ProfNet Experts Available on Summer Safety, Opioid Abuse, Stress, More

NEW YORK, May 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area.

You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network – it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/queryform

EXPERT ALERTS

• National Prevention Week: Effectiveness of Worksite Programs in Reducing Opioid Abuse
• AI and Machine Learning in Medical Imaging
• The Most Important Body Part You're Not Working Out
• Can Stress Actually Kill You?
• Showtime's 'Billions' Predicts the Future

EXPERT ROUNDUP: Summer Safety (13 experts)

MEDIA JOBS

• Reporter, NFL – The Wall Street Journal
• Reporter, Digital Media and Advertising – CMO Today
• Breaking News Editor – The Oklahoman

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Journalist Spotlight: Christopher Elliott, Columnist and Author
• 3 Common UX Myths Debunked
• Blog Profiles: Fishing Blogs

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EXPERT ALERTS:

National Prevention Week: The Effectiveness of Worksite Programs in Reducing Opioid Abuse
Dr. Joel Bennett
CEO and Founder
Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, Inc. (OWLS)
While the opioid and prescription drug epidemic has received considerable attention given the over 300,000 people it affects annually, relatively few realize the impact it's also having on the nation's workforce. It's become increasingly commonplace for employees to use prescription medication outside of intended use to improve job performance, overcome lack of sleep, or to alleviate pain. Although 70% of employers are negatively impacted by Rx abuse, less than 25% educate workers on prevention. Thirty percent do not provide access to alternative treatments.
Says Dr. Bennett: "Employers are starting to realize the negative effects of Rx abuse on employee readiness, morale and productivity. But prevention programs can be a hard sell -- it's a challenge to demonstrate a concrete business return. Employers need to know that worksite awareness and education programs can be very effective in engaging people at the earliest stages of their Rx use and in a non-threatening way, steer them to safe alternatives. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has laid out criteria and guidelines for evidence-based programs that produce positive outcomes; if properly implemented at the worksite, these programs have the potential to effectively educate a sizeable portion of at-risk employees who are otherwise hard to identify, let alone reach."
Dr. Bennett is a widely sought-after speaker, consultant, and source on issues pertaining to evidence-based wellness. He has also published in a broad variety of academic, industry and business publications and consults internationally.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/joel_bennett
Website: http://organizationalwellness.com
Contact: Charles Epstein, [email protected]

AI and Machine Learning in Medical Imaging
Martin Hedlund
Chief Technology Officer
ContextVision
"The concept of AI and machine learning has the potential to change the game of medical imaging. We can train neural networks with much more data than humans experience during a lifetime. This means that we can reproduce the competence of the best experts, or even outperform them! We can guarantee reproducibility in exams and diagnosis, and avoid human subjectivity and variations. With active learning models, results can continuously be improved. With better ground truth, i.e. data from different sources, time or outcome, AI can make better predictions, solve more complex tasks and make new discoveries."
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Hedlund is the chief technology officer and one of the founders of ContextVision. He finished his M.Sc. degree of Technology followed by further studies and research in image processing and GOP theory at Linköping University. He was R&D and site manager in Linköping until 1999 and has since served as CTO by focusing on strategic product and business development. Hedlund is spearheading the research and development of ContextVision's first AI-based imaging technology. By using algorithms, the product will be able to evaluate and enhance image quality automatically without the direct involvement of a clinical expert. This will improve workflow and improve diagnosis, and ultimately aid both patients and radiologists.
Website: www.contextvision.com
Contact: Stephanie Ross, [email protected]

The Most Important Body Part You're Not Working Out
Jonathan Jordan
Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach and Fitness Blogger
Jonathan Jordan Fitness
"As a successful personal trainer for Equinox in San Francisco, I've worked with hundreds of clients. They want to be lean. They want to be strong. They want to be healthy. But no one ever says, 'I want strong feet and mobile ankles.' Yet weak feet are often the biggest roadblocks to achieving their health goals. The ankle is one of our most important and commonly overlooked joints. Pain and injuries in the knees, hips and lower back can often be traced to issues at the ankle joint. Think of how often and how many ways we use our ankles: walking, running, biking, squatting, yoga, balancing, dancing -- you get the idea. If the muscles acting on your ankle are chronically tight or if the joint itself is jammed or lacks proper mobility, the impact can be painful and damaging, as the body will compensate at other joints to accommodate movement."
Jordan recently wrote a blog post (see link below) that goes deep into the anatomy of the foot and includes an interview with physical therapist Dr. Sarah Jay. He has also included videos for his three favorite ankle mobility drills. He is available for interviews to help your readers, listeners, or viewers improve their ankle mobility, reduce pain and improve performance in their workouts
Blog post: http://www.jj-fit.com/blog/ankle
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/jonathan_jordan
Website: http://www.jj-fit.com
Expert Contact: [email protected]

