Lori W. Turner

Fruit and vegetable intake and weight-control behaviors among US youth.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and weight control behaviors among youth. METHODS Data (N = 16,262) were derived from the 1997 national school-based Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). RESULTS Results indicated that adolescents in this study, especially females, were at risk for inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Weight-control behaviors were high especially among females. CONCLUSION Although some weight-control behaviors may be hazardous, adolescents who were practicing weight-control behaviors engaged in the positive dietary behavior of consuming more servings of fruits and vegetables.

A Prediction Model for Polypharmacy: Are Older, Educated Women More Susceptible to an Adverse Drug Event?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tins study attempts to account for variation in the number of prescription medications concurrently consumed in geriatric populations. Methods: Data were selected from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, III, 1988–1994 (NHANES III), Adult Household Questionnaire, a complex, multistage, clustered sampling of civilian, non-institutionalized populations, which included a volunteer sample of 5,249 individuals aged 65 and older who participated in NHANES III survey, representing four broad geographic regions and twelve states. Results: Age, income, and educational level accounted for nine percent of the variation in the number of prescription medications concurrently taken (p < 0.0001); though non-significant, there were gender differences regarding polypharmacy; in addition, there were significant differences with respect to educational levels by region and age by region (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Educational level accounted for the most variation in polypharmacy. Women, on average, consumed more prescription medications than men. Older, more educated women may be most likely to engage in polypharmaceutical consumption, suggesting a greater likelihood of an adverse drug event.

Influence of Yard Work and Weight Training on Bone Mineral Density Among Older U. S. Women

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of type of physical activity on bone mineral density among older U.S. women. Findings from the present study indicate that jogging, swimming and calisthenics were weak predictors for high bone density values. Bicycling, aerobics, walking and dancing were moderate predictors for positive bone density. Yard work and weight training were strong and independent predictors for positive bone density.

Osteoporotic Fracture among Older U.S. Women Risk Factors Quantified

The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for osteoporotic fracture among a national sample of 2,325 women ages 50 years and older. Predictors for examination included age, race, heredity, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and dairy product use. Analyses were conducted using Standard Analysis System (SAS) procedures. Strong risk factors predicting osteoporotic fracture included age, race, low BMI, and inactivity. Recommendations emphasize screening of high-risk women, achieving and maintaining health body weights for underweight women, and obtaining moderate physical activity. Promotion of healthy body weights for women of all ages is emphasized. Recommendations also include encouraging widespread physician, patient, and public education regarding osteoporotic fracture.

Non-equipment exercise-related injuries among US women 65 and older: emergency department visits from 1994-2001.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate the relative frequency, types of injury, types of exercise, and mechanism of non-equipment exercise-related injury among women 65 and older. Methods included a descriptive analysis of emergency department (ED) visits to hospitals participating in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Researchers identified 851 exercise-related injuries to women 65 and older. Estimates are that 37729 older women were treated in emergency departments for injuries related to non-equipment type exercise activity from 1994–2001. Although there are many benefits to exercise, injuries due to overuse and existing physical conditions such as osteoporosis are a concern for active older women. Promotion of safe exercise activities and programs for older women are recommended.

A review of current weight management: research and recommendations.

PURPOSE To review current research and recommendations on weight loss and weight control and provide suggestions for health care providers who furnish weight management counseling. DATA SOURCES Scientific publications, clinical guidelines, and government sources CONCLUSIONS Research reaffirms the long‐held understanding that weight loss can be accomplished only through a reduction in the number of calories consumed and an increase in exercise. Weight maintenance requires life‐long behavioral change combining moderate exercise, lower fat intake, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as social support. Fad diets and medications are not the answer to long‐term weight maintenance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The essential components of a weight loss or weight management program include: calorie reduction of 300–500 calories per day, appropriate exercise, variety in food choices, increased consumption of grains, fruits, and vegetables, and reduction of fat to no more than 30% of daily calories. Clients should be referred to dietitian and exercise consultants as needed.

Changes in Behavior and Behavioral Intentions among Middle-Age Women: Results from an Osteoporosis Prevention Program

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in behaviors and behavioral intentions that occurred among 342 middle-age women (M age 49.5 yr.) after participating in an Osteoporosis Prevention Program. The valid and reliable Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey (developed by Doheny and Sedlak) and a survey developed for this work were measures. Significant changes in behaviors were reported, especially increases in weight-bearing physical activity, dairy product intake, and decreases in consumption of caffeine-containing beverages. Many subjects reported intentions to increase physical activity and calcium intake. An Osteoporosis Prevention Program may help promote osteoporosis prevention behaviors, but intents must be followed up to check actual change.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis Among Middle-Aged Women.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors for osteoporosis among a sample of middle-aged women. METHODS Adipose tissue and bone mineral density levels at the left femur, lumbar spine, and total body were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Subjects (n=342) were surveyed regarding a variety of osteoporosis-related risk factors. Forward stepwise multiple regression procedures were utilized. RESULTS Menstrual status, hormone replacement therapy, adipose tissue, and dairy product intake were retained in the regression models. CONCLUSIONS Osteoporosis prevention programs need to emphasize the importance of hormonal status and body composition in addition to obtaining adequate calcium intake.