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Recreational Activities (recreational + activity)
Selected AbstractsThe Impact of Human Recreational Activities in Marine Protected Areas: What Lessons Should Be Learnt in the Mediterranean Sea?MARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 2002Marco Milazzo Abstract. The aesthetic appeal of marine reserves and the facilities provided, together with the increased public awareness of nature, all contribute to creating massive tourism in MPAs. Human activities are being changed inside MPAs in two ways: humans as top predators are generally being removed, but in turn they could come back at great numbers as visitors. Many authors have studied the impact of visitors, and the results highlight that the consequences can be very substantial and may represent a severe threat to the overall diversity of marine communities. To date, the documented effects of human recreational activities on natural communities are restricted to assessing the consequences of trampling over intertidal and upper infralittoral areas, boat anchoring in seagrass meadows and tropical reefs, or SCUB A-diving. In this paper we review the available literature world-wide on the effects of human recreational activities in marine communities. The objective is to address the extent of these impacts and to highlight the gaps of knowledge to be filled in order to optimise decision making on research, monitoring, and management of Mediterranean MPAs. A specific plan for managing tourism use in each Mediterranean MPA should be designated. These strategies should be implemented through education, training, and changes in legislation and policy. [source] How hypoglycaemia can affect the life of a person with diabetesDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 2 2008Brian M. Frier Abstract Hypoglycaemia is the commonest side-effect of insulin treatment for diabetes, and is the single greatest barrier to achieving and maintaining good glycaemic control. Severe hypoglycaemia (requiring assistance for recovery) is associated with significant morbidity and is feared by most people with type 1 diabetes and their families. It causes stress and anxiety and may influence self-management and glycaemic control. The annual prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia is around 30% in people with type 1 diabetes, and is higher in those with risk factors such as strict glycaemic control, impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia and increasing duration of diabetes. It is also common during sleep (nocturnal hypoglycaemia). Neurological manifestations include coma, convulsions, transient hemiparesis and stroke, while reduced consciousness and cognitive dysfunction may cause accidents and injuries. Cardiac events may be precipitated such as arrhythmias, myocardial ischaemia and cardiac failure. Hypoglycaemia can affect all aspects of life, including employment, driving, recreational activities involving exercise, and travel, and measures should be taken in all of these situations to avoid this potentially dangerous side-effect of insulin therapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The factors influencing the abrasion efficiency of saltating grains on a clay-crusted playaEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 5 2001Christopher A. Houser Abstract The entrainment and subsequent transport of PM10 (particulate matter <10,µm) has become an important and challenging focus of research for both scientific and practical applications. Arid and semi-arid environments are important sources for the atmospheric loading of PM10, although the emission of this material is often limited by surface crusts. It has been suggested that the primary mechanisms through which PM10 is released from a crusted surface are abrasion by saltating grains or disturbance by agricultural and recreational activities. To examine the importance of saltation abrasion in the emission of PM10, a series of field wind tunnel tests were conducted on a clay-crusted surface near Desert Wells, Arizona. In a previous part of this study it was found that the emission rate varies linearly with the saltation transport rate, although there can be considerable variation in this relationship. This paper more closely examines the source of the variability in the abrasion efficiency, the amount of PM10 emitted by a given quantity of saltating grains. The abrasion efficiency was found to vary with the susceptibility of the surface to abrasion, the ability of the sand to abrade that surface and the availability of material with a caliper size <10,µm within the crust. Specifically, the results of the study show that the abrasion efficiency is related to the crust strength, the amount of surface disturbance and the velocity of the saltating grains. It is concluded that the spatial and temporal variability of these controls on the abrasion efficiency imposes severe contextual limitations on experimentally derived models, and can make theoretical models too complex and impractical to be of use. Copyright© 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An Evaluation of the Tourist Potential of the Climate in Catalonia (Spain): A Regional StudyGEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES A: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2004M Belén Gómez Martín Martín Abstract The many links that exist between tourism and the atmospheric elements point to the need to evaluate the potential of the climate as a resource. This study of the spatial and temporal variations of the climate,tourist potential in Catalonia (Spain) is based on the classification of daily weather situations according to the main combinations of climatic variables in the study area, and is adjusted to reflect bioclimatic criteria and tourist perceptions. The results of the study reveal major differences in the climate,tourist aptitudes of the region and, in general, a high tourist potential. However, given that the climate is not the sole factor intervening in the temporal and spatial distribution of tourist activities in Catalonia, it is apparent that the tourist aptitudes of the Catalan climates are not fully exploited by planning in this sector; thus, the periods of the year and areas identified as being climatically suitable for recreational activities are greater than the actual periods and area dedicated to tourism. [source] The resilience of calcareous and mesotrophic grasslands following disturbanceJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2005RACHEL A. HIRST Summary 1Understanding habitat disturbance and recovery is vital for successful conservation management and restoration, particularly of subseral communities with high nature conservation interest and sites subject to unavoidable disturbance pressures, such as that arising from access and recreational activities. 