Book Explores The Pain, Joy, Defeat of Battling Drug Addiction

Written by Jackie O'Neal

According to research conducted by Joan F. Epstein and Joseph C. Gfroerer on heroin abuse in the United States, "numerous reports have suggested a rise in heroin use in recent years, which has been attributed to young people who are smoking or sniffing rather than injecting. The purity of heroin has increased to a level that makes smoking and sniffing feasible. The increased purity and concern about AIDS may be causing the shift from injecting to smoking and sniffing among heroin users."



The authors went on to affirm the data they presented come from a variety of sources. One source is the Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG), a network of researchers from major metropolitan areas of the United States and selected foreign countries who meet semiannually to discuss the current epidemiology of drug abuse. It provides ongoing community level surveillance of drug abuse though the collection and analysis of epidemiological and ethnographic research data.



Another source, "Pulse Check", a series of qualitative interviews with ethnographers, treatment professionals and law enforcement agencies which provide a quick and subjective picture of what is happening in drug abuse across the country. The authors described heroin use and effects in detail and pointed out, "A narcotic derived from the opium poppy, heroin was originally developed as a substitute for morphine in an effort to deal with morphine’s addiction problem. However, it was quickly recognized that heroin is even more addictive than morphine. As a result the drug was made illegal. Produced in Mexico and Asia, heroin is reported to be widely available throughout the U.S. At the street level, heroin is "cut" with a variety of substances, leading to variation in purity over time and in different areas."



Their research noted estimates of the purity of heroin have shown substantial increases between 1984 and 1995.



In terms of the effects of heroin, the authors wrote: "When injected, sniffed or smoked, heroin binds with opiate receptors found in many regions of the brain. The result is intense euphoria, often referred to as a rush. The rush lasts only briefly and is followed by a couple of hours of a relaxed, contented state. In large doses, heroin can reduce or eliminate respiration. Withdrawal symptoms include: nausea, dysphoria, muscle aches, lacrimation or rhinorrhea, pupillary dilation, piloerection or sweating, diarrhea, yawning, fever, and insomnia."



Further, Joan F. Epstein and Joseph C. Gfroerer examined the trends in heroin use, its increase in use, and consequences. The authors went on to note, "Data suggest that there has been a rise in heroin use in recent years and that this rise has occurred among younger persons who are smoking or sniffing heroin rather than injecting. Some indicators exhibit an overall rise in heroin use, some display a rise in heroin use among youth, college students, and adolescents in small metropolitan areas and others suggest that new users tend to smoke or sniff rather than inject. In addition, there is some evidence that the time between first use of marijuana and first use of heroin is decreasing. "



Jerry Seper writing for THE WASHINGTON TIMES pointed out that "heroin use in the United States increased substantially during the past decade, with more than a million people nationwide believed to be addicted to the drug, according to Rogelio E. Guevara, the Drug Enforcement Administration's chief of operations."



Statistics estimate there are believed to be at least 700,000 people in the United States who need heroin addiction treatment but are not receiving it.



Dr. Barbara Sinor, in her book, Addiction: What's Really Going On? Inside A Heroin Treatment Program explores the struggles faced by individuals working to free themselves of drug addiction. " The book follows approximately ten years in the life of a drug counselor (my friend and colleague) working in a methadone treatment facility located in southern California. It accurately portrays the lives of her clients' struggles of trying to be free from heroin and other drugs. It contains powerful true stories woven together to form a tapestry filled with pain, joy, defeat, and success. It also unravels the questions relating to the use of methadone, detoxification from heroin and methadone, how our society has fallen into it's drug use, and what's really going on in "the life" of those with an addiction," she said.

She said her colleague,Deborah McCloskey who passed away in 2006,asked her to compile notes, and that prompted the writing of the book. "She shared notes with me over several years, in a book format. We worked together until her death and I am honored that I was able to complete this potent book which brings a "gritty and gripping look as the reader enters the lives of those who are like crabs trying to get out of a barrel," she said.



When asked how she envisioned the book would impact readers, Dr. Sinor said: "The field of addiction is a short step from childhood abuse and this issue has been my focus for most of my counseling career. My books Gifts From the Child Within and An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul both surround the topic of healing and recovery from painful past childhood abuse, incest, negative programing, and PTSD issues. With evidence that a large percentage of child abusers were addicted to a substance at the time of the abuse and the fact that many adults who were abused in childhood became drug addicts and/or alcoholics, it is clear the two topics are tightly connected."

