Integument: Guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida.

Purpose: Skin-related issues have a significant impact on health, activities of daily living, and quality of life among people with spina bifida. Data presented by select clinics that participate in the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry reported that 26% of individuals had a history of pressure injuries with 19% having had one in the past year. The spina bifida community lack direct guidelines on prevention of these and other skin related issues.

A method of comparing effectiveness of mattresses for pressure management for pediatric patients.

A systematic review of the pressure management performance of support surfaces (beds, mattresses, overlays, and the utilization of linens), using a standardized testing methodology, provided qualitative and quantitative information needed to support cost-effective purchasing decisions and resulted in the reduction of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. In the 30 months since implementation of the new surfaces, use guidelines, and educational programs, zero surface-related stage 3, 4 and unstaged pressure ulcers have occurred despite a high-risk patient population.

Depressive symptoms and changes in body weight exert independent and site-specific effects on bone in postmenopausal women exercising for 1 year.

Background: Lower bone mineral density (BMD) has been documented in clinically depressed populations, and depression is the second most common chronic medical condition in general medical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether depressive symptoms, vitality, and body weight changes were related to 1-year BMD changes after accounting for covariates.

Methods: Healthy postmenopausal women (n=320; 40-65 years) were recruited, and 266 women completed the study.