Menopausal symptoms, exercise practices, and advice received in active women: a multi-country survey of strava app users.

The study aimed to identify the prevalence of symptoms, changes in exercise levels, and exercise advice received during the menopausal transition in a large multi-country sample. Using total population sampling, 2.5 percent of female Strava app users (n = 970) from 7 countries completed an online survey between 14 February 2019 and 11 March 2019. The survey discussed menopause status (perimenopausal or postmenopausal), menopausal symptoms, changes to exercise behaviors, and advice received concerning exercise during menopause. Frequencies, chi-square statistics, and linear regressions were used to analyze data. The most commonly reported menopausal symptoms were sexual (18-83 percent) and cognitive/psychological (77-78 percent). 41 percent of women reported no change in exercise behavior since menopause began (46 percent increased and 11 percent decreased behaviors). The majority (88 percent) of women did not receive advice regarding exercise during menopause. Women who received advice were more likely to report an increase in their exercise than those not receiving advice (60 percent vs 46 percent; X2 (df 2, n = 927) = 7.1, p = .03). Exercise behaviors increased the longer it had been since the menopausal onset (X2 (df 8, n = 937) = 77.42, p < .001). The results suggested high menopausal symptom prevalence in active women and a general lack of exercise advice. More women reported higher symptom prevalence and an increase in exercise participation, the longer it had been since menopause onset. Future research should determine whether these increased exercise behaviors are being used as a coping mechanism.

Blood Conservation: Exploring Alternatives to Blood Transfusions.

The conservation of blood products and the use of alternatives to blood transfusion are the best practice. Patients treated with blood conservation techniques will have a reduced risk of blood-borne diseases and a reduced risk of human error that can occur during blood processing. The bedside nurse plays a vital role in educating the patient and the caregiver regarding risks, benefits, and alternatives. A combination of techniques explored focuses on minimizing blood loss, building the patient's own blood supply, or both. Medications, herbs, and supplements can increase bleeding and place the patient at risk for a transfusion. Evidence from a variety of sources indicates that postoperative patients who receive a blood transfusion will have a harder time with wound healing and overall recovery. Allogeneic blood transfusions can induce clinically significant immunosuppression, as well as other effects in recipients, to include a re-occurrence of cancer. For the Jehovah's Witnesses patient, receiving blood transfusions against their conscience is equal to rape. Therefore, appropriate management entails an understanding of ethical and legal issues involved. Providing meticulous medical care, such as essential interventions and techniques to reduce blood loss, can minimize the risk of subsequent need for blood transfusions and decrease the financial burden to the health care system and its consumers.