CE: The obesity epidemic, part 2: nursing assessment and intervention.

Although there are many gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying obesity, several nursing strategies have proven effective in combating this public health crisis. This article, the second in a two-part series, presents a theoretical framework to guide nursing assessment of affected patients and their families, thereby informing intervention. The authors discuss the effects of stigma and bias on the treatment of obesity; how to conduct a thorough assessment of an obese patient; the effectiveness of the most common lifestyle, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions for obesity; and issues to consider in the treatment of obese children.

CE: The obesity epidemic, part 1: understanding the origins.

The obesity epidemic remains a significant health problem in the United States and worldwide, with multiple associated physical and societal costs. To contribute to obesity's treatment and prevention, nurses must be conversant in a wide range of theoretical and clinical perspectives on the problem. This article, the first in a two-part series, defines the terms used in the treatment of obesity and outlines pathophysiologic, psychological, and social factors that influence weight control.

Physical activity counseling intervention to promote weight loss in overweight rural women.

Purpose: To identify key behavioral factors that contribute to physical activity and weight management in overweight, rural women and determine the degree to which social support, stage of behavior change, and self-efficacy for physical activity and depressive symptoms are linked to physical activity, body weight, and body mass index (BMI).

Data Sources: Twenty-five overweight or obese rural women completed self-report scales and height and weight measurements; BMI was calculated. Self-report scales included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (physical activity level), Social Support for Exercise and Social Support Questionnaire (social support), Stage of Exercise Adoption (stage of behavior change), Self-efficacy for Exercise (self-efficacy), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (depressive symptoms).

Choose to Move for Positive Living: physical activity program for obese women.

The Choose to Move for + (Positive) Living program was implemented to increase physical activity among obese women. A holistic approach was used to promote stage of health behavior change, social support, and quality of life and reduce depression. Within 6 months, physical fitness improved and depressive symptoms decreased.

One theoretical framework for cardiovascular disease prevention in women.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for women in the United States. Vulnerable and underserved women are even less likely to participate in healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent CVD than the general US population. Many women are not aware that they are at risk for CVD and do not modify unhealthy lifestyle behaviors to reduce their risks for CVD.

Evaluation of the Heart and Soul Physical Activity Program by African American women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of African American (AA) women regarding an active lifestyle, and to evaluate the Heart and Soul Physical Activity Program (HSPAP) as a potential strategy to promote physical activity. The HSPAP is a church-based physical activity intervention conceptualized in appraisal, belonging, tangible and self-esteem domains of social support. Seven midlife, sedentary AA women from a Midwestern urban church participated in the group discussion after completing the HSPAP.

The uptake of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among adolescent females in the United States: a review of the literature.

A comprehensive review of literature was conducted to identify the barriers and facilitators, from the parents'/guardians' and primary care providers' (PCPs) perspective, that are associated with the uptake of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among adolescent females. Findings from 14 peer-reviewed articles indicate that 37% of adolescent females, 9 to 17 years of age, initiated the HPV vaccine, compared to the national average of 13- to 15-years-olds, which is 50%. The overall uptake and completion rates of the vaccine were low across all racial and ethnic groups.

Minimize urinary incontinence: maximize physical activity in women.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common problem for women. Many women do not seek professional help for UI because of embarrassment or they believe UI is a normal part of aging. Research findings have shown that pelvic floor muscle strengthening is effective in reducing UI in middle-aged and older women.

Heart and soul physical activity program: social support outcomes.

Objective: To examine changes in specific social support domains following the Heart and Soul Physical Activity Program (HSPAP).

Methods: This experimental repeated-measures nested-design study tested the church-based HSPAP, a social support intervention to promote physical activity in women.

Results: HSPAP participants revealed greater increases in perceived appraisal and esteem support, received tangible support and in the number of physical activity supporters than did the comparison group.

Get moving! Physical activity counseling in primary care.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present strategies to improve the effectiveness of physical activity counseling for adults in primary care settings. Adoption of physical activity can be part of a healthy lifestyle to prevent or manage many chronic and debilitating conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Data Sources: Original research articles reporting results from descriptive studies and clinical trials testing the effectiveness of physical activity counseling in primary care.

Effects of a physical activity intervention for women.

Physical activity is associated with health and reduced mortality risk, yet only 15% of U.S. adults achieve adequate activity.