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Introduction To evaluate the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system ( LNG- IUS) in obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding in Counties Manukau Auckland area, New Zealand. Methods Prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital. Twenty women with heavy menstrual bleeding ( HMB) who agreed to treatment with the LNG- IUS and had a body mass index ( BMI) of >30 kg/m2 were recruited between May and December 2014. The women completed two validated tools (Menstrual Impact Questionnaire and the Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart) at recruitment, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Demographic, medical and laboratory variables were obtained from the relevant CMH databases. Data on side effects and satisfaction were obtained from the women at 12 months. Results The median age (range) and BMI of the 20 women were 40.5 years (27-52 years) and 40.6 kg/m2 (30-68), respectively. Three LNG- IUS were removed due to infection and pain and these women were subsequently booked for a hysterectomy. The reduction in menstrual loss was estimated at 19.7% per month (95% CI (12.5%, 26.2%); P < 0.001), which translates to 73.2% per period of 6 months (95% CI (55.3%, 83.9%)) and 92.8% per period of 12 months (95% CI (80.0%, 97.4%)). The six items in the quality of life measure improved significantly in 14 women but only 12 women were satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion The LNG- IUS was an effective treatment for 67% of obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding over a 12-month period, as assessed by the reduction in menstrual bleeding and the improvement in the quality of life measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research which examined the occurrence of childhood trauma in children with bipolar disorder. Topics covered include the impact of stress on the treatment course for the children and the rate of childhood trauma in patients with the condition. Also mentioned is the use of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire in the study.

Aim and objective. To investigate health differences between nurses who report meeting the daily physical activity recommendations in or away from the workplace. Background. Adhering to the national physical activity recommendations has known health benefits. Whilst often considered a workplace active profession, data are emerging of poor health amongst nurses. However, health differences between workplace or leisure-time physically active nurses are understudied. Design. The investigation is an observation study of Australian and New Zealand nurses. Data were generated from the longitudinal, population-based, observational e-Cohort nursing survey. Methods. Data were informed and groups defined by the self-reported minutes per day of moderate physical activity collected from a large international survey of practicing nurses ( n = 2264). Groups were: Group (G) 1 - high workplace (≥30 minutes/day)/high leisure (≥30 minutes/day), G2 - high workplace/low leisure (<30 minutes/day), G3 - low workplace/low leisure (<30 minutes/day) and G4 - low workplace/high leisure. Results. G2 had a high BMI and were younger than G4. G4 were significantly more active away from work and more likely to report cycling to work than G2. In contrast, G2 were most likely to have taken sick days because of their health (χ2 = 19·101), have difficulty sleeping most of the time and have a medical history of diagnosed anxiety and depression. Conclusions. This study shows that improved well-being can be achieved in nursing cohort through leisure-time physical activity. Relevance to clinical practice. This research shows that nurse should consider leisure-time physical activity necessary to maintain and prolong health and that workplace activity is not a sufficient stimulus. This has important implications for workforce planners and administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. An Internet-based weight-loss programme has the potential to reach larger numbers of people than traditional face-to-face programmes. A growing body of evidence supports the use of low glycaemic load (GL) diets for weight loss. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an Internet-based weight-loss programme that included foods with a low GL. One hundred and three volunteers, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg m, enrolled into an Internet weight-loss programme. A dietitian counselled participants over the Internet via weekly interactive chat rooms and monthly e-mails. Participants self-recorded body weight and food intake directly on to the Internet site. Weight, BMI and waist circumference were measured, and dietary data collected, at baseline and 6 months. Seventy participants completed the 6-month weight-loss programme. Among these, mean weight, BMI and waist circumference significantly decreased by 3.5 kg (95% CI = 2.3-4.7), 1.2 kg m (95% CI = 0.8-1.7) and 4.8 cm (95% CI = 2.8-6.8), of baseline values respectively ( P < 0.001). Twenty-five (36%) of the 70 participants lost a clinically significant amount of weight (>5% of initial body weight). This descriptive study has shown that an Internet-based weight-loss programme with low GL principles can promote weight loss. This type of intervention and approach could be used to enhance other weight-loss strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a longitudinal study that analyse sleep duration in children in relation to body mass index (BMI) and body fat. The study used anthropometry, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance to measure body compositions. Other information including birth weight, smoking during pregnancy and maternal BMI were collected at baseline. The study found that children with less hours of sleep are more likely to be overweight as they grow older.