Patient Education Management Archives – December 1, 2002
December 1, 2002
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Americans pile on pounds: Education fails to trim fat
Nearly one-third of all adults in America are now classified as obese. Data collected from the National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, shows that 59 million adults 20 years of age and older have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. This figure is 8% higher than in 1994. -
Stages of change can help manage weight-loss efforts
The Prochaska and DiClemente Stages of Change Theory1 states that people go through five stages when making a change in behavior. The stages range from pre-contemplative with no plans to change to a maintenance stage where the person practices the desired behavior consistently. -
Program targets the complexity of obesity
To help overweight patients lose the pounds, the New Mexico Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System in Albuquerque launched an intensive weight-management program more than two years ago. Physicians refer patients to the program that have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater with comorbidities such as diabetes or a BMI over 30. -
Checklist makes patient ed documentation much easier
Many patient education managers struggle with staff documentation of teaching. No matter how many forms they create or inservices they conduct, the numbers on documentation remain low. -
Create QI projects to reach a high volume of patients
Every year, all departments at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, CA, must develop a quality improvement plan and determine what outcomes measures to review. -
Right connections worth the price of membership
Joining the right organizations will enhance future career opportunities, says Carol Maller, RN, MS, CHES, patient education coordinator at the New Mexico Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System in Albuquerque. -
Heart Month focuses on CPR and defibrillation
February is American Heart Month. Though Congress issued the proclamation in 1963, each year represents a new opportunity for education about this deadly disease and the strides the Dallas-based American Heart Association and other health organizations are making to reduce the risks. -
Get creative with your Heart Month activities
For the past four years, Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, NJ, has sponsored the Deborah Heart Challenge during American Heart Month in February. -
Recruitment for on-line self-management study
The Stanford School of Medicine in Palo Alto, CA, is recruiting participants to determine the effectiveness of an on-line program designed for people living in the United States with heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes. -
Focus on Pediatrics: Kids overweight? Good habits start at home
The percentage of children who are overweight continues to increase, according to statistics tracked by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. -
Focus on Pediatrics: Walking program provides incentive for more exercise
A few years ago, Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, NJ, launched a heart healthy program at a local elementary school. Called the Feel-Good Mileage Program grade-school-age children walked, their teachers tracked the mileage, and Deborah supplied prizes. -
Focus on Pediatrics: Eye injuries steal the joy of the holidays
Each year around this time, children awake during the holidays excited to see what toys they will receive. However, once all the presents are unwrapped and play begins, children may end up at the emergency department rather than Grandmas house for dinner.