News > Past News > August 2004
Redesigned Web Site Enhances Public Access to Information on Dietary Supplements
8/31/04
The IBIDS (International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements) database has been made available to the public through a redesigned web interface on the National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) home page. The IBIDS database was originally launched in
1999 as a result of the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act, which mandated the creation of a tool to assist both scientists and the public in locating credible scientific literature on dietary supplements. The database provides access to bibliographic citations and abstracts from the published, international, and scientific literature on dietary supplements and is intended for use by individuals with varying levels of expertise. Users can choose to search the full IBIDS database, a subset of consumer citations only, or peer-reviewed citations only. Go to http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/Health_Information/IBIDS.aspx to access database.
HHS Releases Plan for Dealing with Pandemic Influenza
8/30/04
A draft plan outlining how national, state, and health departments would
handle an influenza pandemic if it should occur has been released by the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Unlike the gradual changes that occur in the influenza viruses that appear each year during "flu season," a pandemic influenza virus is one that represents a major, sudden shift in the virus' structure that increases its ability to cause illness in a large proportion of the population. The draft plan can be found online at www.hhs.gov/nvpo/pandemicplan and is available for public comment for 60 days.
MARN Conference - Obesity: A Global Health Crisis
8/27/04
The Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses (MARN) Fall Clinical
Conference will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at the Sturbridge
Host Hotel and Conference Center, Sturbridge, MA. Caroline Apovian, MD,
FACN, will address the issue of Obesity as a Global Health Crisis; Dr.
Lee Kaplan, MD, PhD will address the Medical Consequences of Obesity Across
the Lifespan (pediatric to geriatric). 5.1 Contact Hours have been applied
for through the Rhode Island State Nurses Association, which is accredited
as an approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission
on Accredidation. For more information on conference, go to http://www.marnonline.org.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Weight Gain, and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Young and Middle-Aged Women
8/27/04
Women who drink higher amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and gaining weight, according to a study in the August 25 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.
According to the authors, sugar-sweetened soft drinks might increase risk of diabetes because they contain large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup, which raises blood glucose similarly to sucrose. Read more on study at http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/292/8/927.
Joint Commission to Study Smoking Cessation Practices in Hospitals
8/26/04
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations announced the implementation of an externally funded research study that will examine the counseling hospitals offer to patients to help them stop smoking. A survey was sent this month to a random sample of 185 hospitals nationwide to assess the smoking cessation counseling provided to hospital patients admitted with diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and pneumonia. Findings from the study will be used to identify best practices and develop educational strategies that health care organizations can employ to improve current smoking cessation practices.
Read press release at www.jcaho.org/news+room/news+release+archives/jcaho_082404.htm.
NIH Releases Research Strategy to Fight Obesity Epidemic
8/25/04
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the release of the final version of the Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research. Emphasizing the importance of cross-cutting investigations, the plan calls for interdisciplinary research teams to bridge the study of behavioral and environmental causes of obesity with the study of genetic and biologic causes.
The Plan calls for intensifying efforts along several fronts:
- Behavioral and environmental approaches to modifying lifestyle to prevent or treat obesity
- Pharmacologic, surgical and other medical approaches to effectively and safely prevent or treat obesity
- Breaking the link between obesity and diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers
- Research on special populations at high risk for obesity, including children, ethnic minorities, women and older adults
- Translating basic science results into clinical research and then into community intervention studies
- Disseminating research results to the public and health professionals.
The report is available online at http://obesityresearch.nih.gov/About/strategic-plan.htm.
Nurses Probe Bronchitis, Memory Loss Link
8/24/04
Paula Meek, a nursing professor at the University of New Mexico, and Kathie Insel, an assistant nursing professor at the University of Arizona are investigating whether chronic bronchitis and emphysema might also cause memory problems. The researchers believe that lung and respiratory diseases might cause carbon dioxide to build up in the blood -- and that hasn't been studied.
"What might be happening is that most of the time the patient's oxygen levels are fine, but a few times a week they might drop and rebound," Meek said. "That could cause the damage to parts of the brain that handle judgment and memory."
A $750,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health Institute of Nursing Research is funding the study. Read more at www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/1092743503.
