In an earlier article in this journal, the author looked at malnutrition in the community from the patient's perspective (JCN, 28(2): 40–4). Here, she examines some practical tips on how community nurses can provide help for patients in danger of becoming malnourished. Malnutrition may have been caused by a chronic problem that has resulted in years of gradual deterioration and prompt action can prevent malnutrition escalating further and affecting the patient’s overall health. In this case, more detailed and supportive treatment from family, friends and healthcare services may be required to help implement changes in a patient's routine. By using some of the ideas highlighted in this article, and with regular monitoring and support, nurses can better help patients in the community to recover quickly from, or avoid, malnutrition.
Obsession with weight has been identified as a significant problem in modern society, particularly among young women. Similarly, the phenomena of weight and shape preoccupation have been recognised as preliminary behaviours to the development of eating disorders. This study aimed to identify the current incidence of, and factors associated with, weight preoccupation, shape preoccupation, and eating disorder risk in female US university students aged 18 to 23 years. An online study was used and the findings demonstrated that 31% of respondents identified themselves as weight-preoccupied and 33% as shape-preoccupied. Overall, the study found that asking students whether they are weight-preoccupied could be an initial step in early intervention for those at risk of developing an eating disorder.
Samantha A Ramsay, Assistant Professor of Foods and Nutrition and Director of the Coordinated Programme
Laurel J Branen, Professor of Emeritus
Miranda L Snook, Research Assistant, School of Family and Consumer Sciences
All at University of Idaho, Moscow, USA
Professor Donald Naismith discusses the possible links between diet and cancer.
Jean Curry describes the implementation of a lipid clinic led by nurses in Northumberland.
Jean Curry RGN, RM, DipN (Lond), DipHV, BSc(Hons), Community Nursing Science, CPT is a Health Visitor/Community Practice Teacher, Bondgate Surgery, Alnwick, Northumberland.
Article accepted for publication July 1999.
Claire O'Brien discusses the role of carbohydrates in the diet and their importance in disease prevention.
Claire O'Brien SRD is a freelance state registered dietician.
Article accepted for publication September 1999
Dympna Pearson outlines the health benefits of reducing levels of obesity in the general population.
Dympna Pearson, SRD is a Consultant Dietitian and Freelance Trainer. Article accepted for publication: October 2002
Sandra Drummond unravels the mysteries of the diabetic diet
Dr Sandra Drummond Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Public Health Nutrition, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh. Article accepted for publication: April 2003
Nick Puffett examines the management of constipation using natural remedies.
Nick Puffett RN, DN, BSc Hons, BA Hons (Nursing), HE Dip. Cancer Nursing is a Community Nurse/Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Article accepted for publication: August 2003