2Grassland resilience was investigated on the Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) in southern England, the largest of the UK military training areas. SPTA contains the greatest expanse of unimproved chalk grassland in north-west Europe, a habitat of particular nature conservation interest. 3Historical aerial photographs were used to identify 82 calcareous and mesotrophic grassland sites disturbed over a 50-year time period. Vegetation, soils and seed bank data were collected from each old disturbance site. Revegetation time periods following disturbance were compared, and habitat resilience following disturbance investigated using the succession of surface vegetation along the chronosequence, the combined changes of vegetation and soil chemistry, and finally vegetation and seed bank composition. 4The sampled calcareous grasslands were less resilient following disturbance than the mesotrophic grasslands, with slower colonization of bare ground and target species re-assembly. The mesotrophic grasslands typically took between 30 and 40 years to re-establish following disturbance, whereas calcareous grasslands took at least 50 years. 5Even after such long time periods, there remained subtle but significant differences between the vegetation composition of the disturbed and undisturbed swards. Perennial forb species, particularly hemicryptophytes, persisted at higher frequencies in swards disturbed 50 years ago than in undisturbed swards. 6Synthesis and applications. Prediction of habitat resilience following disturbance is dependent on which components of the system are investigated. However, data such as that presented here can help land managers understand how palimpsests of current habitat characteristics may have evolved, and how disturbance regimes may be managed in the future. It is likely that the resilience of grasslands such as those on SPTA may have been overestimated, and perceptions of habitat carrying capacity for disturbance events may require re-evaluation. [source] Application of microbial source tracking methods in a Gulf of Mexico field settingJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009A. Korajkic Abstract Aims:, Microbial water quality and possible human sources of faecal pollution were assessed in a Florida estuary that serves shellfishing and recreational activities. Methods and Results:, Indicator organisms (IO), including faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci, were quantified from marine and river waters, sediments and oysters. Florida recreational water standards were infrequently exceeded (6,10% of samples); however, shellfishing standards were more frequently exceeded (28%). IO concentrations in oysters and overlaying waters were significantly correlated, but oyster and sediment IO concentrations were uncorrelated. The human-associated esp gene of Enterococcus faecium was detected in marine and fresh waters at sites with suspected human sewage contamination. Lagrangian drifters, used to determine the pathways of bacterial transport and deposition, suggested that sediment deposition from the Ochlockonee River contributes to frequent detection of esp at a Gulf of Mexico beach. Conclusions:, These data indicate that human faecal pollution affects water quality in Wakulla County and that local topography and hydrology play a role in bacterial transport and deposition. Significance and Impact of the Study:, A combination of IO enumeration, microbial source tracking methods and regional hydrological study can reliably inform regulatory agencies of IO sources, improving risk assessment and pollution mitigation in impaired waters. [source] Participation of Children with and without Disabilities in Social, Recreational and Leisure ActivitiesJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2010Abbie Solish Background, One method of promoting children's friendship development is through activity participation with peers. However, children with disabilities seem to engage in fewer of these activities, and when they do participate often do so primarily with adults. Materials and Methods, This study compared activity participation and friendship in typically developing (TD) children (n = 90), children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 65), and children with an intellectual disability (n = 30) between the ages of 5 and 17 years. Parents completed a questionnaire about their child's participation in social, recreational and leisure activities. Results, The TD children participated in significantly more social and recreational activities and had more friends than the children with disabilities. Notable differences emerged among groups in the percentage of activities the children participated in with peers, parents and/or other adults. Some significant differences were noted between the ASD and intellectual disability groups. Conclusions, Research concerning activity participation should continue to take into account not only whether children are engaging in activities, but explore more precisely ,with whom' these activities are occurring. [source] Overall