Physical activity, obesity, nutritional health and quality of life in low-income Hispanic adults with diabetes.

The study examined relationships among age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, nutritional health, quality of life, and health-related quality of life in Hispanic adults with diabetes (N = 59) using the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model as a framework. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews at clinics and communities. A regression model with predisposing factors (age, BMI), and behavior (nutritional health and physical activity) significantly predicted quality of life (R(2) = 0.21, F = 3.63, p < .05) explaining 21% of variance. Physical activity and nutrition were the strongest predictors. Culturally competent intervention strategies must include factors that improve and enhance quality of life.

The North Carolina Eden Coalition: facilitating environmental transformation.

The Eden Alternative, created by Harvard educated physician Dr. William Thomas, is a model for transforming skilled care facilities from institutions based on a medical model of care into human habitats that promote human growth. This change is accomplished through decentralizing the organizational structure of the facility to empower front-line care-delivery staff, and through introduction of plants, animals, gardening, and children into the daily lives of residents. Because the Eden Alternative is a trademarked name, only facilities recognized by the Eden Alternative registry are allowed to use the name. However, any facility may adopt the philosophies embodied by the Eden Alternative, and implement the principles for transforming their facility. In 1996, the North Carolina Division of Facility Services formed the North Carolina Eden Coalition (originally named the North Carolina Eden Alternative Coalition). This was the first organization of its kind in the country. The success of the Coalition has led it to become a model for implementation in other states. Currently, North Carolina leads the country in the number of registered Eden Alternative facilities, and has a large number of other facilities that have instituted some form of environmental enhancement. The Coalition functions as a consumer-driven advisory and educational body rather than a formal regulatory standard body, and endorses implementation of the principles and philosophies embodied in the Eden Alternative. The Coalition has proved to be a successful, cooperative effort among regulators, providers, advocates, and other experts to implement the philosophies of the Eden Alternative without regulatory basis. Because the Coalition was formed under the auspices of the Division of Facility Services and operates with its ongoing cooperation, it is in an excellent position to clarify and influence policies and regulatory issues concerning transformation of long-term care environments in North Carolina. This article explores the history, structure, function, mission, and goals of the North Carolina Eden Coalition. Examples of issues the Coalition has addressed in promoting environmental transformation in North Carolina's skilled care facilities are also included.

Thriving: a life span theory.

There is a need for aging theories to become holistic and multidisciplinary with a life span focus. A theory is the construction of explicit explanations in accounting for empirical findings. A good gerontological theory integrates knowledge, tells how and why phenomena are related, leads to prediction, and provides process and understanding. In addition, a good theory must be holistic and take into account all that impacts on a person throughout a lifetime of aging. Based on these criteria, the authors created the Theory of Thriving, with a holistic life span perspective for studying people in their environments as they age. This article proposes a theory for studying people over time in a holistic, encompassing manner.

A writing intensive introductory course for RN to BSN students.

This article describes learning strategies used with RN to BSN students in their 1st nursing course to successfully learn how to write formal papers using the American Psychological Association (APA) format. This 1st nursing course, a writing intensive, requires 4 short papers with self, peer, and teacher critiques and opportunities to rewrite. Students learn the style of professional nursing discourse, mastery of APA format, and development of additional skills in following directions and in critiquing their own work. An additional benefit is to enhance learning about professional nursing topics. By mastering writing skills in this initial course, students are able to successfully complete writing assignments in future courses and, in some cases, move on to publication.

Teaching pathophysiology: strategies to enliven the traditional lecture.

The depth and breadth of pathophysiology content, foundational for nursing practice, is well suited for traditional lecture delivery. Use of creative strategies can deepen students' understanding while respecting students' diverse talents and ways of learning. The authors discuss strategies they used, including case studies, questions asked during lecture using immediate feedback technology, creative visual demonstrations, group pathophysiologic theory projects, short videos, and games, to enhance students' understanding and retention of content.