ProfNet Experts Available on Summer Safety, Post-Surgery Infections, Stuttering
Also in This Edition: Jobs for Writers and Media Industry Blog Posts
NEW YORK, April 26, 2013 /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. To receive these updates by email, drop us a note at [email protected] with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.
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EXPERT ALERTS
- Reducing Post-Surgery Infections
- Three Myths About Stuttering and the Damage They Cause
EXPERT ROUNDUP
- Summer Safety
MEDIA JOBS
- Reporter – Law360 (CA)
- Senior Editor – Forbes Travel Guide/Startle.com (GA)
- Content Editor – Yahoo! (NY)
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
- Bylines, Contributed Content and Opinion Pieces
- The Q&A Team: The Interpretation of 'Off the Record'
- Grammar Hammer: In a World Gone Mad, the Earth Keeps Spinning
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EXPERT ALERTS:
Reducing Post-Surgery Infections
Fred Sweet, M.D.
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Rockford Spine Center
"Preventing infections following surgery is critical, because once an infection sets in, it is very difficult and expensive to treat. There are more than 200,000 surgical infections in a given year. The average cost to treat an infection following a surgery with spinal implants is $150,000-$200,000. We devised a method to put a powder version of the drug Vancomycin directly in the wound following surgery – instead of using it intravenously. The results of our 10-year study have been extremely promising and the method is gaining the attention of surgeons across the country. This has the ability to impact so many lives – even with other types of surgical procedures."
Dr. Sweet is available to discuss a new way to use an antibiotic following spine surgery that has lowered the infection rate from a national average of 2.4 percent to .2 percent. Located in Northern Illinois, Rockford Spine Center is ranked among the "Top 50 Spine Surgery Practices to Know" in "Becker's Spine Review" and has earned the Patients' Choice Award for two years.
Media Contact: Michelle Polivka, [email protected]
Three Myths About Stuttering
Dr. Ron Webster
President
Hollins Communications Research Institute
"Increasing awareness about stuttering is critical, because there are incorrect assumptions that surround the disorder. In many cases, these have led to less-than-optimal therapy outcomes and fostered unwarranted stereotypes that people who stutter are neurotic, disorganized, or mentally deficient. Inadequate treatment and imperceptions among the public have a profound effect on stutterers and damage their ability to maximize their potential in life. That's why it is essential that stutterers and fluent speakers know the facts. Research with thousands of cases shows that stuttering is physically based – not a condition caused by emotional or mental issues. As a result, stuttering can be effectively treated in the majority of cases with systematic, behavioral therapy that focuses on retraining faulty speech muscle movements that cause stuttering."
With National Stuttering Awareness Week May 13-19, Dr. Webster, a clinical psychologist and national stuttering expert, is available to discuss stuttering and the importance of increasing awareness of the condition. He can share data and stories about stuttering's pervasive impact on people's lives and explain how to effectively treat this condition, which affects 66 million people. His nonprofit stuttering research and therapy center has served 6,200 people who stutter from 48 countries.
Media Contact: Jules Sowder, [email protected]
EXPERT ROUNDUP: Summer Safety
Following are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss summer safety: pool safety, summer skin care, allergies, food safety, keeping cool and more:
Beauty/Skin Care
Gary Goldenberg, M.D.
Medical Director, Dermatology Faculty Practice, Mount Sinai Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
"The most important thing I tell patients is that you have to do it all -- make sure your kids wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply numerous times per day, wear sun-protective clothing, avoid mid-day sun, and seek the shade. It's also important or parents to lead by example, to protect the entire family from sun's harmful rays."
Based in New York, Goldenberg is available to discuss skin cancer prevention and clues, how to keep kids safe in the summer, which type of sunscreen is best, and summer beauty tips for men and women.
