Still unhealthy 2009: building community research to identify risk factors and health outcomes in childhood obesity.

The goal of the this study was to track and assess children's health status in Nevada and build relationships between researchers and school districts through the collection of mutually beneficial health data at a local level. All elementary schools in Nevada were sent a health survey for parents of kindergarten students to complete. A total of 3,628 surveys were received with usable height and weight needed to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). African American and Hispanic children had significantly higher BMI scores compared to Caucasian and Asian/Pacific Islander children, regardless of income. Children who had diabetes or mental health concerns also had significantly higher mean BMIs compared to children without these health concerns. Overall staff within the school districts felt that this surveillance system should be continued as data from this study provided important information subsequently used to guide programming and when applying for grants. Our children's welfare depends on community collaboration to create and implement data-driven initiatives to combat childhood obesity.

Characteristics of internationally educated nurses in the United States: an update from the 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.

Internationally educated nurses (IENs) have become an integral part of the U.S. registered nurse workforce. To understand the U.S. RN workforce and conduct nurse workforce planning, it is fundamental to know the who, what, and where about IENs. Analysis of the 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses revealed demographic and employment characteristics of IENs practicing in the United States. The results can help employers, recruiters, and policymakers stay abreast of the changing profile of IENs in order to make informed decisions regarding the recruitment of lENs, and U.S. workforce planning and policy. More importantly, systematic actions such as developing tailored transitional programs should be implemented to better integrate and retain IENs who are playing an increasingly important role of caring for Americans.