ProfNet Experts Available on Mobile Health Apps, Drug Abuse, Home Improvement, More Also in This Edition: Jobs for Writers, Media Industry Blog Posts

NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2015 /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.

If you are in need of additional experts, you can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network. You can filter your request by institution type and geographic location to get the most targeted responses. The best part? It's free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://bit.ly/findexperts.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of ProfNet, please drop us a note at [email protected].

EDITOR'S NOTE

• How Do You Use Mobile in Your Reporting?

EXPERT ALERTS

• Tips for Getting Better Healthcare, Selecting Better Providers in 2015
• Can Mobile Technology Make Good Health Habit-Forming?
• 'Cake' Offers Sobering Glimpse Into Prescription Drug Abuse
• How to Cope With Being Alone on Valentine's Day

EXPERT ROUNDUP

• Spring Cleaning, Home Improvement & Gardening (21 experts)

MEDIA JOBS

• Personal Finance Writer – CBNC.com (NJ)
• Trending News Writers – LatinPost.com (NY)
• Solutions Reporter – The News Journal (DE)
  

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Book Ghostwriting 101: What Authors Need to Know to Succeed
• Top Professional Goals of 2015
• PR Newswire's Media Moves: Jan. 19 Edition

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 Feb. 15: http://bit.ly/prnjmobile

EXPERT ALERTS:

Tips for Getting Better Healthcare, Selecting Better Providers in 2015
Robert Pearl, M.D.
Chairman
Council of Accountable Physician Practices
"If people know what to look for, and ask the right questions when selecting their healthcare team, they can benefit from innovations like technology that enable the entire team to communicate the full picture of the patient's health at all times, access to care any time of the day or night, and the convenience of handling many healthcare communications online."
Dr. Pearl has published more than 100 articles in various medical journals, has contributed to many books, and has made over 100 presentations at national meetings in both clinical medicine and medical economics. He also participated in the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Delivery System Reform and Health IT. He is available to provide commentary on: accountable care, the role of physician leaders in healthcare, progress of ACOs, and healthcare trends.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/robertpearl
Forbes Blog: http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertpearl/
Website: http://www.amga-capp.org
Media Contact: Audrey Chittick, [email protected]

Can Mobile Technology Make Good Health Habit-Forming?
Michael Mulvihill
CEO
ORCAS
Many chronic conditions -- diabetes, obesity, stress, etc. -- are either caused or exacerbated by unhealthy behaviors. The emergence of mobile healthcare apps have proven to be effective in helping users track/promote physical activity. But using such technology to prevent/improve conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, stress, depression, etc., requires a deeper level of sophistication as it involves fundamental behavior change. Says Mulvihill: "In order for technology to effect positive and lasting behavior change, users need to be able to pick a condition, and be taken through a personalized intervention pathway that enables them to discover and address co-morbidities -- conditions they would otherwise be unaware of. The process of self-discovery deepens their engagement, and increases the likelihood that users will follow the necessary steps to change their underlying behaviors."
ORCAS, a mobile health research and development company, is leading the way in the development of "habit-forming" technology backed by proven behavior change science with step-by-step, personalized recommendations.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/orcas
Website: http://www.orcasinc.com
Media Contact: Charles Epstein, [email protected]

'Cake' Offers Sobering Glimpse Into Prescription Drug Abuse
Kyle Simon
Director of Policy and Advocacy
Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence (CLAAD)
"Cake spells out that, in reality, anyone can develop a drug addiction, which is a painfully horrible way to live, often deadly in that it most often goes untreated. When we think of a drug addict, we tend not to think about young mothers, upstanding citizens or those with means. Cake's main character, Claire (played by Jennifer Aniston), is all of these. This is accurate because addiction cuts across all demographics. That is because addiction often begins due to the appropriate use of prescription medication for pain or as an attempt to escape depression or anxiety. Also reflected in this movie is the prevalence of prescription drug abuse. Sadly, more people die from prescription opioids (painkillers) than from heroin and cocaine combined."
In his role, Simon manages policy and advocacy initiatives, provides policy analysis and drafting, directs rapid response efforts, and oversees a coalition of allied organizations focused on advancing common goals. His background includes several years of health care policy, advocacy, and political experience. He has worked with policy makers on Medicare, Medicaid, and regulatory issues; served members of Congress; managed a statewide political organization representing the president of the United States; and held leadership roles in multiple political campaigns.
Media Contact: Mark Goldman, [email protected]