Can Stress Actually Kill You?
Dr. Frieda Birnbaum
Research Psychologist, Psychoanalyst
Stress may take a toll on your mind, body, and heart, according to a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Researchers observed a strong correlation between activity in the amygdala -- the part of the brain activated by stress -- and subsequent cardiac events, such as heart attack, stroke, and angina.
Says Dr. Birnbaum: "Our bodies are constantly reacting and responding to how we are thinking. If we stay locked into a state of high stress and anxiety for a prolonged period of time, our physical health will be affected for the worse. Yes, stress can kill you. However, there are many things a person can do to help manage their stress or remove it all together. One of the first things is to get to the root cause of the matter and resolve it, especially if it has something to do with guilt. Guilt is a powerful negative emotion that can prolong stress. If your boss or fellow employees have become a cause of stress, do whatever you can to be as far removed from them as possible, even if it means leaving your job. Any form or daily meditating or walking is another means of quieting your mind and opening doors of inner peace. Listening to peaceful music is also helpful. Stress is reactionary -- and you have the power to change how to react."
Based in the New York metro area, Dr. Birnbaum is author of "Life Begins at 60: A New View on Motherhood, Marriage, and Reinventing Ourselves." She's an expert on depression, women's issues, and attaining happiness.
Website: http://www.doctorfrieda.com
Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected]

Showtime's 'Billions' Predicts the Future
Michael Klein, PsyD
Psychologist, Principal
MK Insights LLC
Dr. Klein is available to speak about the relevance of the TV character Wendy Rhodes, an in-house psychiatrist in the fictitious firm of Axe Capital, as well as the history and trends behind this role. As a psychologist, he can address how personality, emotional intelligence, and motivators impact decision-making, management style, and potential "de-railing" behaviors: "It is impossible to work effectively in any job without running into roadblocks periodically. In-house psychiatrists and psychologists don't provide therapy at work but, rather, apply sound psychological insights and tools to help employees and managers be effective at work based on their own interest in achievement and managing psychological barriers."
Dr. Klein is a psychologist, workplace coach, and in-house performance consultant. He is also author of "Trapped in the Family Business: A practical guide to understanding and managing this hidden dilemma."
Book: www.trappedinthefamilybusiness.com
Website: www.mkinsights.com
Expert Contact: [email protected]

EXPERT ROUNDUP: Summer Safety (13 experts)

Fireworks Safety
Jenny Ziembicki, M.D.
Medical Director, UPMC Mercy Burn Center
Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Faculty Member, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
"Each year, around 4th of July celebrations, we treat many people, especially children and teens, who have been injured by fireworks. Many of those injuries involve an amputation of a limb or loss of vision. We want to remind everyone that fireworks should only be handled by professionals and enjoyed at a safe distance."
Dr. Ziembicki has a special interest in the development of the comprehensive outpatient burn therapy program at UPMC Mercy, which allows patients a more expedient return to a productive lifestyle. She also is a dedicated advocate in burn injury prevention, especially in the geriatric and pediatric population.
Bio: http://www.mirm.pitt.edu/our-people/faculty-staff-bios/jenny-ziembicki-md/
Contact: Stephanie Stanley, [email protected]

Skin Damage and Car/Home Windows
Darrell Smith
Executive Director
International Window Film Association
"Whether you're spending the summer on the road or enjoying the warm sunshine streaming through your home's windows, you may be doing serious damage to your skin without even realizing. The average window only blocks about 25% of UV rays from passing through and car windows aren't much better -- blocking about 40% of UV rays. In America, nearly 53% of skin cancer cases occur on the left, or driver's side, of the body. Why? Because, we enjoy sunshine but aren't fully protected against damaging UV rays -- and spend a lot of time in the car! Professionally installed window film can help block up to 99% of UV rays from passing through a window, ultimately protecting your skin and eyes from cumulative damage."
Website: www.iwfa.com
Contact: Amber Joy Dempsey, [email protected]

