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Social Media and the Effects of Nutrition Misinformation
No full textContext: Social media use has been steadily increasing since its conception. Social media allows anyone to share any information, regardless of their qualifications or education. With this rise in the use of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok specifically, people are consistently exposed to nutrition-related misinformation. This has the strong potential to negatively impact users; social media use has been associated with altered body image, increased impulsiveness, and increased prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating habits. Moreover, access to affordable nutrition care by a dietitian a source of accurate nutrition information is not always feasible for people. Evidence Acquisition: This qualitative study uses a survey to gauge the likelihood of people believing nutrition information shared on various platforms. Regarding five mock social media posts, the survey also asks how likely viewers are to implement the respective information in their own lives. Results: In total, 60 survey responses were collected. Of those, 36 participant responses were included in the survey data analyses. After analyzing various demographics groups, the ""50-59 years old"" age group, ""Associate's Degree or Trade School"" education group, and the ""3-4 hours/day"" social media usage group were the most likely to trust and be impacted by nutrition misinformation found on social media. Conclusion: The results of this study cannot currently be generalized to external populations due to a small sample size, limited survey advertisement, and potential situational bias from the participants. While these factors limit the reliability and external validity of these results, the study does highlight the presence of a non-zero probability that people believe and would potentially implement nutrition misinformation seen on social media
The Relationship of Vitamin D Status and Sleep Quality on Body Composition in Division 1 Athletes
No full textVitamin D deficiency is a common issue that is seen in the United States. Vitamin D plays a role in many physiological processes that contribute to a person's basic health. Athletes have an increased need to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels in order to reduce injury risk and keep body composition within a normal level to optimize performance. Sleep is another component that contributes towards overall health, especially in athletes. Sleep plays a role in recovery, energy levels, and also contributes towards body composition. There is research that explains the relationship between vitamin D status and body composition, however, to our knowledge no study exists examining vitamin D, sleep quality, and body composition among athletes. Athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be used as subjects for this research study. After informed consent is given, previously collected data on vitamin D status and body composition will be gathered and compared to a validated sleep questionnaire that participants will complete. Previously collected data consists of body composition acquired via DEXA scan (GE HealthCare) and vitamin D status collected via finger prick (OmegaQuant). Data analysis will be conducted through Microsoft Excel. Correlation coefficients will be used to assess significant relationships between data points. The purpose of this research study is to gain a better understanding of how vitamin D status and sleep quality affect body composition in elite athletes. By conducting this research study, we can better relay information to athletes on how to optimize their nutrition and sleep to increase athletic performance
Strengthening Connections: Bridging Education and Play Therapy
No full textChild-centered play therapy (CCPT) techniques have peer-reviewed support among a myriad of populations and with non-mental health professionals. Research indicates that early education can enhance school readiness, provide support for working families, and create foundational relationship skills fostered through teacher-student connections (Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, 2024). The purpose of this study was to conduct a summative program evaluation regarding a presentation on the basic skills of child-centered play therapy techniques. This study investigated the perceived usefulness of CCPT techniques among early education professionals following a program that provided a basic overview of CCPT through a mixed-methods research design. It was hypothesized that early educators would perceive CCPT techniques to be useful and applicable. Perceived usefulness received a mean score of 3.5 out of 5 and likelihood to implement in the classroom received a mean score of 4.1 out of 5. The program was viewed overall as relevant, engaging, and educational; most participants reported that they would be willing to implement it within their classrooms. Participants also highlighted the personal impacts of presenter demonstrations of CCPT skills and ways in which their perspectives on child behavior were impacted. These findings demonstrate the need to broaden the scope of application of child-centered play therapy techniques to early education for additional trauma-informed practices within an education setting
Injury and Identity: Mental Health Challenges in Athletes Facing Sudden Exercise Disruption
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Program Evaluation of Preoperative Education of Women Undergoing Hysterectomy or Endometriosis Surgery
No full textWomen undergoing hysterectomy or endometriosis surgery often experience preoperative anxiety and significant postoperative pain, which may be exacerbated by inadequate education. At a Midwestern medical center, the preoperative education program for women undergoing hysterectomy or endometriosis surgery was evaluated for its impact on positive patient outcomes, particularly preoperative anxiety, and postoperative pain. The program involves nurses from two departments delivering education through multiple modules, including in-person, and video sessions, informational materials, and preoperative phone calls. A total of 29 nurses (N = 29) were participants in the evaluation, completing surveys regarding their perceptions and medical opinions on patient anxiety, preparedness, and the role of support persons. Thematic analysis of data was conducted using both manual coding and software assistance. Interviews were conducted during preoperative phone calls to assess the delivery of the educational content. Findings indicate that while the program effectively provided quality education, areas for improvement were identified. Notably, opinions revealed that many patients lacked awareness of postoperative pain expectations and the necessity of urination before discharge. Nearly 45% of participants answered that women appeared anxious prior to surgery "about half of the time," and some patients were not adequately prepared with the necessary supplies for recovery. Enhancing patient awareness of postoperative pain, ensuring preparedness for home recovery, and encouraging a support person during education sessions can reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, improving outcomes for patients, families, and the healthcare team