Media Contact: Rachel Kessler, [email protected]
Liz Eglinton
Founder
Snapper Rock UV50+ Swimwear
"Melanoma is on the rise for U.S. children by approximately 2 percent per year from 1973 to 2009 among newborns to age 19, according to the May issue of Pediatrics. In light of this information and the fact that that Melanoma accounts for up to 3 percent of pediatric cancers, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it's imperative that parents protect their kids' skin this summer, even when they're not together like during summer or sleep away camps. For starters, parents must educate themselves and their families about proper sunscreen application, which is one ounce of at least SPF 30 every two hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. It's important to arm children with the right tools like hats and UV50+ swimwear (such as Snapper Rock) and encourage them to catch as much shade as possible during breaks and downtime. If a child comes home from day camp or summer activities with a sunburn, parents should reinforce sun safety procedures for future fun in the sun. If the child is at a sleep away camp, parents can send them letters with friendly reminders about sun safety. Simple pictures with pictures of the sun's rays beaming down on them with a caption like 'I'm glad I'm wearing sunscreen!' may be helpful. Parents should monitor their kids' exposure to the sun during vacation and anytime they are together. Lastly, it's important to constantly be aware of changing moles – Melanoma has irregular borders, are asymmetrical and have uneven coloring."
Media Contact: Erin O'Brien, [email protected]
Debra Luftman, M.D.
Dermatologist, Simple Advisory Board
Simple Facial Skincare
"During the summer, the sun's intensity is at its highest, so it's especially important to consistently wear a moisturizer containing SPF during these months."
Dr. Luftman is a board-certified dermatologist and is part of the Simple Advisory Board, a panel of leading industry experts who offer advice for achieving natural, healthy-looking through a holistic lifestyle approach. She is often called upon in the press as an expert in cosmetic medicine, and has appeared on TV shows such as "Good Morning America" and "EXTRA TV," as well as on the news and various websites. She is frequently quoted in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Vogue, W, InStyle, Oprah Magazine and National Public Radio, just to name a few.
Website: http://www.simpleskincare.com
Media Contact: Meaghan Ford, [email protected]
Sarah Taylor, M.D.
Dermatology
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Dr. Taylor can talk about sun exposure do's and don'ts, as well as what you should do if you suffer from an extreme sunburn involving OTC treatments, and advice on when to seek medical attention.
Media Contact: Bonnie Davis, [email protected]
William Huang, M.D.
Dermatology
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Dr. Huang can talk about skin care tactics for younger men who are concerned about taking care of their skin or who suffer from acne, razor stubble burn. He can offer do's and don'ts and product advice from a personal viewpoint of someone in his early 30s.
Media Contact: Bonnie Davis, [email protected]
Richard Bezozo, M.D.
President
MoleSafe
Bezozo is president of MoleSafe, the world's most advanced melanoma screening program. As one of the nation's leading melanoma and skin health experts, he can provide expert insight and information on summer skin care. He can comment on a variety of skin care topics, some of which include: best practices for keeping your skin healthy in the summer heat; insight on how to get a "safe" tan; pre and post-sun skincare tips and information; information on how to have flawless skin and combat UV rays and damage; post -summer skincare tips to ensure health; tips for skin health during summer travels and vacation; secrets for the healthiest, best-looking skin for people of all ages and people of all different skin tones; preventative measures and steps to take to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer; Q&A of common sun and skin care questions; recent studies and research about skin care, skin health, the sun, and more.
Blog: http://bit.ly/YxiwNl
Media Contact: Carlee Pett, [email protected]
Dr. Elizabeth Hale
Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology
New York University School of Medicine
Hale, also a spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation, is available to discuss how the elements can challenge the health of your skin, and -- as we embrace the summer season -- why it's important to ensure that skin is protected all year, as rigorous outdoor activity, combined with heat, humidity and sweat, can make skin more vulnerable to the sun's rays.
Media Contact: Mariam Quadri, [email protected]
Health
Christian Davis Furman, M.D., M.S.P.H.
Geriatrician
"Older adults have a hard time sensing when they are getting dehydrated. They also have fewer sweat glands, so the possibility is greater they will get overheated easily because they do not sweat as much. Therefore, it is very important that they consciously drink extra fluids on warm days. Also, some older adults are unable to communicate that they need water because of dementia or other conditions. If an older adult has these barriers, their caregivers need to make sure they drink often and are appropriately hydrated."
