.
Founder
Ronald Fatoullah & Associates
"Prior to August 2011, Medicaid home care services were obtained through local offices. In 2011, New York State began the process of shifting $6 billion in Medicaid spending on long-term care services (including home health care, personal care and private duty nursing) to private managed care companies -- Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). MCOs contract with states to provide services in exchange for payment at a 'capitated rate,' instead of 'fee for service.' The lead plaintiff, an 84-year-old woman who suffers from numerous medical conditions, has had her home health care hours cut and contacted an attorney to have them restored."
Fatoullah is a nationally recognized authority in the field of elder law and has been voted as a "Best Lawyer" in New York for 10 consecutive years in the fields of elder law and trusts and estates. He co-chairs the Executive Board of the Long Island Alzheimer's Association and is a member of the Executive Council of AARP.
Media Contact: Carol Schell, [email protected]

HPV Vaccine Saves Lives
Ronald A. DePinho, M.D.
President
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
"The FDA approval of the new Garadsil 9 HPV vaccine is a milestone moment in that we can now prevent the vast majority -- 90% -- of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers. Importantly, it also offers us an opportunity to change the conversation about HPV vaccination from sex to saving lives. This is a national child welfare priority and major parental responsibility. Not vaccinating girls and boys puts them at risk of developing cancer. Why would we do that? It invites possible heartbreak down the road."
Upwards of 80% of the world will be infected at some point with HPV, leading directly to six preventable cancers and, in many cases, unnecessary death. DePinho, father of three young children, is on a mission to ensure that all children receive the HPV vaccine. MD Anderson clinicians and researchers are spearheading an institution-wide approach to addressing HPV-related cancers. Programs already are underway for parents, educators, clergy, policy makers and the general public to increase HPV vaccination rates in Texas and across the nation, improve early screening and detection and develop novel therapies.
Bio: www.mdanderson.org/about-us/president-ronald-depinho-m-d-/index.html
Media Contact: Agata Porter, [email protected]

German Shepherds to Gerbils: How to Choose the Best Pet for Your Family
Tracey Kitching
Veterinary Technology Instructor, Certified Veterinary Technician, Certified Massage Therapist for Animals
Argosy University, Twin Cities
Whether a loyal pal like Lassie is what you're looking for, or a Garfield-like couch potato is more your speed, a pet can make a wonderful addition to your family. And making an informed and well-researched decision can lead to a happy home life for both you and your pet. Says Kitching: "One of the most important things is that all pets are awesome. They have the potential to be great family members. It all boils down to what you want the animal for, the demands of the animal, and the husbandry and expenses associated with that animal."
Kitching can speak about important factors to consider when buying a pet, including energy level, temperament, lifestyle, cost, maintenance, and the health of your family. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician with 20 years of experience, and has been teaching for 12 years. She is also a Certified Massage Therapist for animals.
Media Contact: Mandy Wilson, [email protected]

In a Divorce, Who Gets to Keep the Dog?
Jacqueline Newman
Family Law Attorney & Managing Partner
Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, New York
"When a couple gets a divorce, they divide their assets and generally share custody of the kids -- but what happens with the family dog? Litigation over who gets custody of the family pet is on the rise, and the battles are becoming more vicious."
Newman's practice consists of litigation, collaborative law and mediation. She specializes in complex high-net-worth matrimonial cases and negotiating prenuptial agreements. She has appeared as a commentator on various television shows and has been quoted as an expert in numerous publications, including Glamour, Crain's New York Business, U.S. News & World Report, Woman's Day and Huffington Post.
Media Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected]

Should You Date Your Best Friend?
Dr. Frieda Birnbaum
Research Psychologist, Psychoanalyst
"The positives of dating your best friend: 1) Potential of marriage: Many people say the person they marry is their best friend in life. Some romantic sparks could potentially elevate that friendship into the strongest bond two human beings can have with each other. 2) Comfort: You both can be yourselves around each other. 3) No secrets: You've told each other everything there is to know. 4) Trust: That is a powerful component of a strong relationship. The negatives of dating your best friend: 1) There's no one to turn to for relationship advice. If the relationship hits bumps or goes sour, you're dating the person you'd most likely to ask for advice. 2) The relationship may end badly: It will likely never be the same and it could be difficult to have the same type of trust. 3) Certain behaviors might not be acceptable: Some behaviors people are comfortable with in a friendship might not be appropriate for a relationship. If you and your best friend have been accustomed to kidding around most of the time, one of you may want a more serious tone in behavior at times."
New York-based Dr. Birnbaum is a research psychologist, psychoanalyst and author of "What Price Power: An In-Depth Study of the Professional Woman in a Relationship." She's an expert on depression, women's issues, and attaining happiness. She has been featured on "Oprah" and "20/20" as the oldest mom in the U.S. to have twins.
Media Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected]

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/

Administrative Correspondent – Associated Press (LA)
Senior Writer – Boston Globe Media (MA)
Senior Reporter – Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line.

10 CAREER TIPS FROM MARIE CLAIRE'S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF. On Nov. 22, NYWICI hosted its annual Student Communications Career Conference. Over the last week, ProfNet's Polina Opelbaum has been sharing highlights from some of the panels. Here, she shares highlights from the luncheon keynote, given by Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Anne Fulenwider: http://prn.to/163U7sT
HOW TO BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND. At a recent NYWICI conference panel, Nicole Ryan of VH1's "Morning Buzz" and SiriusXM's "Morning Mashup"; Amy Cao of FiftyThree Inc. and Stupidly Simple Snacks; Kimmie Smith of Accessory Expert; Kris Ruby of Ruby Media Group; and freelance lifestyle journalist Aly Walansky share their tips for how to build your personal brand: http://prn.to/1vFLezo
BLOG PROFILES: CAR BLOGS. Every week, PR Newswire's media relations manager, Christine Cube, profiles a handful of blogs that do a good job with promoting, contributing and blogging about an industry/subject. This week, she takes a look at a few car blogs: http://prn.to/1qq07Fh