Nurses Communicating Risk: Strategies from the Literature

Risk communication interventions can provide benefits at both the individual and population level, however, there is a paucity of research that explores the effectiveness of risk communication strategies by nurses. A literature search yielded twelve studies that investigated the components and effectiveness of risk communication by nurses. This article presents some of the key theories used in risk communication, current nursing science exploring risk communication strategies, and recommendations for future research and practice

The Nexus of Climate Change, COVID-19, and Environmental Justice on Children\u27s Health

Climate change poses a threat to children, who are increasingly vulnerable, depending on adults to protect them from the impacts of these changes including extreme weather events, poor air and water quality and risk to mental health. Children living in poverty carry additional burdens and risks, living in environments that consistently experience poor air and water quality from polluting industries, compounded by the effects of climate change. COVID-19 has placed additional challenges to children’s health and increases the complexity of addressing climate change and environmental justice. The intersection between climate change and COVID-19 exacerbates these existing disparities by impacting children\u27s physical and mental health that are a direct product of poverty and structural racism. This article examines the nexus of climate change, COVID-19, and environmental justice that impacts the mental and physical health of children including anxiety, stress, adverse childhood experiences, and depression; increases in violence and aggression; and the effects of air pollution. Public health professionals and health care providers must be aware of national strategies that protect children from environmental health risks and emerging infectious diseases, such as climate change and COVID-19, respectively

Exposures to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Reducing potential risks to reproductive and children's health

Presented by: Laura Anderko – Professor, Endowed Chair, Co-Director at Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment, Region 3 PEHSU, [email protected] Co-authors: Emma Pennea, Ruth McDermott-Levy Abstract: There are growing concerns about the potential health impacts on reproductive and children’s as the science on the human health effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to emerge. Data suggests that PFAS exposure may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children and induce vaccine-reduced immune protection. Exposure may increase cholesterol levels and lead to some cancers. Important exposure pathways include consumer products, fire-fighting foam, and a contaminated drinking water supply. Without EPA regulation or established standards for testing and treatment, prevention of exposure is key to reducing negative health impacts. Public health personnel and health care providers play an important role in educating communities on how to reduce the risk of exposure. This presentation will focus on strategies for educating health professionals and communities on health impacts, testing, and best practices for reducing exposures. Biography: Dr. Laura Anderko PhD RN, professor at Georgetown University’s School of Nursing & Health Studies holds the Scanlon Endowed Chair in Values Based Health Care. She is Co-Director of the federally funded Region 3 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit. Dr. Anderko is a scholar in the field of children’s environmental health, publishing on the health impacts of PFAS on children. In 2021 she will begin serving on NASEM’s Committee for Guidance on PFAS Testing and Health Outcomes.Ope

The effect of concurrent use of an oral contraceptive and appetite suppressant on the blood pressure of low-risk young adult women

Bibliography: pages [40]-43The hypothesis of this study stated that the blood pressure of low-risk young adult women taking oral contraceptives and appetite suppressants will be significantly higher than the blood pressure of low-risk young adult women taking only oral contraceptives. A physiological framework was used to explain changes incurred after appetite suppressant and/or oral contraceptive ingestion. An ex post facto design was used, with information obtained from the records of 60 clients registered at a county-run family planning clinic. Analysis of covariance was used for data analysis, with results supporting the hypothesis. Findings support the importance of the nurses' role in educating women about safe self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and non- pharmacologic alternatives to weight loss. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of women combining appetite suppressant and oral contraceptive usage, and the adverse physiological effects that may occur when combining these two medications.M.S. (Master of Science

The association between self-reported cancer history and social indicators in American adult women.

The association between self-reported cancer history and social indicators in American adult women