Furman is vice chair for geriatrics at the University of Louisville and is board-certified in geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine. She is the only Kentuckian among geriatric medicine experts from 27 states and the District of Columbia selected to participate in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Innovation Advisors Program.
Media Contact: Jill Scoggins, [email protected]
Jeff Salter
CEO and Founder
Caring Senior Service
"The summer poses a special risk for the elderly community. With extreme temperatures, hurricanes and other weather conditions, seniors should take extra caution to prepare themselves for the season. I would be happy to offer up a few tips we give aging clients to stay safe through the summer."
Caring Senior Service is a national in-home care franchise that specializes in caring for aging seniors. Salter has worked in the homecare industry for over 21 years and has extensive experience in managing emergency situations for the elderly. He is available to discuss summer safety concerns for the elderly.
Website: http://www.caringseniorservice.com
Media Contact: Bridget Strickland, [email protected]
Carolyn Dean, MD, ND
Dr. Dean is a medical doctor, nutritionist and author of "Homeopathic Remedies for Children's Common Ailments." She is a health pioneer, with over 25 years of experience in children's nutrition, diet and health issues. She has authored 30 books, including "Future Health Now Encyclopedia," "365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Tips, Exercise, Advice," "The Yeast Connection," "IBS for Dummies" and "The Magnesium Miracle." She has been interviewed regularly on radio and TV shows and in magazines, including ABC's "The View," NBC and CBS. She is an advisory board member of the Nutritional Magnesium Association.
Dr. Dean is available for interviews on summer safety topics, such as allergies, keeping cool including proper hydration and electrolyte balance, muscle soreness due to summer activities, recovery from summer physical activities, etc. She is available to answer questions via email and/or by phone interview as necessary.
http://www.nutritionalmagnesium.org
Media Contact: Boris Levitsky, [email protected]
Jim Fortenberry M.D., F.A.A.P., F.C.C.M.
Pediatrician-in-Chief
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Fortenberry is pediatrician-in-chief of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, a hospital system that has more than 740,000 patient visits annually. He is also professor of pediatric critical care in Emory University School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics. He is board-certified in pediatric critical care by the American Board of Pediatrics, and is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, American Board of Pediatrics, American College of Critical Care Medicine, and Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. He has authored or co-authored 107 publications, 70 journal articles and 65 journal abstracts; has participated in 67 national presentations and 53 local presentations; and has presented at 63 research conferences.
Tip Sheet: http://tinyurl.com/clbb2pt
Blog: http://www.dedicatedtoallbetter.org
Media Contact: Chrissie (Eckhardt) Gallentine, [email protected]
Young-jin Sue, M.D.
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist
Montefiore Medical Center
Dr. Sue is an expert on summer safety for children, with particular expertise in the area of fireworks safety and tips for coping with summer heat waves. Dr. Sue is a graduate of the Medical School of Brown University. She did residencies at Harvard University Medical School in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Toxicology.
Media Contact: Mike Quane, [email protected]
Home/Auto Safety
Pat Clancy
Vice President, LoJack Law Enforcement
LoJack, Inc. Stolen Recovery Systems
"It's important to remind the public to protect their vehicles from theft, especially during the summer months. July has continually shown high rates of auto theft, as people become more relaxed and spend more time on the road. Today's thieves are highly skilled professionals, and it is important to both prevent and protect your vehicle from becoming a theft target for experienced criminals."
Clancy oversees LoJack's staff of law enforcement liaisons, all former police officers who work directly with law enforcement officials, supporting them in their fight against car theft. With 16 years of experience as a sergeant with a Boston-area police department and more than 23 years of law enforcement service at LoJack, Clancy is an expert on the subject of vehicle theft and protection. Clancy has been frequently quoted in print, online and broadcast media, and has published numerous articles on theft protection. He has been a member and presenter with the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) since 1986 and holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Northeastern University.
