MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY V.U. Ifedi, D. Sherrod, J. Barber. Division of Nursing; vifedi111@rams.wssu.edu PURPOSE: Childhood obesity continues to rise in the United States and has reached a significant high. This obesity epidemic is currently on the national policy agenda due to escalated incidents in youth ages 6-11 and 12-19 which have more than double and tripled in the past 20 years, respectively. METHODS: This integrative research review analyzed 30 studies focusing on causative factors of childhood obesity. As physical activity and nutrition are well-known primary factors, this review focused on identification of secondary factors and intervention strategies. RESULTS: Secondary causative factors include parental influence and lifestyle, financial resources, access to healthy foods, and race and ethnic background. Intervention themes identified included: early identification and treatment; cultural adaptations and legislative mandates related to food choices and physical activity in schools. CONCLUSION: A multi-pronged approach incorporating individuals, parents, and schools is recommended to combat obesity. Federal laws should define and provide guidelines for obesity prevention and intervention efforts.
CARING FOR A PATIENT WITH RENAL FAILURE RELATED TO DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY B. Jones, N. Nimo, & R. White. R. Muze. Department of Nursing; bjones411@rams.wssu.edu; muzeru@wssu.edu PURPOSE: Living with renal failure and diabetes mellitus calls for patient education that helps patients to cope with and better manage their illness. Renal failure is the failure of the kidneys to adequately filter waste. Diabetic nephropathy is a change in the kidney that reduces kidney function and leads to kidney failure. Our patient is a 76-year-old, Caucasian male with renal failure related to diabetic nephropathy and a past medical history of diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Given his health background, our patient was at risk for several complications including decreased cardiac output, pulmonary edema, malnutrition, and other health problems. Our teaching objectives were to facilitate better understanding of the diet and nutritional requirements and restrictions associated with his illnesses. METHODS: To accomplish our objectives, we used renal failure pamphlets and brochures, food charts on renal diet and anatomical atlases of the kidney and the pancreas. RESULTS: Our patient successfully met the teaching goals; He performed reverse demonstrations of putting compiling dietary menus, meal plans, and identify the relevance of fluid restriction. CONCLUSION: While the impact of our teaching shows immediate result, future student researchers could examine the impact of such teaching long term.
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