self-rated health: a new quality indicator for primary careJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2007James E. Rohrer PhD Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Patient ,empowerment' gives patients choices about their own care and about the outcomes they would most prefer. Many patients can be presumed to regard overall self-rated health as an important outcome. Therefore, overall self-rated health can be considered a relevant and important outcome measure for a patient-centred medical clinic. The purpose of this study was to use this new outcome measure as a dependent variable and to test the hypothesis that patients who are confident about their ability to manage their health will have better health, in comparison to more dependent patients. Methods, We conducted a randomized cross-sectional postal survey of 500 veteran patients from the Panhandle of Texas and the surrounding areas; and 302 participated in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis that health confidence is positively related to self-rated health, controlling for obesity, cigarette smoking and participation in recreational activities. Results, Veterans who strongly disagreed with the statement that they usually could overcome illnesses on their own were less likely to report good, very good or excellent self-rated health (adjusted odds ratio = 0.25). Conclusions, Overall self-rated health as measured by a single question proved to be significantly related to behavioural risk factors in this sample of primary care patients, attesting to its validity as an outcome indicator. Furthermore, health confidence was associated with better health. Most primary providers believe that they can, through good communication and providing self-care tools, increase healthy behaviours in their patients. If we are indeed able to increase health confidence in our patients, this study would suggest that self-rated health would improve. [source] An evaluation of a domiciliary respite service for younger people with dementiaJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2002Kader Parahoo RMN BA(Hons) PhD Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives There is a lack of respite services designed specifically for younger people with dementia. There is also a dearth of studies on the evaluation of domiciliary respite services for carers of people with dementia in general. This paper reports on the evaluation of a domiciliary respite service for carers of younger people with dementia, in one area in Northern Ireland, provided by a local branch of the Alzheimer's Society. Methods Using a qualitative approach, eight carers and their families were interviewed in their own homes about their views and expectations of the service, the benefits and problems they experienced, and other issues of relevance to them. Results Overall, they reported great satisfaction with the service. The way they used, and benefited from, the service differed for individuals. Most of them, however, gained respite in the form of help with bathing and dressing the person with dementia. Carers reported that they did not engage in social or recreational activities during the period of respite. Instead they used the respite time to catch up with household chores and shopping. Discussion and conclusions The benefits and concerns can only be understood from the perspectives of carers and in the context of their needs, values, beliefs and traditions. The insight gained can be used to inform future provision of services for this population. [source] Prymnesium parvum: The Texas Experience,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 1 2010Gregory M. Southard Southard, Gregory M., Loraine T. Fries, and Aaron Barkoh, 2010. Prymnesium parvum: The Texas Experience. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(1):14-23. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2009.00387.x Abstract:, Golden alga Prymnesium parvum was first identified in Texas during a fish kill investigation on the Pecos River in 1985. Since then golden alga kills occurred sporadically in a variety of waters in the western part of the state until 2001 when the alga became endemic in the Brazos, Canadian, Colorado, Red, and Rio Grande river systems, including the water supplies of two public fish hatcheries, the Possum Kingdom and Dundee state fish hatcheries. The increasing area adversely affected by the alga and frequent massive fish kills heightened public and political awareness and concerns regarding the ecological and economic impacts of P. parvum blooms. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the wildlife conservation agency of the state, responded to these concerns with a program to assess the ecological and economic impacts and to develop management options. To date 33 water bodies have been affected and losses are conservatively estimated at 34 million fish valued at US$13 million. Several sport fisheries, including smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, striped bass Morone saxatilis, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, and blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus, have been severely affected. Additionally, 26 imperiled fish species occur in the affected water basins and some have been adversely affected. Economic losses associated with reduced fishing and other water-based recreational activities appear considerable. The combined economic losses to three counties (Palo Pinto, Stephens, and Young) surrounding Possum Kingdom reservoir for 2001 and 2003 were estimated at US$2.8 million and US$1.1 million, respectively. This paper describes how the TPWD responded to public and political concerns relative to the emergence of golden alga, its harmful effects to fisheries, and its historic and current statewide distribution. [source] OVERCOMING THE NATION'S BEST LANDSCAPED SEWER: RECREATORS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 1 2003Jo Beth Mullens ABSTRACT: Once referred