How to Cope With Being Alone on Valentine's Day
Dr. Frieda Birnbaum
Research Psychologist, Psychoanalyst
"Being alone on Valentine's Day is no different than being alone on any other day. However, because this is a commercialized holiday, we are repeatedly inundated with images of couples and romance. For those who are not happy in this area of their lives, the images can provoke sadness. A great method of coping with being alone on Valentine's Day is to be proactive about your situation. If you don't want to be alone and you are putting yourself on dating sites and making the effort to meet people, you are taking control of your destiny. You are guaranteeing that your situation has a chance of changing, as opposed to not doing anything -- this reassurance should make you feel good. Also, Valentine's Day is a great time to go out with your single friends. If you feel unfulfilled with romance, you can be fulfilled with the fun and joy that good friends bring. Understand that not everyone is fairy-tale romance right now. January is the busiest time of the year for people who file for divorce. You may feel alone, but you are not alone."
Based in the New York metropolitan area, Birnbaum is 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 mother in the U.S. to have twins.
Media Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected]

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EXPERT ROUNDUP: Spring Cleaning, Home Improvement & Gardening

With spring on its way, following is a roundup of experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss home improvement, gardening, spring cleaning tips and more:

Cleaning and Organization:

Damian Pike
Founder and CEO
Zabada Clean Inc
"When it comes to the ingredients in household cleaning products, anything unpronounceable should be of an upmost concern. If you cannot understand the concerns of an ingredient which has a caution behind it, then it should not be used in your home."
Pike is the founder and CEO of Zabada Clean Inc, an online retailer of fiber and microfiber cleaning products, which launched in the U.S. market in 2014. Zabada's chemical-free cleaning products are currently a top selling brand in Australia and Norway. Zabada cleaning cloths contain ultra-fine fibers, fractions the size of human hair, and when combined together create thick-pile fibers that, when used with water, can remove up to 99% of viruses and bacteria. Microfiber's deep-cleaning mechanical process shaves off and traps dirt, grease and bacteria deep in the fiber, and only releases them when the fibers are washed. Zabada fibers consistently outperform traditional cloths soaked in bleach, anti-bacterial cloths and other microfibers on the market.
Pike is available to discuss the dangers of chemicals in home cleaning products; which chemicals to look out for in home cleaning products; the top list of the worst household chemicals; the truth about "natural" home cleaning products; how chemical-free cleaning works; why it is important to have a clean, eco-friendly home; simple ways homeowners can transition to an eco-friendly home; and more.
Website: http://www.zabadaclean.com
Media Contact: Samantha Wannemacher, [email protected]

Beth Shaw
Founder
YogaFit
"When your physical environment is simplified and organized, you will have more mental and emotional space available to create and grow."
As president and founder of YogaFit, Inc., the largest yoga school in the world, Shaw is recognized as one of the leading experts in the fields of "mind body fitness," health and nutrition, and is a recognized anger management specialist and professional organizer trainer. She is the entrepreneurial innovator behind many fitness trends, including YogaFit Sweat, YogaLean and popular YogaButt. She is also an expert in "space clearing," both physically and mentally. In her newest book, "YogaLean," released in September 2014, she dedicates a whole section to clearing the clutter in your life that can also take up mental space. She is available to discuss how to de-clutter households and invite peacefulness into one's home.
Website: http://www.yogafit.com
Media Contact: Jordan Reed, [email protected]