Media Contact: Maria Brown, [email protected]
Troy Latuff
Clockwork Home Services
"Injury is the leading cause of death among children and young adults, and nearly half of these accidents occur in the home. With kids out of school and spending more time in the home this summer, it's important to understand potential hazards. Surprisingly, your electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems could be the culprit of accidents, but there are simple preventative measures you can take. For example, falls are one of the leading causes of injuries around the home, so secure electrical cords out of traffic areas and ensure there's adequate lighting in tricky spots like stairs. Poor indoor air quality can cause serious respiratory reactions, so swapping out air filters and cleaning air ducts to remove dust, allergens and toxins is a smart idea, particularly for those with severe allergies. The number of injuries caused each year by hot water is always pretty surprising. Scalding causes hundreds of injuries each year that could be prevented simply by setting the maximum temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit."
Latuff has been in the home services industry for 12 years, specializing in plumbing, electrical systems and HVAC. As a co-owner of a tri-branded plumbing, electrical and HVAC business in Minneapolis from 2002-2007, Latuff saw firsthand the importance of safety in the workplace and in the home. After selling the business to Clockwork Home Services, a Direct Energy Company, Latuff was recruited as part of the corporate Clockwork team and has been heavily involved with all aspects of the business. In his current role, Latuff works with an extremely wide network of local certified technicians across the country should you need localized information on plumbing, electrical and HVAC safety tips and issues.
Media Contact: Kimberly Bratton, [email protected]
Scott Spencer
Worldwide Appraisal and Loss Prevention Manager
Chubb Personal Insurance
Spencer, an expert on securing homes while families are on vacation this summer, shares his thoughts regarding home safety this summer: "It's likely you have an alarm system, but have you thought about its components? Making sure the alarm is fitted with motion detectors, door and window magnetic contacts are in place, stress sensors are installed under the carpet or floor in front of a safe or valuable artwork, and the home has a closed circuit TV installed for remote viewing will be the best defense against buglers. Fire and water can also cause extensive damage to homes, especially if nobody is there to recognize there is a problem. Install both ionization and photoelectronic fire detectors, and check their batteries before jetting off. Consider turning off the water valve-- a small leak that is unattended for an extended period of time could lead to major water damage. Also, do a thorough check to make sure all the doors and windows are locked. If possible, keep a car in the driveway. Turn the telephone ringer down so it isn't audible from the exterior of the house, and arrange for a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers and parcels and check your house."
Spencer has been with Chubb for 28 years and has experience with all kinds of personal insurance losses, from water damage to wildfires. He is currently a columnist with Best's Review.
Media Contact: Megan Tuck, [email protected]
Jim Gustin
Senior Property Specialist, Risk Control Department
Travelers
Gustin has experience offering consumers and homeowners tips and advice all year. He is available to offer tips on: 1) safe travel: tips for safely packing a car for a road trip and safely navigating the roads; 2) home security: advice for homeowners to secure their property while they are away on vacation, with a focus on preparation tips to avoid potential weather damage; 3) backyard safety: how homeowners can ensure their backyard entertainment areas are safe ; 4) summer property maintenance: tips on how to prepare homes for the summer season and the proper way to close homes for the fall.
Home Maintenance Tips: http://tinyurl.com/cfy9z6z
Website: https://www.travelers.com
Media Contact: Kyle Tildsley, [email protected]
Cheryl Luptowski
Public Information Officer, Home Safety Expert
NSF International
NSF International is an independent public health and safety organization that writes standards and certifies products for the food, water and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Certified products include home kitchen products and appliances, drinking water treatment, dietary supplement safety and sustainability. Luptowski handles more than 10,000 consumer inquiries annually on a wide range of consumer health and safety-related issues. She has been interviewed as a home expert in national print, online and radiom, and has authored many articles and fact sheets with tips for healthier living. She is the face behind "Ask NSF," NSF's online Q&A portal, and chairs the NSF Consumer Advisory Panel. Before joining NSH, Luptowski worked as a certified water treatment plant operator, strengthening her passion for drinking water safety. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cleary University in Ann Arbor and has completed several graduate courses in food science through Michigan State University. She is available to discuss pool safety, water safety, food safety, and dietary supplement safety.