"Because this book surrounds the life of Deborah, not my own, I can only relay what I know of her intention to share her story and those of her clients with the public. Deborah wanted the public to become more aware of our nation's addiction population and what was really going on surrounding drug and alcohol abuse. She was torn between realizing most of her clients were content to stay on methadone even though she struggled to teach them they could be free of all drugs. She wanted the public to be aware of the real life of those addicted to any drug and/or alcohol and felt there was a better way to help those addicted and their children. Her message is to educate, understand, and have compassion for those caught in the trap of addiction."

The process of researching material for the book included interviews with recovering addicts and drug counselors. "My research consisted of educating myself with the issues surrounding heroin addiction and the use of methadone. I studied and talked with counselors, active and recovering addicts, and other professionals in the addiction field to gather my information. The data and statistics were taken from national agencies and governmental data banks online. Most of my contribution to this book is found in the Introduction and the Epilogue, however, I interjected much of the technical information throughout the book. The Foreword is written by Mark Parrino, the President of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence which states this book, "...effectively captures the dynamic activity within the OTP and demonstrates the incredible relationship between the patients and the caregivers," she said.


Website: www.DrSinor.com
Blog: www.drsinor.wordpress.com

How Parents And Children Confront The Dangers of The Digital World

How Parents And Children Confront The Dangers of The Digital World
By Jackie O'Neal

Jennifer Wong, author of No Bullies Allowed noted "bullying behavior can assume a wide range of actions;" Wong went on to point out, "Unfortunately, the advent of new forms of communication technology has added to the list of ways in which children and youths can be victimized by others." In terms of cyber-bullying alone, statistics estimate, 42 percent of children have been bullied while online and one in four report it happening more than once. Further, 58 percent of school age kids report not revealing online harassment to their parents, or other adults.

Dr. Uma Gupta, in an article Can Internet Babies Coo? pointed out the devastating impact of cyber-bullying. Gupta pointed out," Cyber-bullying is the use of any and all forms of digital media such as instant messaging, blogs, websites, emails, chat rooms, and cell phones with the sole intent to cause harm. This may include intent to humiliate, threaten, embarrass, cause emotional distress, reputation loss, demand submission, perpetuate hate, and distort the identities and motives of others."

Gupta explained that the anonymity inherent in the process of cyber-stalking makes the experience even more insidious."In an unsupervised digital world, with few laws and no boundaries, where identities are fluid and fiction becomes fact overnight, cyber-bullying is an exciting game for digital predators. While in face-to-face bullying the identity of the bully is known, in cyber-bullying the identity of the bully is often masked or anonymous. Bullying is restricted to a geographic location whereas cyber-bullying is a drama played out on a world-wide stage with free and ready access to anyone, anywhere, at any time to watch or participate in the process. In an unsupervised digital world, with few laws and no boundaries, where identities are fluid and fiction becomes fact overnight, cyber-harassment is an exciting game for digital predators."

In terms of Internet pornography, more than 11 million teens report viewing pornography online. According to the Pew Research Center, "most Americans say parents are primarily to blame when children are exposed to explicit sex or graphic violence."

The Pew survey reported, fully 79% say inadequate parental supervision ­ rather than inadequate laws ­ is mostly responsible for children being exposed to that sort of offensive material; there are no significant political or religious differences on this point. And by more than ten-to-one (86%-8%), the public believes that parents, rather than the entertainment industry, bear the most responsibility for keeping children from seeing sex and violence in TV and movies."

The research conducted by Pew also revealed that parents are fraught with worries over what their own children are being exposed to in the media, but they praised the tools that help them "make entertainment choices for their families." Further, the research conducted by Pew demonstrated "roughly six-in-ten parents (62%) say there is enough information available to help them decide whether movies, TV, video games and music lyrics are appropriate. Majorities of parents also say they have at least a fair amount of trust in ratings for TV, movies and video games, as well as advisory labels for music. In addition, roughly half of parents who go online (51%) say they have a filtering system to prevent access to pornography over the web."