Jason Carr
President and Co-Founder
Softline Home Fashions
Carr, president and co-founder of Softline Home Fashions, the leading importer and distributor of high-quality home textiles, can speak to various angles involving home fabrics, such as: how to properly clean and care for drapery and home fabrics (i.e., pillows, couches, linens, etc.); how to properly hang curtains, and the mistakes you might be making; the different types of curtains available (sheer, blackout, solids) and when it is best to use each kind.
Bio: http://tinyurl.com/la2mrkx
Website: www.softlinehome.com
Media Contact: Brandy Shuman, [email protected]

Jennifer Sanders
Owner/Designer
Closets by Design
Sanders is owner/designer of Closets by Design in Palm Beach, Fla. Along with her husband and co-owner Derek, they run a home design and organization business that specializes in every room of the house, from kitchens to bedrooms and even garages. Every single one of their home improvement jobs is custom, based off the requests and needs of their clients. Sanders has plenty of experience in designing and organizing a room for the specific needs of any lifestyle. She is available to comment on: the best ways to clear clutter in any room; spring cleaning tips; how to organize a bedroom, kitchen, closet, etc., to better fit your lifestyle; home design improvements homeowners can make from simple, inexpensive changes to the most elaborate renovations; and the latest in home design trends and what to expect in 2015.
Media Contact: Matthew Gold, [email protected]

Jotham Hatch
Director of Training
Chem-Dry
Hatch is director of training at Chem-Dry, the world's leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service, with a network of over 3,500 units in 47 countries serving over 10,000 homes a day worldwide. He is an expert on cleaning including carpets, furniture, area and oriental rugs, tile and stone, pet urine and odor removal, and specialty stain removal. Specific topics he can weigh in on: spring cleaning tips to allergy-proof your home; spring cleaning hotspots to ensure a healthier, safer home; what's lurking in your carpet; and tips and tricks to make spring cleaning quick and easy.
Media Contact: Alicia Aldrich, [email protected]

Meg Roberts
President
Molly Maid
Roberts has been a member of the key executive team at one of the nation's top cleaning service companies since 2007. She has offered cleaning tips and advice to consumers in outlets including Today.com, Mom.me, Readers' Digest, The Stir and more. She is available to discuss: spring cleaning tips; deep cleaning; home organization; unique/unconventional cleaning tips; cleaning with kids; insight on how Americans clean; fast cleaning to make your home seem spotless.
Media Contact: Carleigh Rinefierd, [email protected]

Home Decor:

Sara McLean
Color Expert
Dunn-Edwards Paints
Both Pantone and Color Marketing Group have announced their colors of the year – but what is the average homeowner to do with "Marsala" and "Smoky Cashmere"? McLean can provide practical advice for DIYers on choosing colors and updating existing décor. She is an allied member of ASID and Color Marketing Group, and her specs+spaces blog and annual color trends report are widely read. She has been in the interior design industry more than 15 years. As the color expert for Dunn-Edwards Paints, she is and responsible for evaluation, design and development of the D-E color system. Each year, she helps select the color palette for the Pasadena Showcase House of Design -- a 49-year tradition for Dunn-Edwards.
Media Contact: Judy Lynes, [email protected]

Home Improvement/Renovation:

Ron Hazelton
Host
"Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls"
Hazelton is the former "Good Morning America" home improvement editor and one of the country's leading how-to authorities. He has more than 25 years of experience as a hands-on expert and national television personality, sharing his expertise on outlets from "Oprah" to HGTV. He has shared trustworthy and accessible how-to information, advice, and tool and project demonstrations on the nationally syndicated "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls" TV show for the past 16 years, and can be a resource for nearly any home improvement or DIY topic, from tips to tools to techniques.
Media Contact: Brian Bellmont, [email protected]