Fabric and Clothing Tips for Summer
James Pruden
Senior Director
Cotton Incorporated
Pruden can provide expert summer safety tips when it comes to anything and everything summer clothing, including what to wear for the best UV protection; what fabrics keep you cooler during the warm summer months; and the health benefits of natural fibers vs. synthetic fibers. Says Pruden: "All apparel provides some degree of UV protection. UV protection in apparel is dependent on a variety of factors, including thickness of fabric (thicker fabrics absorb more UV rays), tightness of construction and the fabric's color (darker colors provide more UV protection)."
Pruden is senior director of public relations at Cotton Incorporated, where he oversees brand image management for the not-for-profit company.
Contact: Caleb Fernandez, [email protected]

Pool Safety Tips for Parents, Children and Pets
Tom Casey
Vice President of Sales
Anthony & Sylvan Pools
Casey is available to share pool safety tips for parents, children, and pets: "Pools are fun for the whole family, and pool safety is crucial when it comes to enjoying your pool to its fullest. By following just a few safety tips, you'll be sure to keep this season fun and safe."
Casey is vice president of sales for Anthony & Sylvan Pools, the leading swimming pool and spa builder in the U.S.
Contact: John Reynolds, [email protected]

Tips for an Injury-Free Summer
Dr. Benjamin Domb
"As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, adults and kids alike love to engage in outdoor sports and fitness activities. This increase in physical activity can lead to an increased risk of injury."
Through his experience working with athletes, both professional and amateur, as well as fitness enthusiasts like CrossFitters and runners, Dr. Domb is available to provide effective tips for an injury-free summer. Dr. Domb is a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery of the hip, shoulder and knee.
Website: http://www.benjamindombmd.com
Contact: Rachel Prude, [email protected]

Summer BBQ Safety Tips
Peter Duncanson
Director, Disaster Restoration Business Operations
ServiceMaster Restore
Duncanson is available for interviews on summer BBQ safety tips, including proper charcoal grill safety, how to use a gas grill wisely, and how to practice good grilling habits: "Set your grill up at a safe distance from structures and overhangs, including your main building, shed, garage, trees and other potentially flammable objects. Never use your grill inside, in a tent or under an outdoor awning or carport. Doing so can pose a serious fire hazard and potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning if you're using a gas grill. Light your gas or charcoal grill using special long-length lighters or long matches to avoid getting burned. Keep all ignition sources out of the reach of children. Never leave an actively burning grill unattended, and let your grill fully cool before you cover or store it. Clean your grill thoroughly and often to reduce flammable buildup inside."
Contact: Bristol Whitcher, [email protected]

Summer Safety
Jared Staver
Attorney
Staver Law Group. P.C.
Staver is available to discuss various summer safety topics, including sun glare accidents, motorcycle safety, pool/water safety, heat exhaustion and more. On motorcycle safety: "During the summer months, drivers and motorcyclists should take extra precautions to avoid accidents. Statistics show that more than 50% of motorcycle accidents involve riders with less than five months of riding experience. To minimize the risk of accidents, motorcyclists should always wear protective gear including proper eyewear and helmets. Make sure your bike is properly maintained before taking it out for the first summer ride and keep a toolkit on your bike at all times. Mechanical defects can contribute to road crashes."
Staver is a Chicago personal injury attorney and owner of Staver Law Group, P.C. His practice focuses on representing people seeking compensation after being hurt in the Chicago area, whether by a car accident, slip and fall, workplace accident, dog bite, or from an act of medical malpractice. An experienced and dedicated litigator, Jared has recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients.
Bio: https://www.chicagolawyer.com/about-staver-law-group/jared-staver/
Website: https://www.chicagolawyer.com
Contact: John Branham, [email protected]