Danielle Tiano, author of Temptation of A Generation recognizes the dangers of, as Dr. Uma Gupta put it, "an unsupervised digital world." Her book series, she said offers empowerment for both parents and children to keep the channels of communication open.The book series, focuses on the potential dangers of today’s most popular technologies; Cyber Bullying, Social Networking, Cell Phone/Texting, and Internet Pornography. Based in Southern California, Tiano has been involved in charitable endeavors, most recently including Miller’s Children’s Hospital, The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and The Karen Child Family Foundation.


In the following interview, Tiano discusses her book series and approach to the creative process.






1.What led you to write your book(s) and was there a pivotal event you can share?



There are many circumstances that bring children to use technology in the wrong ways. This has lead to children going down the wrong path in this technological age. I wanted to give back and help in an area that needed to be brought to light. Every parent, and every person that I have talked to about the series has been affected by technology and it's dangers in one way or another. Parents and teens need to be educated of the potential dangers of today’s popular technologies.


2.How do you approach the creative process when you decide to write?



I sit outside, usually by the ocean as it inspires me. I like to be surrounded by nature. I also enjoy writing at night when the rest of the world is sleeping, as my creative energy flows better with no interruptions. I have to birth the characters first, create a hero, and then I let it flow. It is like a puzzle that continues to grow into a completed piece of work. I absolutely love the process, and watching it unfold into a magic page that jumps out at you.



3.Are there any influentials in your life that have encouraged you to stay the course as an author?



Yes, there are hundreds of authors I have read and respected, presently and in my youth, that have helped me in my journey. I love stories, the ones you hear, read and watch. Everyone has a story to be told. Children also inspire me as their constant curiosity swallows my every need to write.



4. Can you explain the premise of your book?



I wrote the Temptation Series to give parents a tool to open communication with their children, and to empower children to realize they are not alone in the obstacles of this technology driven world. The series focuses on the potential dangers of today’s most popular technologies; Cyber Bullying, Social Networking, Cell Phone/Texting, and Internet Pornography.




5.What have been some of your high and low points in being a writer, and in the process of promoting your book?



The low points are driving sales, and making parents understand that the books and their subject matter are a necessity, an investment in their children's socially healthy development.

The high points are everything else! Having a parent hug me and tell me how much I helped their entire family. A letter or thank you card I get from a child or a school on how I impacted their life. Hearing myself on the radio or seeing myself on television, being interviewed, helping others. Seeing a child sit on a parents lap while they are being read my words, that is the best!!!! Having a child relate to one of the characters so they no longer feel alone.


6. Apart from writing, what other endeavors, or hobbies are you involved in?



Building a solid marriage. Working with charities. Volunteering myself for children's story times. Staying active outdoors as I love all sports. I have to do something active every day to keep a balance. I used to race (snow ski professionally). I love to learn and grow most of all. Every day I try to pick up a new skill or learn something new. Mental stimulation is very important to me!




7. What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a writer?



Do your research, read as many books as you can, and take writing classes. Pick a subject and run with it, and take criticism lightly. Be sure to learn patience because being a writer is a lot more work than you think!


8. Do you have any plans for the future-work related and/or personal?



My future endeavors will continue to focus on a child's growth and their continued success in life. I hope to author many more books in my future, to let kids know they are not alone.




9. Describe a typical day in you're writing life.



Absolute focused alone time. You need space and quiet time with no interruptions. As a writer you have to find or create an environment that works for you. A typical day is a lot of coffee and none stop writing with no distractions. Everything else needs to go on the side lines or you will not get anywhere with your story.




10.Tell us something about yourself outside of the job of writing. For example, your interests, an experience you want to
share, something you are proud of.



I am a solution based woman. I am most proud of all the people I have helped and brought together throughout the years. I have impacted many different lives. This is definitely my biggest accomplishment!

Coping with Disabiilty and Loss

Coping with Disabiilty and Loss

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Miami Playgirl centerfold Stefan Pinto profiled in Yahoo! Hot Jobs ‘The Power of the Pen’

My article "The Power of The Pen" ran on The Miami Herald.com :

Stefan Pinto, a Playgirl centerfold and budding actor from Miami (recently moved to Los Angeles), is featured – for his writing abilities -- in a Yahoo! Hot Jobs article, The Power of the Pen: Writing Careers for English Majors:

By Jackie O'Neal, ClassesUSA.com

Experts agree that writing skills are in demand across a range of industries, which means that English majors may hold the key that unlocks a host of job opportunities.