Cannon Christian
President
Renovation Realty
"Home renovations can be an effective strategy and smart investment when looking to sell your home, because renovated, turnkey homes sell more quickly and at a higher price than outdated homes. Historically low interest rates allow homebuyers to finance all the improvements, and eliminate the need for buyers to spend money on the property after the purchase. Lastly, buyers are quicker to purchase a property that they can visualize living in, raising a family and growing old. Most buyers can more easily picture themselves living in a home that has been freshly updated, rather than a home with old, outdated finishes, fixtures and outdated colors."
Christian, an entrepreneur and licensed real estate broker in San Diego, founded Renovation Realty in 2011. The company is a full-service residential renovation contractor and real estate brokerage that helps homeowners improve their chances of selling homes faster and at a premium price by using its own capital to renovate clients' homes. The company also manages the sale of each home it renovates. Christian has led renovation efforts on more than 150 homes in the San Diego area, and recently expanded the company to San Francisco through franchise operations. He is an expert on home improvement and home renovation trends and tips.
Website: http://www.renovationrealty.com
Media Contact: Katelyn O'Riordan, [email protected]

Robert Weitz, CMI
Certified Microbial Investigator and Principal
RTK Environmental Group
On home improvements: "When spring comes, many of us are eager to get moving on home improvements. But before you start sanding and swinging that hammer, there are a few important things to think about: What type of surfaces and materials will you or your contractor be disturbing? Is there chipping paint? Smell of mildew? Crumbling pipe insulation? If any or all of the above, you'll need to take some precautions. Otherwise, you may be subjecting yourself and your family to dangerous health risks caused by the very particles you've disturbed."
On gardening: "We assume that growing our own vegetables is a healthy option, but if you plant your produce in soil that contains lead, arsenic, petroleum, or pesticides, these and other toxins will make their way into your harvest -- and into your mouth. Contaminated soil can come from a number of sources, including lead paint dust, flooding, and tainted compost. There are, however, ways to ensure your soil is safe."
Weitz is an environmental inspector and principal of RTK Environmental Group, one of the largest and most trusted independent testing firms on the East Coast. They provide testing for mold, lead, water, soil, asbestos, radon, PCBs, VOCs, indoor air quality, and more. Since they only test and do not do remediation (which is a clear conflict of interest), their results are unbiased and accurate. Weitz can offer tips on: preparing and planning for a renovation; protecting your family from the risk of exposure to environmental toxins like lead, asbestos, and mold during home improvement projects; avoiding improper demolition or renovation that can cost you thousands more in unnecessary repairs, as well as releasing toxins throughout the rest of your home; and how to prepare your garden soil before planting to avoid toxic crops.
Website: www.rtkenvironmental.com
Media Contact: Jennifer Newman Galluzzo, [email protected]

Leah Ingram
Frugal-Living Expert
Ingram is a financial expert and can provide money-saving tips for home improvement and home maintenance projects. She is also a freelance writer, lifestyle and frugal-living expert, and experienced speaker and spokesperson. She has appeared on programs such as "The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric," "Good Morning America," "Market Wrap," and "Good Day New York" discussing family-related topics. In addition to her experience on television, Ingram is a cultivated journalist and editor who has worked for several publications, including Woman's Day Special Interest Publications, Modern Bride and Street Scenes. She is also the author of 14 books and has written articles for magazines such as Good Housekeeping, All You and Parents.
Media Contact: Brittany Greff, [email protected]

Kayleen McCabe
Licensed Contractor
McCabe, the 2009 Stud Finder winner, found her passion for remodeling after tackling an entire kitchen renovation in her early 20s. Since then, she has used her unique combination of gutsy innovation and expert trade tricks to take on any home improvement challenge she can find, including renovating a massive duplex that took six months to complete. This outdoorsy Denver native is fearless in the face of demolition, always ready with the perfect power tool, and willing to go to any lengths to bring out the existing charm in a home. She is known for her experience on DIY Network's "Rescue Renovation," where she saves project-challenged homeowners who are in over their heads with their renovations. She points out exactly what went wrong and formulates a seven-day action plan to turn bad jobs into jaw-dropping rooms. She is available to discuss DIY home improvement projects, home maintenance and repair, and home improvement.
Media Contact: Brittany Greff, [email protected]

