ABSTRACT
The pathology of obesity is a complex process involving interactions among behavioral, environmental, immunologic, genetic, and epigenetic factors. This article gives a broad overview of obesity. The physiology of fat storage, influence of eating behaviors on obesity, and the genetic relationship between eating and food sources are discussed. Specific genes that have been associated with obesity are introduced, with information on leptin and genes such as FTO, GLUT4, and others. This synopsis of obesity expands into environmental influences and epigenetic factors. These include food selection, gut microbiota, pregnancy, and exercise. The nurse will gain specific knowledge to assist in tailoring therapies specific to clients who are working to overcome the long-term effects of this disorder.
Subject(s)
Obesity/etiology , Obesity/therapy , Epigenesis, Genetic , Feeding Behavior , Health Behavior , Humans , Obesity/psychologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate sleep and activity as they relate to obesity measures of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in adults. Findings from recent studies have linked physical inactivity and short sleep with obesity. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A total of 337 subjects were collected from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MEASURES: The sample was evaluated to determine if a relationship existed between sleep duration, activity levels, and measures of obesity. RESULTS: Pearson r correlation revealed a significant positive relationship between WC and sedentary activity, r(318) = .168, p = .003. Analysis also showed a significant inverse association between sleep duration and WC, r(319) = -.113, p = .043. No statistical significance was found using BMI as the measure of obesity in relation to duration of sleep or activity level. CONCLUSIONS: In support of recent literature, this study found duration of sleep and sedentary activity in adults may relate to the development of obesity as measured by WC.
Subject(s)
Obesity/epidemiology , Sedentary Behavior , Sleep , Waist Circumference , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Body Mass Index , Female , Health Surveys , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Time Factors , United States/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Infants and children are typically undertreated for pain. Many treatment options are available to prevent and diminish the pain experienced by children during venipuncture. Infusion nurses must employ pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options to make the experience more positive for the child, the family, and the nurse. These treatment options are explored in this article.
Subject(s)
Pain Management , Pediatrics , Adolescent , Analgesics/economics , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Child , Child, Preschool , Drug Costs , Humans , Infant , Needles/adverse effects , Pain Measurement , Pediatric NursingABSTRACT
An asthma exacerbation can be a life-threatening experience. This project tested the effectiveness of using a prompting form to improve childhood asthma care. Thirty randomly selected charts without a prompt form in a pediatric practice were compared for differences with thirty randomly selected charts with a completed prompting form. The number of medications reviewed (p=.001) and the frequency of refills written (p=.024) were significantly higher in the prompt group. Education was higher (p=.000) and triggers were more frequently discussed in the prompt group. The use of a prompting form facilitates discussion and improves preventive asthma care.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care/organization & administration , Asthma/therapy , Checklist , Adolescent , Ambulatory Care/standards , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , MaleABSTRACT
Over the past decade, health coverage for millions of low-income children and their families has been impacted by publicly funded programs such as the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid. There are more than six million children currently eligible for coverage. The Obama administration increased funding for the program that allows coverage for additional enrollees. This comes at a critical time with economic downturn. Participation in professional organizations and attention to legislative reports by pediatric nurses are imperative to support legislation that continues to provide adequate funding for this program.
