
For the fifth consecutive time, Rush University Medical Center has received Magnet designation, the highest national recognition given for nursing excellence.
The outcome of a College of Nursing research study has been published online in the American Journal of Health Promotion. The Women’s Lifestyle Physical Activity Program, an interdisciplinary study led by nursing researcher JoEllen Wilbur PhD, APN, FAAN, addressed physical activity in underserved populations. As a nursing scientist, professor and member of the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, Wilbur is recognized for advancing the science and practice regarding women’s physical activity.
Wilbur’s multi-year study, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, focused on women in predominately African-American communities. The study measured whether a combination of physical activity group interventions along with follow-up phone calls would increase the adoption of healthy living. The study found that group meetings alone were a powerful intervention for increasing physical activity and preventing weight gain in this community.
This community study provides additional scientific support to the recent surgeon general’s call to action to promote walking and walkable communities.
The paper, originally published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, offers the following implications for health promotion practitioners and researchers:
“What is already known on this topic?
What does this article add?
What are the implications for health promotion practice and research?