Women's perspectives on falls and fall prevention during pregnancy.

Background: Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in women. During pregnancy, even a minor fall can result in adverse consequences. Evidence to inform effective and developmentally appropriate pregnancy fall prevention programs is lacking.

Using a life course model to examine racial disparities in low birth weight during adolescence and young adulthood.

Introduction: This study examined relationships between health, social, environmental, and economic factors during adolescence and the subsequent risk of giving birth to a low-birth-weight (LBW) infant, to inform strategies for reducing racial disparities in LBW.

Methods: Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. A sample of 1213 adolescents, reporting on first pregnancies, was created with 35% black, non-Hispanic (black) and 65% white, non-Hispanic (white) participants.

Behind closed doors: school nurses and sexual education.

School nurses can play a key role in providing sexual education in schools. However, they often face barriers from the school administration and concerned parents. Additionally, school nurses may have limited formal preparation in managing sexual health issues.

Health reform policy initiatives to promote older women's health.

Currently, women's health care is receiving more attention in health policy discussions. This article reviews aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that seek to improve the health and health care services for older women. Increased access to evidence-based screening assessments for women with Medicare will enhance both the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.