Todd Nelson
Business Development Officer
LightStream
Nelson is the business development officer at LightStream, the online lending division of SunTrust Bank that offers home improvement loans to consumers with good to excellent credit. A 20-year veteran in the financial services industry, Nelson is available to discuss a broad range of topics related to consumer financing options and strategies, including: different ways to finance home improvement projects; top home improvement projects for 2015; and stats proving home improvement projects are on the rise this year.
Media Contact: Cortney Johnston, [email protected]

Darrell Smith
Executive Director
International Window Film Association
Smith is executive director of The International Window Film Association, a nonprofit trade association that offers unbranded information about window film, which is known for its cost-effective energy savings that upgrades older windows to today's standards. Window film saves energy by reducing solar heat gain by up to 80 percent and helping to retain heat indoors in colder climates, stopping the sun's harmful UV rays that damage your skin and furnishings and providing additional safety by helping to hold glass together if it is broken. With over 40 years of experience in marketing, sales and distribution and the last 30 years in the window film industry, he has served as organizational and planning consultant with trade associations, Internet related businesses, and investment firms. He is also a member of the National Fenestration Rating Council, the Glass Association of North America, the Protective Glazing Council International, the Glazing Industry Code Committee, the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission, the International Code Committees, and the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He is available to discuss how to bring existing windows up to date to today's energy codes for about a tenth the cost of a replacement window.
Media Contact: Steve Capoccia, [email protected]

Bobby DiFulgentiz
Energy Efficiency Expert
DiFulgentiz is a dynamic, engaging, seasoned source of information on energy efficiency, green living and home comfort-related topics, and has experience with a variety of media, including print and broadcast outlets. He can provide insight and advice on topics such as: indoor air-quality issues; tips for "greening" a home and reducing energy usage; how to save money on summer and winter utility bills; how to prepare your home for seasonal shifts; simple seasonal home maintenance; when to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment; how to conduct a home energy audit; and how to create a healthier, more environmentally friendly home. In the heating and cooling industry, DiFulgentiz' roles have included product development, market analysis and consumer research and creating partner marketing programs with energy efficiency organizations.
Media Contact: Liane Michnoff, [email protected]

Leroy Danforth, PE, LEED AP
Senior Manager, Architectural Programs
Brick Industry Association
Based in Reston, Va., Danforth can provide tips, advice and technical expertise for homeowners on how to build their own brick patios, garden walkways, driveways and other DIY or professionally designed and installed brick projects. High-res and low-res images are available on the association's website.
Website: http://www.gobrick.com
Media Contact: Lorelei Harloe, [email protected]

Bill Golden
Real Estate Agent
RE/Max Metro Atlanta Cityside
Golden is a self-proclaimed "real estate nut." In addition to being an in-town Atlanta Realtor for 27 years, he also has owned many homes, primarily to improve and live in but also sometimes simply as an investment. He is passionate about what he does, preferring to act in a consultative manner, rather than being more sales-oriented. He has been quoted about Atlanta real estate and related topics, and also enjoys writing about his field.
Golden is available to discuss the following home improvements topics: 1) working with trusted partners – why the right mortgage pro, contractor, designer and Realtor can add value to your decision-making process around home improvements or a home purchase that would include a renovation; 2) the decision-making process homeowners and potential homeowners can go through when planning home improvements -- for instance, the "bang for the buck" they might get as a result of improvements they want to make; 3) choosing low-cost projects that minimize homeowners' investment while maximizing results; 4) how to parse when it is time to improve or move on, and how they can age in place or adapt their home to changing needs, whether that's a growing family, health challenges, starting to work at home or something else; 5) what improvements are appropriate based on the type of home, its style, the neighborhood and so on; 6) how to "wake up" your house and yard for yourself and your family for spring, or to put it on the market; 7) the right questions to ask when it comes to paying for home improvements, from "Is it worth it?" to when leveraging your assets is worth it and the value of working with a trusted mortgage pro. He can also share a personal perspective, as someone who has planned and lived through many home improvements, of what homeowners can expect when considering or jumping into their home projects. For example, what have you not anticipated and when can you live through your improvements vs. when you'll likely need to move out to accomplish them? He is also a classic car fanatic who enjoys addressing the intersection of autos and homes. For instance, how best to accommodate your car -- from basic transportation to car work and car hobby -- at home.
Media Contact: B. Andrew (Drew) Plant, [email protected]