According to Mary Titus, professor of English and director of the Center For Integrative Studies at St. Olaf College, "English majors are ideal employees in any career, especially where well-crafted, intentional language use is crucial to influential, successful communication."

A Way With Words

From corporate communications to grant writing to public relations, English majors can gain an edge on the competition. Just ask Stefan Pinto, who leveraged his English degree to propel him to a career as a writer for Merck pharmaceuticals. As an English major from St. John's University, he stood out among other candidates, and was recruited even before he graduated.

To read the complete article, http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/09/miami-model-stefan-pinto-profiled-in-yahoo-hot-jobs-the-power-of-the-pen-writing-careers-for-english-majors.html

Media Connections Lab- A Space To Get Noticed And Stay Noticed

Media Connections Lab has been operating for two short weeks, and our members are already giving us rave reviews:


Ken Hudnall, the host of The Ken Hudnall Show on Blog Talk Radio.com after joining Media Connections Lab,received attention on USA Today.com that ran
the feature "Radio Host Leaps From Terrestrial Radio To Internet." As a result of the national media coverage, Ken reported his listening audience on The Ken Hudnall Show, increased by 20,000 within a few days.


Author,Sharon Shefali Gupta says:

"A big thank you for the wonderful book trailer you did for TOOFANI DAYS, VALENTINE NIGHTS. My sister Kareena, who lives in Spokane, also joined your Media Connections yesterday, and so did my epublisher in London, Torquil Riley-Smith. They're both very impressed with your site. I look forward to a long and fruitful association with your agency."

Linda Richardson, author of How Well Are We Playing This Game Called Life is awaiting the release of her new book, and needed a feature story and book trailer to get some intense buzz going. Media Connections Lab wrote a distributed a feature "Retired Army Veteran Pursues Life-Long Learning," and she received coverage on several influential blogs like The Seattle Post-Intelligencer.com. Linda says, "Thanks Jackie, for revealing such a creative piece on me. I love you for it!"


Jackie O'Neal, creator on Media Connections Lab captured the imagination of Internet Voices Radio producer, Lillian Cauldwell, and was booked or Sept. 29,2009 to discuss
how authors and Radio/TV hosts can meet online without spending a dime.

http://www.internetvoicesradio.com


Erica Miner, award-winning author of Four Ever Friends and Travels With My Lovers needed a book trailer to promote on Facebook. Media Connections Lab got right to work, and she said: "Wow, the video you created is amazing. I love it. I can't wait to share it with my Facebook crowd."

Erica Miner
http://www.ericaminer.com
http://mymediaconnections.ning.com/video/erica-miner


Several radio talk show hosts agreed to be interviewed by Media Connections Lab to share their insight on what they look for in guests.
"Inside The Mind Of Radio Talk Show Hosts"
The feature story ran on USA Today.com San Francisco pages

Chris Tatevosian, author of Life Interrupted says:

"I am an author who views the Media Connection Lab as a valuable tool for promoting books like my self-help memoir Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me. The book I have written to help those in similar situations deal more positively with distresses to one's relationships as a result of life being interrupted by chronic illness or disability."
-Chris M Tatevosian





Aurea McGarry, host of PBS Live Your Legacy TV reports what happened as a result of the new book trailer created by Media Connections Lab:

"I thought I would share this with everyone. An Amazon book reviewer contacted me last week and wanted to do an online interview with me about my book titled "I Won't Survive, I'll Thrive." Which is available on Amazon and all the online book stores. So if you click the attachment below you can read his interview he had with me. If you like it, please feel free to forward it along to others. I wrote it to give people hope in love, life, faith, business and in Miracles. Most of you know about one of my miracles which is that I should not be able to speak above a faint whisper after my cancer surgery removed the left nerve to my vocal chord in 1999, along with many other vital organs. But I am speaking and doing it for a living on radio, TV and now as a national traveling trainer and Platinum Director with Trump Network."
-Aurea Mcgarry, Live Your Legacy TV (PBS)



CLICK POSTING HERE....
http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/1160/1/Meet-...

