Climate change and the adverse impact on the health and well-being of women and girls from the Women's Health Expert Panel of the American Academy of Nursing.

Climate change has measurable adverse impact on the general and reproductive health of women and girls. Multinational government organizations, private foundations, and consumer groups identify anthropogenic disruptions in social and ecological environments as the primary threats to human health this century. Drought, micronutrient shortage, famine, mass migration, conflict over resources, and effects on mental health resulting from displacement and war are challenging effects to manage. The most severe effects will be felt by those with the least resources to prepare for and adapt to changes. Climate change is a phenomenon of interest to women's health professionals because women and girls are more vulnerable to the effects due to a combination of physiologic, biologic, cultural, and socioeconomic risk factors. Nurses, with our scientific foundation, human-centered approach, and position of trust in societies can be leaders in efforts at mitigation, adaptation, and building resilience in response to changes in our planetary health.

Meeting new health care challenges with a proven innovation: nurse-managed health care clinics.

Beginning in January 2014, millions of Americans will enroll in health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. Some of these individuals were obtaining health care in safety net health clinics, emergency departments, or urgent care centers; many were going without needed care and will be new to the health care system. In addition to these newly insured, the ranks of older Americans and persons in need of chronic disease management will be on the rise. The way in which health care is delivered will have to change in order for the health care workforce to meet the demand for their services without sacrificing quality or access. Nurse practitioners and registered nurses have the education and skills to provide health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management services that will make up a sizable portion of the demand. Amending state practice acts so that the authority to practice matches the ability to practice and opening provider panels to advanced practice nurses will provide opportunities to establish or expand sustainable nurse-led primary care practices in health care shortage areas. Along with these changes, models of health care delivery that incorporate differentiated practice roles and shared interprofessional responsibility for providing care will maximize the capacity of the system to provide the health care that people need.

Obesity in Women: Paying a High Price.

Women who are obese are at risk for conditions that are different from those experienced by men. Some of these conditions are gender based; others are socially determined. In societies where appearance and being thin are valued and promoted in the media, advertising, literature, and other areas, women who are obese are subject to biases and stereotyping that impact them socially, financially, and academically. Obesity should be assessed and managed in the same way as other chronic disorders with patient-centered care, respect, and support from the health care team. Clinicians must approach the subject of weight with sensitivity.

The teaching-coaching role of the APN.

The demand for well-educated and skilled healthcare providers has never been greater. As a result, enrollment is expanding in academic settings that prepare advanced practice nurses for primary care and acute care roles. The growth in programs has led to a corresponding increased demand for clinical mentors and preceptors. The preceptors and sites must meet standards established by the academic institution, advanced practice nurse certification organizations, and state legislatures. There are a number of issues that must be considered by both students and preceptors when negotiating a clinical experience-andragological, curricular, credentialing, and legal matters must be satisfied along with meeting the clinical hour requirements. Producing a quality healthcare professional requires cooperation among the academic institution, faculty, administration, community clinicians, healthcare facilities and their staff, the students themselves, and patients who are willing to allow a student to provide care for them under the supervision of a licensed professional/preceptor.