Exercise During Pregnancy: The Role of Obstetric Providers.

Exercise during pregnancy: the role of obstetric providers.

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2013 Aug; 113(8): 612-9
May LE, Suminski RR, Linklater ER, Jahnke S, Glaros AG

Obstetric providers are logical choices for conveying information about physical activity to their pregnant patients. However, research regarding obstetric providers counseling pregnant patients about physical activity is sparse.To investigate the association between obstetric providers discussing exercise with their pregnant patients and patients’ exercise behaviors and to explore factors related to obstetric providers discussing exercise and other health behaviors (tobacco use, alcohol use, and nutrition) with their patients.We received completed surveys from 238 pregnant women and 31 obstetric providers at 12 obstetrician offices. The offices were located throughout the United States and were heterogeneous in regards to patient insurance coverage, number of patients treated per month, and percentage of patients with complications.Women who were “more careful about eating healthy” (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-8.0) and who discussed exercise with their obstetric provider (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.3) were more likely to “maintain or increase exercise” during pregnancy than those who were not conscientious about their diets and those who did not discuss exercise with their obstetric provider, respectively. The odds of obstetric providers discussing exercise with pregnant patients increased 7-fold (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.4-37.3) for each health behavior the obstetric provider discussed with the patient.Patient discussions with obstetric providers about exercise and patient attention to eating habits are associated with exercising during pregnancy. A more multibehavioral approach by obstetric providers may improve the likelihood that patients exercise during pregnancy. HubMed – eating

Dietary Regimens of Athletes Competing at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013 Aug 5;
Pelly FE, Burkhart SJ

The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary regimens reported by athletes competing at a major international competition and report whether these were based on nutrient composition, religious beliefs, cultural eating style, food intolerance or avoidance of certain ingredients. A questionnaire was randomly distributed to 351 athletes in the main dining hall of the athletes’ village over the three main meal periods during the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games (23rd Sept – 14th Oct, 2010). The majority (n=218, 62%) of athletes reported following one or more dietary regimens, with 50% (n=174) following a diet based on the nutrient composition of the food. Significantly more athletes from weight category and aesthetic sports (28%, p=0.005) and from power/sprint sports (41%, p=0.004) followed low fat and high protein regimens respectively. Other specialised dietary regimens were followed by 33% of participants, with avoidance of red meat (13%), vegetarian (7%), Halal (6%), and low lactose regimens (5%) reported most frequently. Significantly more athletes from non-Western regions followed a vegetarian diet (p<0.001), while more vegetarians reported avoiding additives (p=0.013) and wheat (p=<0.001). A Western style of eating was the most commonly reported cultural regimen (72% of total with 23% from non-Western regions). Those following a Western diet were significantly more likely to report following a regimen based on nutrient composition (p=0.02). As a high proportion of athletes from differing countries and sports follow specialised dietary regimens, caterers and organisers should ensure that adequate nutrition support and food items are available at similar events. HubMed – eating

HealthPartners Adopts Community Business Model To Deepen Focus On Nonclinical Factors Of Health Outcomes.

Health Aff (Millwood). 2013 Aug; 32(8): 1446-52
Isham GJ, Zimmerman DJ, Kindig DA, Hornseth GW

Clinical care contributes only 20 percent to overall health outcomes, according to a population health model developed at the University of Wisconsin. Factors contributing to the remainder include lifestyle behaviors, the physical environment, and social and economic forces-all generally considered outside the realm of care. In 2010 Minnesota-based HealthPartners decided to target nonclinical community health factors as a formal part of its strategic business plan to improve public health in the Twin Cities area. The strategy included creating partnerships with businesses and institutions that are generally unaccustomed to working together or considering how their actions could help improve community health. This article describes efforts to promote healthy eating in schools, reduce the stigma of mental illness, improve end-of-life decision making, and strengthen an inner-city neighborhood. Although still in their early stages, the partnerships can serve as encouragement for organizations inside and outside health care that are considering undertaking similar efforts in their markets. HubMed – eating