Anita Wills needed some fresh book promotion, so Media Connections Lab wrote and distributed a feature story "Genealogy Serves As Catalyst For Book On African-American Issues," and created a book trailer. These were packaged in a social media campaign whereby the feature story received hundreds of views the first day it was published. Anita Wills says: "Dear Jackie, This video is amazing, and took my breathe away. You breathed new life into my project. I cannot wait to share this video with my family and friends."
Anita Wills

Louise Uwacu, founder of POSITIVISION, and author of Nightmare of a POSITIVISION needed to promote her charitable endeavor nationally. Media Connections Lab wrote and released a feature story on her organization. USA Today.com and other outlets ran the story. Lousie says: "I saw your work and the piece and the trailer, it is all so well-done, and so good. I appreciate the coverage. Thank you for keeping it authentic."
Louise Uwacu, Author & Speaker
POSitivisionary* C.E.O.

With a POSITIVISION*, success is our only option www.onepositivision.com

Author, Bill Joyce sees writing as an adventure, and he wanted to raise his profile. so Media Connections Lab interviewed hin for a feature story. Bill Joyce says:
"Thank you Jackie. I appreciate your kind and thoughtful words. I will continue to watch and see how this new adventure shapes up."



Bill Joyce, President
Vision Management

More to come! For more information, Google: Media Connections Lab

Writer With MS Says Disability Should Not Mean Inability

Chris Tatevosian grew up in Holliston, Massachusetts. After graduating from Holliston High School Class of 1979, Chris attended college in Vermont where he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1980. Upon graduation from Johnson State College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and a minor in Chemistry, Tatevosian was employed by a fortune 100 pharmaceutical and nutritional company for seven years as a quality assurance chemical analyst.. During this period Chris received a graduate degree in adult education, from Trinity College. During the early '90s Tatevosian sought employment as an environmental chemist/staff scientist ultimately working as a corporate occupational safety and health coordinator. CMS continuing to worsen, Chris' marriage of ten years ended in 2002. Divorced with one stepson who lives in Vermont.


Having since remarried, Chris and his wife Jane now reside in Southern New England. Tatevosian is presently working on his second book likely to be released in 2010. My second project is a children’s book, says Chris, which is intended to help kids who have parents who have been diagnosed and deal daily with multiple sclerosis. It is my intention to help children to understand that which is going on within the household.



Chris Tatevosian, is the author of Life Interrupted-It's Not All About Me. While in college in Vermont, in 1980, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He affirms the pivotal event that led him to write the book involved the aftermath of a bitter divorce, and his need to share his experience of living with MS with others.





"My divorce was bitter and my ex-wife’s lawyer embellished so much, that I wanted friends and family to know the truth. That’s when God intervened and helped me to realize that He was allowing me to write a book to help not one, but perhaps millions of people around the world who may be undergoing a similar situation. A situation of overwhelming gloom, lack of purpose, and loneliness," he said.


He also said writing the book appeared to be somewhat of a human miracle.


"I am severely disabled as a result of my MS and the physical and mental acts of writing a book were surely impossible. Understand, I am legally blind.I have limited use and control of my hands and fingers and I suffer with severe cognitive issues," he said.


A deeply religious man, who also speaks at local churches, libraries, and health care settings, he's convinced that a higher power had a hand in the success of his book.



"You can't tell me that God wasn't invoked. I have been sharing the good news of Christ via my book and testimony at churches, prayer breakfast, hospitals, health clinics, libraries, coffee houses, bookstores and more. Anywhere people will listen-- response,and interest has been fantastic. The more discussions I facilitate,and numerous support groups with which I meet, the more shocked I become at the prevalence of this problem . The problem related to and resulting from the stress and hardships introduced to one's relationships as a result of life being interrupted by chronic illness or disability. my My book Life Interrupted, It's Not All about Me has been featured by evangelist Rhonda White on the Eagle Network's Authors and Speakers of Excellence web site where it was featured as June's book of the month," he said.



Tatevosian said he doesn't believe a devastating illness should be a reason for someone to become emotionally dysfunctional, and harbor what he terms, "the poor me attitude."

