CHILDHOOD OBESITY

BY Abigail Ogunniyi RN

Obesity is an unhealthy accumulation of body fats. It is the most common nutritional disease in the United States of America. It occurs as a result of imbalance between food eaten and energy expanded. It can be caused by unhealthy eating, physical inactivity, genetic, hormonal, and medications. It is usually diagnosed by Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation.
Childhood obesity is a major public health issue, over the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States of America have more than quadrupled among children ages six years to eleven years, more than tripled among adolescents ages 12 years to 19 years and nearly tripled among children ages 2 years to five years. In 2000, for example 15.3% of children were obese compared to nearly 5.7% in 1980 (Clark, 2008). These increasing rates pose a serious health and economic threat to the nation. Being obese or overweight increases the risk of heart disease, type II diabetes and many other serious health conditions. Preventing obesity during childhood is critical as research shows that obese adolescents have up to an 80% chance of becoming obese adults.
To effectively address this problem, primary interventions includes teaching about the importance of healthy diet and physical activity. Advocating for healthy school meal programs as well as healthy diet in home settings; also advocating for increase in physical education time and providing schools with needed physical activity equipments.
Secondary intervention includes educating families/public regarding the consequences of childhood obesity including heart diseases, type II diabetes and other serious health conditions. Tertiary interventions includes referring obese children for counseling to improve self image if needed, promoting lifestyle changes consistent with weight management.

References

Clark, M.J. (2008). Community Health Nursing: Caring for Populations. (5th Ed.).
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Abigail Ogunniyi RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Child Abuse: How to Prevent Abuse

By: Patricia Thomas RN

The statistics are an eye opener an estimated 906,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect every year. Child abuse can occur in many different ways, the results are till the same. Sexual and phyisical abuse are prominantly found since it leaves physical and mental evidence behind. However emotional and abuse and neglect is just as common. Anyone under the age of 18 who's been abused or neglected by someone responsible for his/her care not just parents are victims of child abuse.There several complicated risks factors:

1.) History of child abuse, a personal history a learnedpattern from childhood.

2.) A limited ability to deal with stressors such ascaring for a child with disabillilties, caregiver financial, poor socilization, and relationship stress.

3.) Alcohol and drug abuse serious lapses in judgment.

4.) Domestic violence,frequently performed in the house will escalate to physical violence against the child as well. Abuse occurs in all socioeconomic level, however in poverty -stricken families it can occurs up to 20-25 times more likely experiencing maltreatment, according to the NIS-3. The NIS-3 found that race doesn't play a role in cases of abuse and neglect.

What does abuse look like?

Physical findings of abuse may include bruises, bite marks, burns, fractures,abdominal injuries, and hair loss. Sexual abuse may include lacerations or bruising of the hymen of the vagina and/or the anus.

You may be reluctant to interfere in someone's family , but you can make a huge difference in a child's life if you report the abuse, the earlier reported abuse children get help, the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate the cycle. You may feel overwhelmed. The best help you can provide is calm, unconditional support and reassurance. The child is looking to you to provide support and help -don't let him or her down.

The primary phase is getting the child and family some help, couseling, anger management and parent training of which can make a tremendous difference in the life of the child's family especially if you can stop the abuse early.

The secondary phase is child protective services, getting the child completely out of danger to stop the abuse early. Stop It Now 1-888- PREVENT (1-888-773-8368) Please inform all children if they don't have a friend or family to turn to they can call child abuse hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD for help, themselves if they feel reluctant to consult with you.The tertiary phase would include education, not learned skills neccessary for good parenting, education can greatly help caregivers who need information on raising children. Children need education as well to help protect for abuse. They need to know that is never their fault and never ok.

References

Clark, M.J. (2008). Community Health Nursing: Caring for Populations. (5th Ed.).
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Patricia Thomas RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Teen Depression

By Ed Roska RN

The world health organization defines depression as a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. It is a known fact that depression can hinder one’s ability to have a productive life.

Depression is one of the leading causes Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) worldwide, DALY is the sum of years of productive life lost due to disability. According to Dr. Heinz of the NeuroResearch Clinics, depression is the 4th leading cause of Disability-Adjusted Life-Years; the World Health Organization also wrote that depression is expected to be the 2nd leading cause of DALYs in 2020 next to heart disease.

