January 2002 AJN Highlights

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

January 2002 AJN Discusses Preventing Hip Fractures, Osteoporosis

01/08/02

A woman's risk of hip fracture is equal to her risks of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers combined. The January 2002 issue of the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) discusses undergarments that may significantly reduce the risk of hip fractures. Another article outlines contemporary approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, which currently affects eight million women and two million men.

This month's AJN also highlights a new theory linking reduced incidence of infectious diseases and increased incidence of allergic conditions. In addition, the journal examines bronchial hygiene therapy as an important strategy for improving the health of people with illnesses like asthma, chronic bronchitis, cerebral palsy, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and Lou Gehrig's disease, and discusses an oscillating vest as one of the newest approaches to removing airway secretions.

Also featured in the January issue, Kristine Gebbie, RN, DrPH, Columbia University Professor and former commissioner of health for the states of Washington and Oregon, is one of the authors of an article on the core competencies for emergency and disaster preparedness.

Don't miss ANA's columns: "Washington Watch" explains how political action committees can have a positive impact on the passage of nurse- and patient-friendly legislation; "Issues Update" reports on ANA's efforts to support advanced practice registered nurses' practice; and "Health and Safety" discusses how JCAHO has become a force in needlestick prevention.