New NACHC Report Looks at the Nation's Health
8/23/04
The report, "The Nation's Health at Risk: Part II", is the second installment of a series to evaluate the state of the nation's health. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has reported that more uninsured people are using emergency rooms for non-urgent and avoidable conditions, and that the number of primary care doctors who accept Medicaid is shrinking, while the number of specialists is growing. Additionally, this report shows that states are cutting their health care costs and Medicaid spending to help balance budgets. Read full report at www.nachc.com/press/nachcreport.asp.
Federal Campaign to Boost Physical Activity and Nutrition Among Older Americans
8/20/04
The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) has announced that it has begun enrolling partners in a new campaign called "You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging." The campaign aims to boost physical activity and improve food choices among older Americans, and is based on growing awareness among public health officials and medical experts that even modest improvements in diet and activity can promote healthy aging. Visit the web site at www.aoa.gov/youcan.
PhRMA Report on New Medicines in Development for Older Americans
8/19/04
The American Nurses Association has joined the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) in releasing the report on New Medicines in Development for Older Americans.
Promising new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, sepsis and Parkinson's disease are among the numerous medicines in the pharmaceutical pipeline for these and other debilitating diseases of aging - including heart disease, stroke and cancer, the leading killers of seniors. These potential medicines, all of which are either in human clinical trials or awaiting final approval by the Food and Drug Administration, promise to continue the enormous improvements in both life expectancy and quality of life that seniors have experiences over the past half century.
The report may be obtained from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers at www.phrma.org/newmedicines/olderamericans.
Applications for 2005 Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Scholars Program
8/18/04
The American Academy of Nursing is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2005 John A. Hartford Foundation funded Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Scholarship Award. Applications are due January 15, 2005. To learn more about this program and download an application, go to http://www.geriatricnursing.org/applications.
ANA Seeks Comments on Corrections Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice
8/17/04
The Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice in Correctional Facilities, published in 1995, is undergoing revision. The ANA Corrections Working Group requests that you forward your review comments and recommendations about the draft Corrections Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice document by 4 pm October 1, 2004. More...
CDC Offers Health and Safety Tips for Dealing in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
8/16/04
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its web site to include detailed information on hurricanes and offers advice to help people protect themselves from illness, injury, and death after storms subside. Major issues covered by CDC guidelines include food and water safety, structural safety, carbon monoxide hazards, cleanup activities, and protection from mosquitoes.
To view guidelines, go to www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/protect.asp.
ANA Invited to International Conference in Occupational Health Nursing
8/13/04
The ANA Center for Occupational Health and Safety will be participating in the International Conference in Occupational Health Nursing being held in Manila, Philippines, September 2-4, 2004. The conference is titled, "Global Partnership in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment." For the meeting's plenary session, ANA was invited to discuss initiatives focused on workplace and environmental health and how nurses can play a significant role in influencing policy. Among the topics that will be presented are needlestick safety, back injuries, exposure to hazardous drugs, and environmental pollutants secondary to healthcare wastes. For more information, contact Butch de Castro at Bdecastro@ana.org or (202) 651-7138.
International Nurses Society on Addictions Fall Conference
8/12/04
The International Nurses Society on Addictions is pleased to announce its Fall 2004 Annual Educational Conference to be held October 13-16 at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego, California. This year's theme is "Addictions and Nursing Practice: A Global View." More...
Study Finds Group Recreational Music-Making Program Relieves Stress and Burnout in Nursing Students
8/11/04
A new research study has found that group Recreational Music-making (RMM)
significantly reduced burnout and improved mood states among first-year
nursing students. RMM is distinct from "regular" music making in that
it promotes the enjoyment and well-being of the participant and the group,
rather than performance-based outcomes.
The study was led by neurologist Barry Bittman, MD, medical director of the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville, PA, and published in the International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship (vol 1, issue 1, 2004). It demonstrated a 28.1 percent reduction in Total Mood Disturbance (a standard research index) that correlated with a six-session program of facilitated musical participation for 75 first-year nursing students at Allegany College of Maryland.
Read complete press release at http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?
ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-03-2004/0002223849&EDATE=
Reminder - ANA Seeks Comments on Principles of Delegation
8/10/04
The ANA Congress on Nursing Practice and Economics is seeking comments on the "ANA Principles for Delegation". Comment deadline is August 13, 2004.
