HELIN Digital Commons
Not a member yet
62477 research outputs found
Sort by
Bridging the Gaps in Nutritional Development: A Literature Review on Toddler Nutrition Interventions
No full textOptimal nutrition in early childhood is essential for achievement of developmental milestones all of which encompass established benchmarks of physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. The field of early childhood nutrition is dedicated to devising strategies that ensure young children receive the necessary nutrients for their ideal development. Despite advancements in areas such as the availability of diverse food options on the market, educational programs for young parents, and nutrition-focused school initiatives, nutritional deficiencies remain a significant challenge. These deficiencies hinder the ability of toddlers to thrive both physically and mentally, impacting their overall growth and developmental potential.
Recent research has led to the development of numerous programs and interventions designed to address these deficiencies and enhance the overall well-being of the toddler population. The early childhood interventions aim to foster healthy habits early on, which can greatly improve quality of life. However, the sheer number of diverse strategies currently employed among various populations poses not only opportunities but also a few significant challenges. Among those challenges is the discernment involved in tailoring a group or collection of interventions in order that they fit the unique social and cultural needs and values of distinct communities in ways that are both effective and sustainable. Involving parents, educators, and policy makers in the design of these crucial interventions will help ensure their success. Additionally, applying innovative technology and data in their design will facilitate the identification of areas for improvement as well as the personalization of available interventions to individual toddlers’ health and dietary needs.
The following literature review examines how diet and feeding practices affect toddler growth, from ages one to three specifically. Further research into toddler dietary practices and health habits can guide caregiver practices and create supportive environments, whether that be at home, childcare, school, or within broader community settings, ultimately fostering healthier growth and development during this critical stage of life. This can avoid illness and disease not only at this stage of life but promote lifelong healthy habits that continue their best contributions to overall well-being, supporting physical, mental, and emotional health well into adulthood. The review conducted below was driven by this research question: What are effective nutritional strategies for not only addressing but also preventing nutrient deficiencies in toddlers (ages one to three) that will likewise positively impact toddler development
Recollections of Domenic DiPiero \u2794
No full textDomenic DiPiero, class of 1994 and founder of the Newport Capital Group, shares his experience at Salve Regina University. He was a student of business from 1990 to 1994 and a leading force in the establishment of the football team on campus. DiPiero served as the team’s first captain and had close relationships with Tim Coen and Vincent Petrarca, the coach and assistant coach respectively. After his graduation from Salve, he founded the Newport Capital Group, a financial consulting firm, in 2004; DiPiero discusses the rewards and challenges of starting his own company. He shares memories of the leadership skills he learned and the importance of valuing the community around him. DiPiero hopes that Salve Regina will continue to foster the legacy of the football team and provide exciting opportunities for students for years to come
Impact of Trauma-Informed Care in Higher Education
No full textTrauma is prevalent among students in higher education, with 66% to 85% of university students having experienced a traumatic event (Wells et al., 2021). Additionally, college students in the United States currently report greater psychological distress and mental health challenges than in the past (Ray et al., 2024). Traumatic experiences can lead to challenges in emotional regulation, delayed brain development, and increased risk of adverse health outcomes and academic failure (Gao et al., 2023). However, use of a trauma-informed care approach to higher education at both a departmental and classroom level can minimize barriers and improve occupational engagement in education, as well as overall mental health and wellbeing of students.