Mood swings are normal for teenager, sadness or withdrawal may be cause by hormonal changes or stress in school or conflict with parents. However persistent sadness that last for more than 1-2 weeks is an indication of depression. Some of the symptoms of depression may include:

· Decline in energy
· Noticeable changes in eating habits
· Poor concentration/poor performance in school
· Sleeping to much
· Alcohol abuse or smoking

Teen depression is different from adult depression. Teens tend to show more signs of anger and irritability instead of sadness. Unlike adults teens tend to spend more time with friends. Sometimes the only sign that indicate depression in teens is suicide or claims of wanting to die, which maybe then too late (Ellis-Christensen, 2003-2009).

Primary prevention for teen depression starts at home. Parents sometimes will have a hard time noticing signs of depression because teenagers have a tendency to have emotional ups and down. The best thing to do would be to talk and listen to the kids. Parents should be encouraging teens to be involved in activities and be involved in their activities. Most importantly parents should be role models. Risk factors for teen depression include alcoholic and abusive parents. Other primary preventions would include programs such as the Penn Resiliency Program and Coping with Stress courses. According to Gladstone and Beardslee (2009) these programs have been research and proven to be effective on teen with high risk factors for depression.
Secondary and tertiary prevention would involve hospitalization if the teen committed suicide, this would also involve medical and psychological therapy. The primary preventions mentioned above would be best initiated as well to prevent this from happening again.

If teens are showing signs of imminent suicide such as sadness and giving precious belongings call this hotline ASAP:
· 800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 877-YOUTHLINE(968-8454)


References
Teen Depression (2005). Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.teendepression.org/
Hinz, M. (2009). Depression epidemiology. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.neuroassist.com/depression-epidemiology.htm
Gladstone, T., Beardslee, W. (2009). The prevention of depression in children and adolescents: A review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 54 (4), 212-220. Retrieved July 17, 2009 from EBSCO database GSU library.
Ellis-Christensen, T. (n.d.). How teenage depressions differ from adult depression? Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.wisegeek.com/how-is-teenage-depression-different-from-adult-depression.htm
World Health Organization (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Ed Roska RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

What You Need to Know About the Pneumococcal Vaccine

By Heather Zelhart, RN

Too many times I have taken care of older patients who come into the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia who have not had a pneumoccoccal vaccine. If you have not had this vaccine, the following information may aid you in deciding if the pneumococcal vaccine will benefit you.

First, let’s start with a review of the pneumococcal disease. The disease is spread from person to person by droplets in the air. Many people carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without ever developing the disease. Symptoms of the disease can include an abrupt onset of fever, shaking, chills, or rigor, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and heart rate, and weakness. The fatality rate is 5-7 % and may be much higher in the elderly. Young children and the elderly (those of you 65 years of age and older) have the highest incidence of serious disease. Treatment for the pneumococcal disease is usually penicillin. However, resistance to penicillin and other antibiotics used to treat this disease has been on the rise. This increases the difficulty of treating this disease which makes PREVENTION THROUGH VACCINATION EVEN MORE IMPORTANT!

The vaccination currently recommended for the elderly and for high risk patients is called PPV, or the polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (that’s a mouthful!). The vaccine has been shown to provide approximately 60% protection against invasive disease in the elderly population. It is important to understand though PPV provides incomplete protection, especially in those with underlying high-risk conditions.

So, bottom line, if you are 65 years of age or older, and have not received the pneumococcal vaccine take charge of your health, and ASK YOUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ABOUT RECEIVING THE PPV TODAY! What do you have to lose?

References

Vila-Corcoles, A. (2007). Advances in Pneumococcal Vaccines: What are the
Advantages for the Elderly? Retrieved February 4, 2009, from
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Author unknown. (2007). Pneumococcal Vaccine Questions & Answers. Retrieved
February 4, 2009, from www.vaccineinformation.org

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Heather Zelhart RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The icontent of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

By: DeAngela Newell RN

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common diagnosed cancer. As of 2005 colorectal cancer was diagnosed in approximately 150,000 people annually. Colorectal cancer occurs anywhere within the large intestines and usually develops from a polyp (abnormal growth). These abnormal cells will continue to grow and multiply. Death rate for colorectal cancer is 45% higher in African Americans than Caucasians related mostly to lack of screening and healthcare for this condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer:
· Changes in bowel movements (constipation/diarrhea)
· Stool that is long and thin “pencil like”
· Abdominal discomfort/bloating
· Unexplained fatigue/weight loss

Risk Factors:
· Increased age (over 50) increases with each decade of life.
· Occurs equally in both men and women. Women generally develop colon cancer while men are more prone to rectal cancer.
· Polyps-history of polyps
· Medical history: history of ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, uterine, ovarian and breast cancer
· High fat diet/ low fiber diet increases you risk.
· Lifestyle factors: smoking, not exercising and being overweight.

