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Breastfeeding is a key nutritional behavior for infants during their first years of life. While prenatal breastfeeding intentions do not differ significantly between non-Hispanic Black and White mothers, the ability to meet those intentions decreases over time, and to a greater extent among Black mothers. This is partially due to environments inadequately supportive of individuals’ breastfeeding needs (i.e., not breastfeeding-friendly). The Community Readiness Assessment is a powerful tool to assess a community’s readiness to take action on pressing health issues. While it is frequently used to understand readiness to prevent negative health outcomes, this study explores how it can be used to understand readiness to promote breastfeeding friendliness and subsequently identify appropriate intervention strategies. Between November 2020 and June 2021, we conducted interviews with 23 key respondents in New Haven, Connecticut, representing five community sectors. Respondents scored five dimensions of readiness on a 9-point scale (1 = no awareness, 9 = community ownership). The overall community readiness score was 4.2, denoting the “preplanning” stage of readiness. The highest-scoring readiness dimension was “community knowledge about the issue” (mean score: 4.5), and the lowest-scoring dimension was “resources related to the issue” (mean score: 3.3). Small business owners reported the highest readiness score by sector (mean score: 5.0), while large employers reported the lowest (mean score: 3.1). Scores stratified by both sector and dimension revealed specific areas within the community where readiness-level-appropriate interventions could be implemented. This study highlights the benefit of assessing community readiness prior to intervention to identify tailored, equitable, and effective intervention strategies. © 2025 The Author(s). This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).

Do not walk away from this burgeoning hope of heat and dryness.

From a snowbank I watched the squirrel run.

Grey Sparrow Press, in this landmark book, cherishes the voices of national writing treasures published over ten years; Robert Bly, Robert Wexelblatt, Michael C. Keith, Jules Nyquist, Khem Aryal, Marie Sheppard Williams [posthumously,] Doug Holder, Momila Joshi, William Woolfitt, Thomas R. Smith, M.J. Iuppa, LB Chhetri, John Roche, and Bhisma Upreti to name a few. Grey Sparrow Press was formed as a non-profit 501[c]3 on May 11, 2009.

Women faculty often view academic leadership as incompatible with their work-life balance, detracting from research and teaching commitments, resulting in a loss of autonomy and an abandonment of discipline, promoting change in their relationships with colleagues, and placing an increased emphasis on budgeting, regulations and compliance (DeZure et al., 2014).  Many researchers suggest that institutional culture works against leadership development for faculty, making the transition from faculty to administrator unlikely (Barden & Curry, 2013). It is increasingly important to identify the key factors that make the difference for women faculty to assume these roles.  As such, in this study qualitative methods were employed to examine the experiences and career trajectories of 16 academic women who held tenured, fully promoted faculty positions prior to becoming administrators.  The researcher found evidence to support future recruitment and retention in higher education leadership.

Background. Food insecurity, affecting approximately 10% of the U.S. population, with up to 40% or higher in some communities, is associated with higher rates of chronic conditions and inversely associated with diet quality. Nutrition interventions implemented at food pantries are an effective strategy to increase healthy food choices and improve health outcomes for people experiencing food and nutrition insecurity. Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP), a stoplight nutrition ranking system, can facilitate healthy food procurement and distribution at pantries. Purpose. Guided by the RE-AIM Framework, this study assesses the implementation and outcomes of SWAP as nutritional guidance and institutional policy intervention, to increase procurement and distribution of healthy foods in pantries. Method. Mixed-methods evaluation included observations, process forms, and in-depth interviews. Food inventory assessments were conducted at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Results. Two large pantries in New Haven, Connecticut, collectively reaching more than 12,200 individuals yearly, implemented SWAP in 2019. Implementation was consistent prepandemic at both pantries. Due to COVID-mandated distribution changes, pantries adapted SWAP implementation during the pandemic while still maintaining the ?spirit of SWAP.? One pantry increased the percentage of Green foods offered. Challenges to healthy food distribution are considered. Discussion. This study has implications for policy, systems, and environmental changes. It shows the potential for SWAP adoption at pantries, which can serve as a guide for continued healthy food procurement and advocacy. Maintaining the ?spirit of SWAP? shows promising results for food pantries looking to implement nutrition interventions when standard practice may not be possible.

Food insecurity is widespread in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the need for food assistance and created opportunities for collaboration among historically-siloed organizations. Research has demonstrated the importance of coalition building and community organizing in Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) change and its potential to address equitable access to food, ultimately improving population health outcomes. In New Haven, community partners formed a coalition to address systems-level issues in the local food assistance system through the Greater New Haven Coordinated Food Assistance Network (CFAN). Organizing the development of CFAN within the framework of Collaborating for Equity and Justice (CEJ) reveals a new way of collaborating with communities for social change with an explicit focus on equity and justice. A document review exploring the initiation and growth of the network found that 165 individuals, representing 63 organizations, participated in CFAN since its inception and collaborated on 50 actions that promote food access and overall health. Eighty-one percent of these actions advanced equitable resource distribution across the food system, with forty-five percent focused on coordinating food programs to meet the needs of underserved communities. With the goal of improving access to food while addressing overall equity within the system, the authors describe CFAN as a potential community organizing model in food assistance systems. © 2022 by the authors.