Funding Opportunities for Nursing Training, Research, and Career Development
8/10/04
The American Cancer Society annually offers more than $130 million in grants that support cancer research projects, training opportunities, and career development for scientific investigators and health professionals working in a variety of disciplines.
In response to identified needs in clinical oncology, the Society also sponsors grants in support of training for health professionals seeking to develop their clinical expertise and/or their ability to conduct independent research.
For the funding opportunities in nursing training, research, and career development, please go to www.cancer.org/docroot/RES/RES_5_1.asp?sitearea=RES.
Call for Abstracts - International Regulation Conference
8/09/04
In conjunction with the International Council of Nurses' (ICN) 2005 Congress, the 7th International Regulation Conference will be held in Taipei, Taiwan on 20 - 21 May 2005. Abstract submissions are due by 1 November 2004. More...
The Leadership Experience for Nursing Professionals
8/09/04
Are you in a position that requires you to be a nursing leader? Would you like to build your leadership skills? ANA is proud to offer "The Leadership Experience for Nursing Professionals" in cooperation with nationally recognized LeaderPoint in Kansas City, September 13-16. This intense course provides you withe skills you need to become a Nursing Leader in any setting. For more information, visit www.leaderpoint.biz/anarn.htm.
MNA Releases Model Hospital Supplement
8/6/04
The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) has published a new report prepared by Public Policy Associates titled "The Model Case for Reducing Patient-to-Nurse Staffing Ratios in Michigan Hospitals: Two Scenarios," to examine the hypothetical costs and the hypothetical savings that may be encountered by an acute-care hospital in Michigan as a result of reducing its patient-to-RN staffing ratio from five patients-per-RN to four patients-per-RN. To read full report, go to www.minurses.org/spc/index.shtml.
AHRQ Launches Morbidity and Mortality Rounds Web site
8/5/04
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has funded WebM&M, a Web-based patient safety resource and journal. The site features expert analysis of medical errors, interactive learning modules on patient safety, and forums for online discussion. CME credit is also available.
Visit WebM&M at http://webmm.ahrq.gov/default.aspx.
Draft Faith Community Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice
8/4/04
The Scope and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice, first published in 1998, is undergoing revision. The Health Ministries Association has been instrumental in supporting the volunteer members of the Working Group completing that six month work effort. The Working Group has posted the draft Faith Community Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice document for public review and comment at www.hmassoc.org/pdf/scopeandstandards.pdf.
You will need Acrobat Reader to open, view, and print the document.
Instructions for submission of public comments are included on page 3 of the document. The deadline for submission of comments is September 10, 2004.
Minority Fellowship Program Events Held at ANA Convention
8/4/04
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) Fellows participated in several events at the ANA Convention, including a Micro-Mini Institute led by Dr. Jerome Taylor, a professor from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, four Fellows presented their research during a plenary session, focusing on the Stigma of Mental Illness among Ethnic Minority Communities in America. More...
The Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Campaign Begins August 3
8/2/04
Of the nearly 44 million Americans without health care coverage, 8.5 million are children. Many of these children are eligible for low-cost or free health care coverage through Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), but their parents may not realize they qualify.
ANA is a national partner in the Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Campaign sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Beginning Tuesday, August 3, activities will take place across the country to help inform families about available health care coverage, and enroll eligible children and parents. Last year, nearly 2,000 activities were held across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you are interested in becoming involved in an activity near you or would like to plan a Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Campaign event, contact Alison Gould at (202) 572-2978.
Free materials are available. Visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org/communications/bts/kit to view and download the Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Action Kit, which contains helpful tips, timelines, template media materials and more. Free posters, fliers, bookmarks and other materials that urge parents to call 1(877) KIDS NOW to find out if they are eligible for programs are also available for you to distribute. Visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org/communications/materials/order to order.
New OJIN Ethics Column
8/2/04
A new OJIN (Online Journal of issues in Nursing) Ethics column is posted!
The latest topic is ethics and collective bargaining. This column features a guest columnist, Dr. Kathleen Williams. Dr. Williams provides a historical look at changes in the health industry’s power based on economic changes and discusses leadership opportunities grounded in ethics. Read column...
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