How to Stay Safe on the Job/Keep Employees Safe
David Quezada
Vice President of Loss Control
EMPLOYERS
"Working in hot and sunny environments or near heat sources all day can wear employees down. To help employees rest and recharge, encourage them to take regular breaks in the shade or other cool environments. Build break times into employees' schedules to help enforce the practice. Make sure employees know how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and the immediate steps they need to take to help themselves or their co-workers. In the event of a medical emergency, contact 911 immediately, but also train employees so they can be proactive before professional help arrives. Fostering a safe and comfortable work environment is an important commitment every day of the year, but especially when new risks, such as extreme heat, are introduced."
EMPLOYERS is a specialty workers' compensation insurance carrier.
Website: www.employers.com
Contact: Alexandra Gardell Kreuter, [email protected]

Managing Medications During the Summer
Jon Michaeli
EVP of Marketing and Business Development
Medisafe
Michaeli is available to discuss the importance of managing your medications during the summer months, whether it's during vacations or ensuring that your children are keeping up with their medications while they're at summer camp. Managing medications essentially helps you to manage your conditions, resulting in improved outcomes.
Contact: Kendra Lee, [email protected]

What to Do During a Power Outage
Keith Pinkerton
Owner
Mr. Electric, Huntsville, Ala.
Pinkerton is available to discuss weather precautions and backup generators during storm season. He can advise homeowners what to do when there is a power outage and how to ensure electrical safety around the house in general. He is the owner of the Huntsville, Ala., branch of Mr. Electric, a national brand of electrical installation and repair centers.
Website: https://mrelectric.com/huntsville
Contact: Elise Rose, [email protected]

Safety When Completing House Projects
J.B. Sassano
President
Mr. Handyman
Sassano is available to discuss safety when completing house projects, such as using power washers, power drills, climbing on ladders for gutter cleaning, etc. He is president of Mr. Handyman, the nation's leading home repair and maintenance franchise.
Website: https://www.mrhandyman.com
Contact: Elise Rose, [email protected]

Injury Trends
Darshan Patel, M.D.
Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Dr. Patel can provide commentary on a wide variety of summer conditions and their recommended treatment, as well as injury trends. As Section Chief, Dr. Patel serves as head of the Pediatric Emergency Department. He and his team are the first line of care for children in needing immediate care after injuries or at the onset of illnesses. Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, is the Level 1 pediatric trauma center for a region with more than 3 million people.
In the past, Dr. Patel has been a media resource for summer safety topics, including ATV and water safety, as well as injuries caused by trampolines and fireworks.  He has also contributed to reports regarding dehydration and heat stroke. He has television, radio and print media experience, and is adept at breaking down complex medical topics for families. He is available for media interviews when requests do not interfere with patient care.
Contact: Andy LaGuardia, [email protected]

Water Safety Tips
Ann Marie Buerkle
Acting Chairman
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Buerkle is available to discuss the many steps that parents can take to improve safety in and around water. As acting chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Buerkle offers a unique perspective into the importance of safety in and around water. One of the national public education campaigns the Chairman oversees is the Pool Safely campaign, which is aimed at reducing child drownings and non-fatal submersions, as well as entrapments in public swimming pools and spas. The campaign was launched in 2010 and has a network of over 1,000 partners that are dedicated to promoting and benefitting from the campaign.
Website: https://www.poolsafely.gov
Contact: Christina Saull: [email protected]

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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/

• Reporter, NFL – The Wall Street Journal
• Reporter, Digital Media and Advertising – CMO Today
• Breaking News Editor – The Oklahoman

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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.

• JOURNALIST SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT, COLUMNIST AND AUTHOR. In our Journalist Spotlight Q&A series, PR Newswire for Journalists and ProfNet users share their insight and advice on how PR professionals and experts can improve communications and increase their chances of being featured in their publications. In this edition, we catch up with Christopher Elliott, an award-winning author, journalist and consumer advocate: http://prn.to/elliott
• 3 COMMON UX MYTHS DEBUNKED: Every site wants to provide a quality user experience. It's increasingly important as brands with an online presence work to keep audience interest. With digital audiences spreading their time across platforms, usability has become a commodity. We're all trying to sell an experience, no matter who we try to reach or where they view us. If you want your audience to have a positive, relevant, and memorable experience, meeting basic usability standards should be in your development plan: http://bit.ly/2qBE0hI
• BLOG PROFILES: FISHING BLOGS. Each week, PR Newswire's Audience Relations team selects an industry/subject and profiles a handful of sites that do a good job with promoting and contributing to the conversation. This week, they look at fishing blogs: http://bit.ly/2pL2Nmh

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