Prevention:
· Diet: high fiber diet including 5 servings of fruit/vegetables. Low fat diet
· Screening: Rectal exam yearly or per PHCP advise. Fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.

Treatment for colorectal cancer varies depending on your individual results and can be best managed and determined between you and your Primary Health Care Provider.

References

Mauk, K. (2006). Gerontological Nursing, Competencies for care: P. 382. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
www.webmd.com
www.americancancersociety.com

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of DeAngela Newell RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Combating Coronary Artery Disease by Decreasing Cholesterol

By Lora Devine

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. This blood carries vital oxygen and nutrients needed by tissues and organs throughout the body. The heart itself is supplied with blood vessels called coronary arteries. When cholesterol levels rise above normal limits and stay high, some cholesterol is left behind in the arteries. In time, a hard waxy plaque builds in the arteries. This is called cholesterol reduces or blocks blood flow. Organs supplied by these arteries then become damaged because they cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Sometimes bits of this hardened plaque breaks off and heads to the brain, this is called a Cerebrovascular Accident, also known as a stroke. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, a stroke occurs. When plaque completely blocks a coronary artery, a heart attack takes place. As we age our arteries can be more occluded from the foods we have eaten throughout our lifetime, putting the elderly at risk for heart attacks and stroke.
An important step in reducing the risk of having a heart attack or stoke is to manage cholesterol. A healthy lifestyle and being aware of risk factors can help you be proactive in your health management.

GET MOVING
Exercising is a great way to help you heart get a workout, as well decrease the odds of having a stroke. Exercising does not mean you have to run a marathon or have considerable speed or strength. Vigorous gardening, taking a walk with grandchildren, or exercising three to four time s a week. Staying moving for 30-40 minutes is beneficial to your heart health!

EAT RIGHT
Eating healthy can decrease your risk for stroke too. Think of the ”Fabulous Five” Fruits, Fiber, Folate, and Fish. Fruits, like apples and bananas. Fiber, found in vegetables and whole grains. Folate is found in spinach and broccoli. Fish, is high in Omega-3 Fatty acids like tuna and salmon help the heart. Decreasing sodium and saturated fats from your diet is a great start!

HAVE HOPE
Evaluate existing risk factors with HOPE! An easy way to remember some of the risks related to having a stroke is HOPE. Early evaluation of risk factors can help you and your healthcare provider make the necessary steps to monitor your health. Remembering to have HOPE can help evaluate if you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. If you have one or more of the following risk factors contact your primary health care provider for further evaluation!

H -High blood pressure, High Cholesterol, High Blood Sugar, Heart Arrhythmias.
O -Obesity increases your risk of stroke and heart disease
P -Previous stroke or heart attack or family history
E -Engaging in drug use or heavy drinking


References

1. http://www.docguide.com/

2. http://www.healthline.com/

3. http://www.pennhealth.com/

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Lora Devine RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Breath Right, Live Right; Smoking Cessation in the Elderly

By: Misty Fritz RN

Smoking cessation is a very personal experience. Approximately 13% of people age 65 and older smoke, which accounts for over 300,000 deaths per year. For you readers ages 65 and older it’s definitely time to take back your lives.

For the elderly population who think it’s too late, YOUR WRONG! Statics show that older adults who smoke have more success at quitting than younger smokers. Quitting now can greatly reduce your risk of myocardial infarctions, coronary heart disease, and lung cancer.

There are several treatment available such as: Nicotine gums or patches, prescribed medications, and counseling. There’s no one way that works for everyone. It takes will power and dedication from your end to succeed. So talk to your primary health care provider about different methods or treatments available and what might work best for you or your loved one.

So get up and get out with a plan. Take back your life, your taste buds, and ability to breathe and smell again. It won’t be easy, but if your up for the challenge make a plan, which can be your road map to success. What are you waiting for get ready, get support, and get started. GOOD LUCK!!!

References

Author unknown (2006) Smoking Cessation. Retreived Feb. 4th, 2009, from http://www.cms.hhh.gov.smoking/.

PubMed (2008) Predicators of Smoking Cessation Among Elderly. Retrieved feb. 4th, 2009, from www.ncbi.nih.gov./pubmed.

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Misty Fritz RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.