Publications by authors named "Sheila A Smith"

Background/objective: This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a distance-based e-health program delivered across multiple rural Federal Credit Union worksites that focused on physical activity and dietary education. Program design and implementation were based on the premises of Social Impact Theory (SIT).

Methods: A sample of fifty-four participants (47 white.

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The goals of this research were to explore the current literature regarding associations between psychological stress and adverse fetal outcome, associations between aerobic exercise and psychological stress reduction, and associations between aerobic exercise and fetal outcome. The published studies that were located provide evidence of the following: 1) Stress reactivity increases physiologically during pregnancy, 2) pregnant women may experience additional stressors that are usually not experienced in a nonpregnant state, 3) psychological stress in pregnancy is associated with adverse fetal outcome, 4) exercise can be a method of stress reduction, 5) exercise in pregnancy is not associated with adverse fetal outcome, and 6) exercise in pregnancy may provide benefit to the fetus. Data were analyzed from an original study and associations were reported between psychological stress-management activities and participation in aquatic aerobic exercise classes.

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Objectives: To estimate the impact of an aquatic exercise program on perception of body image, participation in health-promoting behaviors, barriers to health-promoting participation, level of physical discomfort, and mobility.

Design: A two-group, quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest design.

Sample And Setting: A convenience sample of 40 nonexercising pregnant women who were at least 19 weeks gestation were recruited.

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Background: In January 2002, Infection control professionals for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System held a planning retreat focused on patient safety. The main challenge discussed was the control of antibiotic-resistant organisms. Rounds on the patient care units had revealed compliance issues with the current isolation procedures.

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