Website: http://www.nsf.org/consumer
Media Contact: Paula DeGangi, [email protected]
Outdoors/Wilderness Safety
Dave Mizejewski
Naturalist
National Wildlife Federation
Mizejewski, an expert on wildlife, our environment and green lifestyles, is available to talk about being safe around animals (when hiking, etc.), as well as how to avoid being bitten by bees, flies, wasps, ticks, etc.. A lifelong naturalist, he spent his youth romping in the woods, fields and wetlands, observing and learning about the surprising diversity of wildlife that inhabits these areas. He hosted and co-produced "Backyard Habitat," on Animal Planet from 2005-2008, showing people how to transform their yards and gardens into thriving habitats for birds and other local wildlife. He also appeared in an Animal Planet mini-series in April of 2007 called "Springwatch U.S.A.," which looked at the effect seasonal change has on wildlife from salamanders and flying squirrels to great horned owls and black bears. He blogs on animal oddities for Animal Planet, and contributes to Huffington Post and NWF's blog, Wildlife Promise. He makes monthly appearances on NBC's "Today" show and is a regular guest on "The Martha Stewart Show" and ABC's "Good Morning America."
Bio: http://www.nwf.org/david-mizejewski/full-bio.aspx
Media Contact: Diane Shader Smith, [email protected]
Henderson McGinnis, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Dr. McGinnis can speak in depth about wilderness medicine, which covers the gamut of emergency medicine/first aid in natural conditions/elements, especially good for extreme athletes, outdoor adventurers, families who like to hit a walking/hiking/biking trail together on the weekends, etc. He can also provide information on how to compete in extreme sports, like Tough Mudder runs, and avoid injury or address what you can do if you do get hurt.
Media Contact: Bonnie Davis, [email protected]
Stan Cope Jr., Ph.D.
Manager, Technical Services
Terminix
Cope graduated in 1976 from Swarthmore College with a bachelor of arts degree in biology. In 1980, he completed a master's in entomology at the University of Delaware, with emphasis on medical entomology. In 1988, he was awarded a Ph.D. in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he focuses on entomology, tropical medicine and infectious disease. That same year, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, where he served as a medical entomologist for the next 23+ years, retiring with the rank of captain. Most recently, he served as director, Armed Forces Pest Management Board of Director, Defense Pest Management, in Washington, D.C., where he had oversight of all aspects of pest management for the Department of Defense. After his retirement from the Armed Forces, Cope became the manager of technical services for Terminix. He is available to discuss how to enjoy the outdoors without the threat of mosquitoes.
Media Contact: Caroline Harris, [email protected]
Pet Safety
Dr. Marilyn Gotbeter
Chief Veterinarian
City of San Antonio Animal Care Services
"Keeping pets happy and healthy in the summer may seem like a hurdle, but pet owners shouldn't sweat it. It's easy to keep your companion animals safe with a bit of common sense and a little preparation."
Dr. Gotbeter is available to offer tips on keeping pets safe from the summer swelter. She can also detail what every pet owner must have for their pet this summer, as well as dispel the myths surrounding traveling with your dog or cat (e.g., cracking the window "just a bit" really doesn't help). A graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Gotbeter has worked in private practice, emergency clinic settings, and shelter medicine.
Media Contact: Lisa Norwood, [email protected]
Dr. Liz Hanson
Veterinarian
Corona Del Mar Animal Hospital
Hanson attended Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed a B.S. degree at the University of California, Davis. She has been practicing veterinary medicine in Orange County since 1995. In her practice, she particularly enjoys internal medicine, dermatology, soft tissue surgery and wellness. She is able to speak to summer safety for pet owners and their furry friends.
Website: http://www.cdmah.com
Media Contact: Alyssa Meissner, [email protected]
Dr. Tina Wismer
Senior Toxicologist, Medical Director
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Dr. Wismer is a senior toxicologist and is currently the medical director at the ASPCA's Poison Control Center (APCC). She consults with veterinarians and pet parents about veterinary toxicology, and manages the veterinary toxicologists and veterinarians to provide guidance and consistency of medical recommendations. Dr. Wismer can speak to all topics relating to pets, including, but not limited to, items that can be toxic to pets, general summer safety tips, warm-weather advice, and veterinary concerns.