Lawn and Garden:

Chris Lambton
Landscaper
Cape Cod-based landscaper Lambton is host of HGTV's "Going Yard" and DIY Network's "Yard Crashers" and has provided expert commentary on gardening, landscaping, hardscaping and related topics for a wide variety of broadcast and print media, including "Today" and "Wake Up with Al."
Website: http://www.chrislambton.com
Media Contact: Rich Pedine, [email protected]

Nicholas Staddon
Horticulture Expert
Monrovia
Whether beginning gardeners are looking for advice, or advanced green thumbs are seeking the latest new plant varieties, Staddon can provide ideas and inspiration. He is a featured gardening presenter for eHow and star of hundreds of how-to gardening videos. He travels around the country and gives talks at top home and garden shows, garden centers and to gardening clubs; thus, he's aware of the latest trends in the world of plants. Staddon has worked for Monrovia, a leading grower of garden plants, for 25 years. He is involved with breeders and plant explorers around the world to identify improved plants that Monrovia can bring to market. He has a passion for plants, a colorful vocabulary and is a delightful interview.
Media Contact: Judy Lynes, [email protected]

Mark Schmidt
Principal Turf Scientist
John Deere
Schmidt can provide tips/expert quotes regarding: lawn care; fertilizing, aerating, seeding lawns; soil testing; mowing; purchasing a mower; mower maintenance; drought's effects on lawn; and turf science.
Media Contact: Sarah Findle, [email protected]

Pest Control:

Chris Williams
Chairman and Co-founder
Colonial Pest Control
"With a pest control barrier around your home during the peak of pest season, you can rest easy knowing that most of the pests trying to enter your home won't be able to. Preventative pest maintenance is an essential function of home upkeep and improvement."
Williams is an expert in preventative maintenance, pest control and extermination, as well as wildlife removal, such as bats and squirrels. He is based in Massachusetts.
Website: http://www.colonialpest.com
Media Contact: Jesse Wade, [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/

• Personal Finance Writer – CBNC.com (NJ)
• Trending News Writers – LatinPost.com (NY)
• Solutions Reporter – The News Journal (DE)

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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.

• BOOK GHOSTWRITING 101: WHAT AUTHORS NEED TO KNOW TO SUCCEED. One of the most frequent questions we get from writers is, "How do I break into book ghostwriting?" To answer that question, we turned to ghostwriting expert Marcia Layton Turner for her advice and insight. Turner gave us the inside scoop on what it takes to become a ghostwriter, how to break in, how much you can expect to be paid, helpful resources, and more: http://prn.to/1sYEQnB
  
  
• TOP PROFESSIONAL GOALS OF 2015. Before New Year's Day, people take some time to think about their personal goals and resolutions for the new year. Some people set a goal to join the gym and work on their fitness; others set a goal to learn a new hobby or skill. For the latest Q&A Team column, we asked media and communications professionals to share their top professional goal for this year: http://prn.to/14VESBu

• PR NEWSWIRE'S MEDIA MOVES, JAN. 19 EDITION. PR Newswire's weekly audience research newsletter, PR Newswire's Media Moves, is chock-full of media news and job changes. In this week's issue, you'll read updates on The New Republic, Politico, Washington Post, Bloomberg Businessweek, The New Yorker, Architectural Digest, Atlanta Magazine, and more: http://prn.to/1xoY0iU

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