Weight Loss Outcomes of GLP-1 Receptor Agaonist With and Without Nutrition Interventions Among Adults With Obesity and T2dm: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials
No full textThe rising obesity rates have led to a marked increase in the prescription of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) for weight management, particularly among adults and young adults, with a 594.4% surge from 2020 to 2023. While these medications are effective for weight loss by modifying appetite and enhancing satiety, concerns about potential loss of lean body mass (LBM) are noteworthy due to their negative effects on metabolic health and physical function. To address these concerns, dietary and lifestyle changes are essential, where dietitians play a crucial role in personalizing nutrition to maintain muscle mass and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Research indicates that combining lifestyle interventions with GLP-1RA therapy yields better weight management outcomes. Our meta-analysis emphasizes the need for a shift in weight management strategies from a medication-centric model to a holistic approach that integrates dietary education with GLP-1RA use. This integration is essential to reduce risks associated with rapid weight loss, preserve LBM, manage side effects, and foster sustainable lifestyle changes. Two analysis were employed to assess weight loss trends among individuals receiving GLP-1RA alone and GLP-1RA with nutrition interventions. Studies included participants aged 18-60 years, with a BMI of ?25, or type 2 diabetes. The analysis focused on outcomes such as weight loss, A1c levels, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal side effects. It was hypothesized that individuals receiving nutrition intervention with GLP-1RA would experience improved weight management, metabolic outcomes, along with fewer gastrointestinal issues. Our findings revealed a statistically significance in weight loss outcomes with GLP-1RA versus placebo (p=<0.0017) and when combined with nutritional interventions (p=<0.0001). Improvements in A1c levels (p=<0.0001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=<0.0001) were also significant in the nutrition intervention groups. However, no significant differences were found in gastrointestinal distress across intervention groups. This meta-analysis underscores the importance of GLP-1RA therapy with dietary education for effective weight loss and metabolic health. Dietitians play a vital role in tackling issues related to lean mass loss and treatment side effects. Further research is needed to enhance outcomes and promote sustained weight management and better health
Culturally Responsive Leadership in Organizational and Community Settings: Understanding Perceptions, Trust, and the Teach Framework
No full textAs organizations and communities become increasingly diverse, there is a growing need for leadership approaches that center identity, inclusion, equity, belonging, and cultural awareness. This grounded theory study explored how individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and professional backgrounds—including senior executives—experience leadership that affirm identity and fosters inclusion. Using race and role-based focus groups, the study created psychologically safe spaces for authentic dialogue. Through rigorous analysis of participant narratives, a theory of culturally responsive leadership emerged beneficial to broad sectors of organizations and community settings. Central to this theory is the development of the original TEACH Framework™ —Trust, Empathy, Accountability, Cultural Awareness, and Honest (Inclusive) Communication—which offers a research-informed and practice-oriented model. The study also introduces the TEACH Framework™ Leadership Continuum, a spiral-based model illustrating the ongoing, developmental nature of leadership growth. Together, these models provide a timely, actionable lens to guide leaders across civic, organizational, and community contexts. They advance both theory and practice by offering a pathway to equity-centered, culturally grounded leadership that honors the lived experiences of diverse communities
The Paradox of Time Off: Off-Contract Professional Strain Among School Counselors During Summer Break
No full textThe profession of school counseling is essential to student development, yet counselors face increasing demands that often extend beyond the academic calendar. This evolving and complex role means that school counselors often struggle to disengage and recharge during off-contract time such as nights, weekends, and extended breaks, impacting their overall well-being. This hermeneutic phenomenological study introduces the concept of Off-Contract Professional Strain (OCPS), a newly defined phenomenon describing the ethical, emotional, and professional obligations school counselors experience during off-contract periods, such as summer break. Through semi-structured interviews with nine licensed school counselors, five key themes and a meta-theme emerged: Structural and Systemic Challenges, Responsibility to the Profession, Crisis Response, Ethical Dissonance, Personal and Relational Impact, and the meta-theme is Fearing for the Future of The Field. These findings highlight how persistent student mental health needs, role ambiguity, and institutional and societal expectations converge to affect counselor well-being. This study fills a critical gap in the literature and offers implications for counselor education, supervision, and systemic reform to better support school counselors' sustainability and resilience
Counselor's Navigation of Dependent Personality Disorder in Couples Therapy
No full textHistorically, psychotherapy emphasized personality disorders from an individual perspective, often overlooking their impact on intimate partner relationships. This study examines the strategies and processes used by relationship counselors working with couples where one partner presents with dependent personality traits. Guided by the research question, What are the lived experiences of counselors working with couples where one partner presents with dependent personality traits?, this study employed a qualitative, phenomenological descriptive design. Five relationship counselors participated in semi-structured interviews, providing in-depth narratives of their clinical experiences. Data was analyzed through a multistage process of thematic coding, initial open coding, and cross-case synthesis to identify shared meanings. Analysis revealed five primary themes: the importance of anxiety and attachment insecurity, the need to create autonomy and individual voices, the influence of sociocultural expectations which can reinforce dependency traits, the use of stabilization and co-regulation strategies, and the clinicians' avoidance of stigmatizing diagnostic labels. Collectively, these findings suggest the importance of attachment-informed, trauma-sensitive, and systemic interventions when addressing relational distress stemming from dependency traits. Implications include expanding counselor training to integrate relational and systemic conceptualizations of DPD and encouraging interventions that promote differentiation, emotional safety, and balanced relational functioning. This study contributes to a more relationally-focused understanding of DPD, offering guidance for clinicians who are supporting couples affected by dependency dynamics