" When you read my story, perhaps you will identify with the same behaviors. It could have been any chronic illness or disability and anybody’s relationship, but my intention is still the same.My goal is to help others in a similar situation recognize and eliminate the growth of the relationship-destroying "Poor Me Attitude”. he said.


"Without intervention and change, the loss of one’s self-worth leads to an increase in anxiety, depression, anger, and loneliness, which can ultimately lead to the destruction of your relationship if those feelings are left to grow. The “Poor Me Attitude," as I refer to it, is really nothing more than a controlling attitude that started out with me unconsciously using my weakness, loneliness, and feelings of inadequacy to get what I needed. Because I felt so weak, alone, and inadequate, I would frequently lash out over trivial things. You can become oblivious to the needs of everyone around you as a result of falling into the depressing, hurtful downward spiral of the “Poor Me Attitude.” No one knows this better than me. I just wish I had someone to slap me upside the head and yell, “Chris, Snap out of it! It’s not all about you," he said.



Despite his disability, Tatevosian is active as a broadcaster, columnist, and speaker. He said he pursues many different endeavors with a passion. His show "Winning Life through Pain"airs Tuesdays at 2 PM www.RSDcoachlive.com (1-347- 324-5661) The radio show airs Eastern Time. Tatevosian also is a featured columnist for MSfocus magazine here in the U.S. and Pathways magazine in the UK.


Like many authors, Tatevosian said promoting his book as an independent writer has been more challenging than the writing process.


"After my book was released approximately one year ago, www.Lifeinterruptednolonger.com I have struggled on the Internet with the process of promoting and marketing my book. I find that because the Internet affords us with endless promotional and marketing opportunities,it is simple to spend the entire day working on one opportunity after another eventually terminated by my inability to complete the task due to my lack of technological understanding or abilities. It can be a long arduous process, but one that also provides the answers as one becomes more familiar with the technology," he said.


He said most of his future plans will include marketing his book and writing a new one. "In between book signings, facilitating group discussions on topic, giving and preparing for interviews and the like, I am working on my second book. This book, a children's book, is being written to help children understand what is going on and why within the family unit as a result of life being interrupted by a chronic illness or disability involving their parents. I'm hoping to have this book released in late 2010 or early 2011," he said.

Tatevosian admits to being a sort of nocturnal writer, and one who sometimes relies on a tape recorder to capture his thoughts.

"Believe it,or not most of my writing takes place during the middle of the night. Ninety percent of Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me was written or conceived between midnight and 5 AM. When I'm trying to sleep, even in the middle of the night,I find myself having to speak my thoughts into a small handheld tape recorder to be entered into the computer the following day. When the writing juices are flowing you have to go with the flow, he said.


Apart from writing, he said he's active in his church, and also educates others on being pro-active about their chronic illness.


"I have designed and facilitate a course at my congregational church here in Massachusetts entitled "Life Interrupted" , helping others in similar situations deal more positively with the stress put on one's relationships as a result of life being interrupted by chronic illness,or disability," he said.

Our Pitch Landed Another Print Placement

Our latest editorial print placement on ClassesUSA.com:

The Power of the Pen: Writing Careers for English Majors

ClassesUSA.com

by Jackie O'Neal, ClassesUSA.com

To Read full text click on the Title above.






Experts agree that writing skills are in demand across a range of industries, which means that English majors may hold the key that unlocks a host of job opportunities.
According to Mary Titus, professor of English and director of the Center For Integrative Studies at St. Olaf College, "English majors are ideal employees in any career, especially where well-crafted, intentional language use is crucial to influential, successful communication."

A Way With Words

From corporate communications to grant writing to public relations, English majors can gain an edge on the competition. Just ask Stefan Pinto, who leveraged his English degree to propel him to a career as a writer for Merck pharmaceuticals. As an English major from St. John's University, he stood out among other candidates, and was recruited even before he graduated.

The job prospects for Stefan's fellow English majors who can write about specialized topics are encouraging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for writers and editors in the health industry who hold specialized degrees in English will continue to grow by 10 percent through 2016, with opportunities most abundant for technical writers.

Problem Solving via Public Relations

Many English majors utilize their college degrees by penetrating the public relations industry, expected to grow by 18 percent through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.