Media Contact: Mallory Kerley,[email protected]
Water/Boating Safety
Willan Johnson
CEO
VivoPools
"A safety pool cover is essential, especially during the off-season, to prevent any issues like your child wandering into the pool area unbeknownst to you. Pool safety fences are critical to ensure that children cannot access the pool area unsupervised. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission recommends installing a pool fence that is at least 48 inches high and has a self-closing, self-latching, child-resistant gate. Installing an alarm will detect movement in the pool area, alerting you to any potential problems. Every pool should have a lifesaver and a shepherds hook. These pool items will help in pulling distressed swimmers to safety. But the best alarm is adult eyes -- there is no substitute!"
VivoPools, a pool care franchise, maintains and cleans an array of commercial and residential pools around the country, including such prestigious pools as the W Hotels and The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmys). As a seasoned and knowledgeable pool care expert, Johnson is available to comment on pool safety and other topics involving the industry.
Website: http://www.vivopools.com
Erin Morrissey, [email protected]
Tom Lochhaas
Writer, About Sailing
Author, "Suddenly Overboard: True Stories of Sailors in Fatal Trouble"
"The most dangerous time for sailors is the least dangerous time -- that is, the sailors about to become victims perceived no significant danger or risk at the time. Life was going well, the sailing was good, it was just another day on the water. Staying safe on a sailboat or any kind of boat begins with an attitude of thinking ahead about anything that can happen at any time on the water. This doesn't mean being ready for storms and having lots of gear on the boat for emergencies, and not just the traditional seamanship skills of navigation and boat operation, but always thinking ahead and asking yourself 'what if.'"
Website: http://sailing.about.com
Media Contact: Ann Pryor, [email protected]
Ginny Ferguson
Owner and Founder
Watersafe Swim School
"Summer is a time when we need to be more mindful than ever of children around water. It's easy to get caught up visiting and enjoying the sunshine and not notice that a toddler or baby has walked or crawled into an unsafe area. Fish ponds, duck ponds, unattended swimming pools, beaches are all environments where children need to be heavily supervised. It only takes a moment for a child to slip away. Start 'water safety' lessons as soon as possible. Toddlers get trained to roll over and float until help gets to them. We start training babies as young as 3 months to be watersafe -- it's never too early."
Ferguson is the developer of the award-winning "Smart Fish" curriculum. Since 1971, this comprehensive method has successfully taught water survival skills and advanced techniques to students ranging in age from 10 days to adult. Over the years, the method has evolved through the inspiration and expertise of industry luminaries, including USA Olympic swim coaches. An internationally recognized expert with a focus on stroke technique and infant instruction, Ferguson is tapped by organizations around the globe to share her knowledge with swim instructors and industry experts. She recently shared stroke techniques for children and infant/toddler learn-to-swim progressions at New Zealand Swim Coaches and Association. She has presented at numerous United States Swim School Association conferences on topics ranging from introducing a 4-month-old infant to lessons, to advanced stroke technique for competitive swimmers, and everything in between. She is a founding member of the United States Swim School Association (the largest swim school association in the country) and has held numerous positions on its board over the years.