This poster presentation highlights the results of a scoping review that examined the benefits of trauma-informed care approaches to higher education through an occupational therapy lens. In all studies, perceived benefits of trauma-informed care were reported from both a student and a faculty perspective, including improved mental health and wellbeing. Although the evidence suggests that trauma-informed care can improve student outcomes, there is a lack of knowledge regarding occupational therapy education specifically, and further research should be done. This scoping review highlighted current evidence and the need for future research in this subject area, identifying potential next steps for occupational therapists and educators
Social Media and Depression in College Students
No full textWhile studies suggest social media use may increase the risk of poor mental health, few studies have examined how the ways in which college students use social media may play a role in this risk. A prospective cohort study (N=586) of college students who own iPhones at a higher education institution in the northeast US was conducted with five follow-up visits in October 2021 through March 2022. Social media uses were assessed using the Social Networking Sites Usage & Needs Scale, measuring five different domains: diversion, cognitive, affective, personal integration, and social integration. Time lagged, generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to examine the association between each domain score and subsequent depression while controlling for sexual and gender identity, age, race/ethnicity, social status, social support, and sleep problems. Median (IQR) domain scores at baseline were 15 (14-17) for diversion, 16 (15-17) for cognitive, 13 (10-16) for affective, 13 (11-15) for personal integration, and 20 (18-21) for social integration. Several domains were associated with increased relative risk of depression, including diversion: 1.05 (95%CI: 1.02,1.07), personal integration: 1.02 (95%CI: 1.00,1.04), and social integration: 1.02 (95%CI: 1.00,1.05). Conclusions suggest that mental health harms of social media may be dependent upon how it is used. Those using social media for cognitive or affective needs may be at lower risk for depression than for other needs
LSVT BIG vs. Boxing: Community Engagement in PD
No full textParkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive disease that can impair an individual’s ability to engage fully in community activities. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT BIG) and non-contact boxing (NCB) on community engagement among individuals with PD. A comprehensive search was conducted across four academic databases—CINHAL, EBSCO Academic Complete, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this review assessed risk of bias and levels of evidence using established, industry-standard tools. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published between September 2019 and September 2024, focused on either LSVT BIG or NCB, and addressed factors related to community engagement. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria, categorized as Level IIb (n = 3), Level III (n = 1), Level IIIb (n = 6), and Level IV studies (n = 3). Current research demonstrates improvement with balance, endurance, and mobility, and non-motor outcomes like quality of life (QoL). Evidence indicates that LSVT BIG demonstrates significant improvements in motor symptoms, while NCB offers notable psychosocial benefits
The Genetic Role of PCSK 1
No full textProprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 1 (PCSK 1) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder associated with severe digestive issues, delayed puberty, and obesity. The cause of this genetic mutation occurs when a person inherits two copies of an autosomal recessive gene. Recessive traits are more common in families who marry close relatives. When the PCSK 1 gene is negatively impacted, it can impair the enzyme function, worsening the disease. As the gene is being mutated, it can create other mutations such as N309K, RCV001374497-rs143209024, and c.1095 + 1G \u3e A. The N309K gene affects the active site of an enzyme that causes the body to have diarrhea and affects endocrinopathies. RCV001374497-rs143209024 can cause rare hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome. The final mutation c.1095 + 1G \u3e A will skip over exon 8, and the non-functional protein stays stuck in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing stress on the ER. When researching PCSK 1, it was concluded that this gene can result in obesity and other health issues, but other factors such as epigenetics can play a greater role. Studies have shown that when a mother consumes too much or too little food during their pregnancy, it can permanently change the development of a baby’s metabolism. As obesity rates continue to rise, more advanced drug treatments like Ozempic are likely to be produced. By allowing individuals to take their dosages at home, these medications may diminish the prevalence of obesity in future years
Multi-Modal Education and Pediatric Power Mobility
No full textCaregivers of children with mobility impairments desire quick and efficient ways to access educational materials. There is a lack of research surrounding receptivity to the provision of pediatric power mobility educational materials despite evidence of its benefits. This qualitative research study aimed to capture the perspectives of caregivers who are provided education regarding their child’s mobility options. Participants involved in the study are caregivers of children experiencing mobility impairments. They participated in semi-structured interviews to help the investigator understand the lived experience of mobility options for children ages 12-36 months. Periodic unstructured interviews to collect information on the lived experiences of caregivers were conducted before and/or after a therapy session with their child. The interviews were conducted in person and on Zoom with each individual family or in groups at Bizzy Bees Therapy