to as America's "best landscaped sewer," the Connecticut has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last three decades. During this time, a number of public agencies and private organizations have worked diligently to implement policies and measures aimed at improving the river's quality. Ample data collected over the years indicate that the actual water quality conditions of the Connecticut River, as measured by empirical parameters, have improved. However, prior to this study, no data existed regarding the public's perceptions of these changes. This paper will address this issue by presenting the results of a multiyear survey designed to assess the public's perceptions regarding the Connecticut's current quality, and its suitability in supporting various recreational activities. The results suggest that the majority of individuals perceive the Connecticut's water quality to be high enough to support a wide range of recreational activities including those involving physical contact with the water. Additionally, this research concludes that the vast majority of individuals who have recreated on the river for 20 years or more do perceive a significant improvement in the river's overall quality. Thus, it appears that policies and actions taken to improve the Connecticut's quality have been successful in the public's eye. [source] Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon residues in the sediments of a dune lake as a result of power boatingLAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2001Thorsten D. Mosisch Abstract The potential chemical effects of motorized recreational activities (power boating, water skiing, jet skiing) on Brown Lake, an Australian perched, acid dune lake, were investigated. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs) that may have accumulated in the water and/or the organic bottom sediments of the test lake as a result of the operation of powered recreational watercraft, and to evaluate any risk to aquatic biota. To achieve this, a detailed sampling and analysis programme of the lake water and sediments was implemented. Basic water quality, ionic and nutrient data gave no indication of any deterioration in the water quality of the lake, which was attributable to human usage in general or motorized recreational activities in particular. However, analysis of samples taken from the organic bottom sediments of the lake revealed the presence of 10 PAH, including benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene and pyrene, which are known to be indicative of fossil fuel combustion processes. Three PAH compounds were found at all survey sites: benzo(a)pyrene (in 46% of samples), fluoranthene (in 53% of samples) and pyrene (in 44% of samples). Results of the analyses were compared with values from published guidelines for residues in freshwaters and sediments, as well as with previous studies dealing with the effects of fossil fuel combustion products on lakes. The highest PAH concentrations in sediments were recorded for benzo(a)pyrene, with three values (830, 955 and 1070 ,g kg,1 dryweight) exceeding the upper threshold recommended in the draft Canadian freshwater sediment quality guidelines. Benzo(a)pyrene also exceeded the lower Canadian sediment threshold in 51 (40%) samples. These results indicate a significant level of chemical contamination of Brown Lake as a consequence of four decades of motorized recreational activities and present a significant risk to aquatic biota, particularly benthic and littoral invertebrates associated with the contaminated sediments. [source] The Impact of Human Recreational Activities in Marine Protected Areas: What Lessons Should Be Learnt in the Mediterranean Sea?MARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 2002Marco Milazzo Abstract. The aesthetic appeal of marine reserves and the facilities provided, together with the increased public awareness of nature, all contribute to creating massive tourism in MPAs. Human activities are being changed inside MPAs in two ways: humans as top predators are generally being removed, but in turn they could come back at great numbers as visitors. Many authors have studied the impact of visitors, and the results highlight that the consequences can be very substantial and may represent a severe threat to the overall diversity of marine communities. To date, the documented effects of human recreational activities on natural communities are restricted to assessing the consequences of trampling over intertidal and upper infralittoral areas, boat anchoring in seagrass meadows and tropical reefs, or SCUB A-diving. In this paper we review the available literature world-wide on the effects of human recreational activities in marine communities. The objective is to address the extent of these impacts and to highlight the gaps of knowledge to be filled in order to optimise decision making on research, monitoring, and management of Mediterranean MPAs. A specific plan for managing tourism use in each Mediterranean MPA should be designated. These strategies should be implemented through education, training, and changes in legislation and policy. [source] Changes in body composition after a 12-wk aerobic exercise program in obese boysPEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 2 2000Richard A DeStefano Previous studies have shown that vigorous aerobic training programs for obese children result in minimal weight changes, and concluded that they may not be beneficial. Weight change alone may not detect important beneficial changes in body composition associated with vigorous training in these children. Fifteen obese boys (aged 9,12 yr, body mass index (BMI) 31.8±6.5, average percent body fat (%BF) 41±4.2) underwent a supervised aerobic and resistance training program (12 wk, 2 days/wk for 30 min/session), to investigate the effects on weight and body composition. After the 3-month training period, weight loss averaged only 1.5±1.0 kg (not significant), but