Website: http://www.Watersafe.com
Media Contact: Elaine Marshall, [email protected]
Franceen Gonzales
Vice President, Risk Management and Aquatics
Great Wolf Lodge
Gonzales is currently vice president, risk management and aquatics at Great Wolf Resorts, based in Madison, Wis. Prior to accepting her current role in 2006, she was park director at Hurricane Harbor, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J. With Great Wolf Resorts, Gonzales has helped further the expansion of the brand, overseeing the opening of four new properties. While her goal at Great Wolf Resorts has been to develop the waterparks as family-friendly anchors at each property, a big portion of that work has involved establishing a centralized risk management program. The goal is to ensure that employees have uniform safety protocols and a set of standards to protect the well-being of all guests. That goes hand in hand with ensuring that all corporate assets and shareholders are protected via a proper insurance program. Gonzales' focus on risk management stems partially from having to face a tragic incident early in her career. While employed at an Arizona waterpark, she had to manage a devastating water slide accident. Investigations found that the employees were well-trained, documentation was in place and the ride met all standards. Ultimately, no conclusive reason for the accident was determined, but Gonzales says the experience taught her that operators need to be prepared to deal with an incident "whether it's under our control or not." That motivation led to her involvement with the World Waterpark Association, for which she served as chairwoman from October 2006 to October 2008. Gonzales also is active in creating new industry standards. As a member of ASTM, she has helped draft standards for water slides and aquatic play structures. And as chairwoman of the Ventilation Technical Committee for the Model Aquatic Health Code project, she's working to create optimum air quality standards for aquatics facilities. She is available to discuss water safety.
Website: http://www.greatwolf.com
Susie Storey, [email protected]
Mario Vittone
MarioVittone.com
Vittone, a former U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer and instructor, is a nationally recognized water safety expert. His writing on aquatic risk and drowning prevention has appeared in magazines, websites, and newspapers around the world. He has lectured on boating and water safety across the United States, and currently serves on the board of directors of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation. He is able to provide important water safety tips for children and adults timed to National Learn to Swim Day, Memorial Day and more.
Media Contact: Gillian Small, [email protected]
Technology Safety Tips
Marian Merritt
Internet Safety Advocate
Norton by Symantec
"As our mobile devices become more and more of a lifeline to work and play, especially in the summer when we spend a lot of time outdoors, it's more important than ever to make sure you keep them protected. From online travel scams offering free flights, to smartphone seeking pickpockets, keeping yourself protected means more than just wearing sunscreen this summer. If you're going to be playing in the water with your kids or spending time doing an activity, leave your phone at home for the day. Not only is it likely to be a distraction from the fun, but it also increases your risk of loss or theft. If you do decide to bring your phone or tablet, make sure to install security software before you head out to catch some rays so, in case your mobile device is lost or stolen, you can remotely locate and temporarily lock it to prevent anyone from accessing it, or remotely wipe it clean if you don't think you'll get it back."
A tech-savvy mother of three, Merritt serves as an advisor to Symantec, maker of the Norton brand of computer security products. She offers consumers everywhere easy-to-understand advice on Internet safety -- from how to avoid being a victim of identity theft to what parents need to know about cyber bullying. She is the author of Norton's "Family Online Safety Guide," a free guide for parents and educators that focuses on age-specific solutions for protecting children online. She is also editor-in-chief of Norton's Family Resource website, which offers free tips, resources and information on a broad array of Internet security topics. She has appeared on "Good Morning America" and in Family Circle and Parenting magazines to discuss Internet safety issues relevant to families. Additionally, when a virus or other cybercrime makes headlines, she contributes to national and regional TV, radio, and print outlets covering the story to explain the threat and offer consumers practical advice. She lives and works in Los Angeles.
Website: http://www.norton.com/familyresource
Media Contact: Mariel Sylvis, [email protected]
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MEDIA JOBS:
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See more listings here.
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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 at [email protected]
- BYLINES, CONTRIBUTED CONTENT AND OPINION PIECES: Last week, we attended a PCNY luncheon on the topic of how to submit contributed content. The panel consisted of editors from Advertising Age, CNN Digital, The Muse, Bloomberg View, Huffington Post and Business Insider. Here is a recap of the event: http://bit.ly/ZJNdOD
- THE Q&A TEAM: THE INTERPRETATION OF 'OFF THE RECORD': You've heard the term "off the record," but what does it really mean? In this week's Q&A column, three ProfNet experts discuss what the phrase means to them, and how to differentiate between what you can and can't use in a story: http://bit.ly/Y1SBCr
- GRAMMAR HAMMER: IN A WORLD GONE MAD, THE EARTH KEEPS SPINNING: In honor of Earth Day, Cathy Spicer, aka the Grammar Hammer, discusses when to capitalize "Earth": http://bit.ly/ZDLPB0
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