code of ethics for nurses

Nurses are ever-increasingly confronted with complex concerns in their practice. Codes of ethics are fundamental guidance for nursing as many other professions. Although there are authentic international codes of ethics for nurses, the national code would be the additional assistance provided for clinical nurses in their complex roles in care of patients, education, research and management of some parts of health care system in the country. A national code can provide nurses with culturally-adapted guidance and help them to make ethical decisions more closely to the Iranian-Islamic background. Given the general acknowledgement of the need, the National Code of Ethics for Nurses was compiled as a joint project [2009-2011]. The Code was approved by the Health Policy Council of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and communicated to all universities, healthcare centers, hospitals and research centers early in 2011. The focus of this article is on the course of action through which the Code was compiled, amended and approved. The main concepts of the code will be also presented here. No doubt, development of the codes should be considered as an ongoing process. This is an overall responsibility to keep the codes current, updated with the new progresses of science and emerging challenges, and pertinent to the nursing practice

[Osteoporosis and exercise in postmenopausal women]

Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone diseases. Half of all women over the age of 50 years suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Treatment regimen consists of both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy. One most effective nonpharmacologic therapy is continuous and suitable exercise. The aim of this review is to assess the effects of exercise on Bone Mass Density [BMD]. The results of related clinical trials suggest that all exercises do not have positive effects on BMD and the type, severity and duration of exercise are important factors in increasing BMD. It seems that a combination of weight bearing and resistance exercises, as a specific and continuous program has an effect on increasing BMD. Some clinical trials showed that strength exercise is also effective. Since Osteoporosis more commonly affects postmenopausal women, an organized exercise program including aerobic and light exercise is effective in increasing BMD. Considering the positive effects of exercise, regular exercise programs are in these women are recommended