total body fat decreased by 4.1±1.8 kg (p<0.05) and fat-free mass (FFM) increased by 2.6±1.1 kg (p<0.05) based on hydrostatic weighing. As a result, %BF fell by 10% (p<0.01). There was a 5.8±2.8 mL/kg/min (p<0.05) increase in peak volume of oxygen uptake (VO2), along with a 248±120 kcal/d (p<0.05) increase in resting energy expenditure (REE). Activity questionnaires showed a significant increase in high intensity recreational activities (6.5±1.5 vs 3.5±0.5 h physical activity/wk; p<0.01) in the home and a significant decrease in low intensity activities (7±2.0 vs 12±3.5 h TV viewing/wk; p<0.01). Conclusions: Vigorous supervised aerobic training in obese boys has beneficial effects on body composition, fitness and leisure time activities that are not apparent by measurement of changes in body weight alone. [source] Unintentional dispersal of aquatic invertebrates via footwear and motor vehicles in a Mediterranean wetland areaAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 5 2010Aline Waterkeyn Abstract 1.Several human activities, such as actions for nature conservation, research and recreational activities, are closely associated with inland aquatic habitats that are usually considered as isolated island habitats. In this study, the possibility of unintentional dispersal of aquatic invertebrates among water bodies via footwear and motor vehicles was investigated. 2.Mud samples collected from boots and from the tyres and wheel cases of cars used for field work by biologists (Camargue, Southern France) were hatched under laboratory conditions and also checked for the presence of unhatched propagules. A large number of organisms hatched and invertebrate propagules from a wide range of taxa were encountered (including Artemia, freshwater large branchiopods, Cladocera, Ostracoda, Rotifera, Turbellaria, Nematoda, etc.). The results also demonstrated that different research groups tend to transport the aquatic invertebrates typical for their respective study systems. 3.Human dispersal of aquatic invertebrates has been studied mainly on large continental scales, such as in the case of transoceanic transport via ballast water in ships. This study provides evidence that dispersal via footwear and motor vehicles may result in frequent dispersal of aquatic invertebrates on a local scale, and we presume also occasionally over longer distances. Given the rapid spread of invasive zooplankton species (e.g. Artemia franciscana encountered in this study), we promote caution and recommend cleaning before transport of any equipment which comes in contact with water or aquatic sediment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The impact of childhood chronic neurological diseases on Greek familiesCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2005M. Tzoufi Abstract Background, Although the impact of childhood chronic neurological diseases (CND) on patients' psychological well-being has been increasingly addressed, little attention has been given to the influence of these conditions on family members and family functioning. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the family characteristics of Greek children suffering from CND. Methods, A total of 52 parents of children with CND were studied by using the Family Environmental Scale (FES), the Family Burden Scale, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and a questionnaire on the knowledge of their children's illness, their coping strategies and their satisfaction with our services. During the same period, 30 parents of hospitalized children for common paediatric illnesses completed the FES. In both groups social and demographic features were registered. Appropriate statistical processes were applied to compare the above-mentioned family groups and to study the differences between the families of children with epilepsy (n = 37) and the families of children with other CND (n = 15). Results, Parents of children with CND discuss their problems less freely, talk less openly around home, score highly on FES subscale of Conflict and, pay more attention to ethical and religious issues and values. Furthermore, the families of children with other CND were more burdened regarding the financial state and the health status of other family members in comparison with families of children with epilepsy. In addition, families of children with epilepsy were more involved in social and recreational activities, appeared to be more knowledgeable on the availability of help in critical conditions and were more satisfied with rendered medical services, in comparison with families of children with other CND. Conclusion, These preliminary findings provide important information concerning the special characteristics of Greek families of children suffering from CND, which may prove especially helpful in organizing specific support services. [source] ,If I had a friend in a wheelchair': children's thoughts on disabilitiesCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 3 2001M Tamm Summary The purpose of the present study was to examine what notions there are among ordinary preschool children and schoolchildren about physically handicapped children using wheelchairs. Forty-eight children,16 children of preschool age (half boys, half girls, aged around 6), 16 children in primary school class 2 (half boys, half girls, aged around 8) and 16 children in class 4 (half boys, half girls, aged around 8),constituted the investigated group. The method used was a combination of drawings produced by the children themselves serving as a projective image, interview questions in connection with the drawings and a self-assessment scale, based on Osgood's semantic differential technique. The results showed that most children had favourable attitudes towards a child in a wheelchair. They were willing to include the disabled child in their games and recreational activities, and they considered that the disabled child would have many friends and a high self-esteem. However, they saw real obstacles for the disabled child both in play situations and in other environmental settings. No tangible differences between the sexes could be found; however, differences by age were present. The results were discussed with regard to earlier research and topics for further research are suggested. [source] A meta-analysis of the association of physical activity with reduced risk of colorectal cancerCOLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 3 2005A. K. A. Samad Abstract Background Physical activity may be associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The main aim of this paper is to review the available evidence for a link between exercise and large bowel cancer. Methods A Cochrane-type methodology was performed. Data extracted included, type of study, type of physical activity measured and the numerical results. The risk ratios (RR) of the studies have been pooled according to the type of study, type of exercise, type of cancer and sex. Pooling was undertaken using fixed effect meta-analysis. A random effect meta-analysis was used where substantial heterogeneity existed. Result Data from 19 cohort studies showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of colon cancer in physically active males, RR being 0.79 (95% CI 0.72,0.87) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.68,0.91) for occupational and recreational activities, respectively. In women only recreational activities are protective against colon cancer (RR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.57,0.88). Case-control studies showed significantly reduced risks of colon cancer in both sexes irrespective of the type of activity. No protection against rectal cancer is seen in either sex. Conclusion There is considerable evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of colon cancer in both males and females. [source] Sledding Injuries in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in a Northern CityACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2001Donald C. Voaklander PhD Abstract. Objectives: Sledding is a common recreational activity in northern communities. The objective of this study was to examine the frequency and nature of sledding injuries (SIs) in patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs). Methods: The data were derived from a cohort of patients treated at all five EDs in an urban Canadian health region over a two-year period. Following chart review, consenting patients were interviewed by telephone about their sledding activities and the circumstances surrounding the injury. Results: Three hundred twenty-eight patients were correctly coded as having SIs, with 212 patients (65%) reached during the follow-up survey. The median age of those with SIs was 12 years (IQR = 8, 21), and 206 (59%) were male. Injury rates peaked in the 10-14-year age group (87/100,000) for boys and in the 5-9-year age group (75/100,000) for girls. Most patients stated they were drivers (75%), fewer than half were thrown from the sled (42%), and fewer than half (44%) were sledding on community-designated sledding hills at the time of injury. Injuries to the lower extremity (32%), upper extremity (31%), and head (13%) were most common. Thirty-seven (11%) patients with SIs were admitted to hospital vs 4% of patients with other sports/recreation injuries (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sledding injuries are common and potentially serious wintertime injuries in northern communities, involving primarily younger patients, with a large pre-adolescent group. However, older sledders (>20 years) have poorer outcomes (hospitalization, lost time from work/school) than their younger counterparts. The SIs treated in the ED appear to lead to hospitalization more frequently than other types of sport/recreation injury, and injury prevention strategies appear warranted. [source] Identifying the Activities Affected by Chronic Nonmalignant Pain in Older Veterans Receiving Primary CareJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2005Bao D. Duong MD Objectives: To identify the specific types of activities affected by chronic pain in older persons and the extent to which older individuals modify, perform less frequently, or terminate activities because of pain. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Primary care practice at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New England. Participants: Two hundred forty-four patients (aged 65,90) with chronic nonmalignant pain. Measurements: Open-ended questions were used to identify the activities affected by pain; participants' responses were subsequently organized into distinct categories (e.g., climbing stairs under higher-order physical activities and going out to dinner under social/recreational activities). Participants were also asked to indicate whether they had modified, performed less frequently, or terminated these activities because of pain. Results: Participants had a mean age±standard deviation of 75.4±5.2, were mostly male (84%), and had an average pain intensity score of 6.2±1.9 on a 0- to 10-scale. Two hundred three participants (83%) reported that pain affected one or more higher-order physical activities, and the corresponding percentages for the categories of social/recreational activities, instrumental activities of daily living, and basic activities of daily living were 74%, 57%, and 3%, respectively. The proportions of participants who modified, performed less frequently, or terminated one or more activities because of pain were 71%, 69%, and 22%, respectively. Conclusion: Assessing the effects of chronic pain across multiple functional domains is indicated in older primary care patients, particularly higher-order physical and social/recreational activities. Inquiring about whether the activities are modified, reduced, or terminated may also help to expand understanding of pain-related disability in older persons. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||