We consider combinatorial problems arising in the design of Metro Core optical networks, dealing with the placement of specially equipped nodes capable of efficiently re-distributing the traffic. Two optimality criteria are considered: minimization of the maximal distance between two adjacent nodes, and minimization of the maximal path length. The paths are selected subject to the Quality of Service constraint implemented as the maximal hop length, and subject to survivability implemented as the request for having two edge disjoint paths. Integer programming formulations and a heuristic strategy based on tabu search are presented and solved either optimally using CPLEX 11.0 optimizer, or sub-optimally using a heuristic approach.

Physical mistreatment has been estimated to affect 2 million older persons each year and dramatically affects health outcomes. While researchers have attempted to examine risk factors for specific forms of abuse, many have been able to focus on only victim or perpetrator characteristics, or a limited number of psychosocial variables at any one time. Additionally, data on risk factors for subgroups such as persons with Alzheimer's disease who may have heightened and/or unique risk profiles has also been limited. This paper examines risk for physical violence in caregiver/patient dyads who participated in the Aggression and Violence in Community-Based Alzheimer's Families Grant. Data were collected via in-person interview and mailed survey and included demographics as well as measures of violence, physical and emotional health, and health behaviors. Logistic regression analysis indicated that caregivers providing care to elders with high levels of functional impairment or dementia symptoms, or who had alcohol problems, were more likely to use violence as a conflict resolution strategy, as were caregivers who were providing care to elders who used violence against them. By contrast, caregivers with high self-esteem were less likely to use violence as a conflict resolution strategy. Significant interaction effects were also noted. © 2013 Carla VandeWeerd et al.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are among the most common injuries in field-based team sports with a high-speed running component. The implementation of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a well-documented method of improving eccentric hamstring strength to mitigate the risk of HSI occurrence. Sprint training is specific to the injury mechanism and is thought to activate the hamstrings through maximal eccentric contractions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sprint training and the NHE on eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance., METHODS: Twenty-eight participants (mean+/-SD age=16.21+/-1.34 years; height=1.75m+/-0.10m; body mass=68.5kg+/-12.1kg) completed an eccentric hamstring strength assessment and 40m sprint to assess acceleration and maximum speed. Participants were randomly allocated to either a NHE training or sprint training group. Two sessions per week for four-weeks of training was performed with baseline testing procedures repeated in the week following the intervention. Perceptions of soreness were recorded following the warm-up in each training session., RESULTS: Both the NHE (effect size=0.39, P<0.05) and sprint training (effect size=0.29, P<0.05) groups displayed significant gains in eccentric hamstring strength. The NHE group reported trivial improvements in sprint performance, whilst the sprint training group experienced a moderate improvement, specifically in maximum speed (ES=0.83 Moderate). Sprint training also produced greater perceptions of soreness than the NHE following a four-week training intervention, specifically before the start of the last session (P<0.05)., CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that sprint training had a beneficial effect for both eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance, whilst also producing greater soreness than the NHE following the final training session. It was concluded that a four-week block of maximum speed training may have both an injury prevention and performance enhancement benefit.

Context Both elder self-neglect and abuse have become increasingly prominent public health issues. The association of either elder self-neglect or abuse with mortality remains unclear. Objective To examine the relationship of elder self-neglect or abuse reported to social services agencies with all-cause mortality among a community-dwelling elderly population. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective, population-based cohort study (conducted from 1993 to 2005) of residents living in a geographically defined community of 3 adjacent neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois, who were participating in the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP; a longitudinal, population-based, epidemiological study of residents aged ¿= 65 years). A subset of these participants had suspected elder self-neglect or abuse reported to social services agencies. Main Outcome Measures Mortality ascertained during follow-up and by use of the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess independent associations of self-neglect or elder abuse reporting with the risk of all-cause mortality using time-varying covariate analyses. Results Of 9318 CHAP participants, 1544 participants were reported for elder self-neglect and 113 participants were reported for elder abuse from 1993 to 2005. All CHAP participants were followed up for a median of 6.9 years (interquartile range, 7.4 years), during which 4306 deaths occurred. In multivariable analyses, reported elder self-neglect was associated with a significantly increased risk of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 5.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.20-6.51). Mortality risk was lower but still elevated after 1 year ( HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.67-2.14). Reported elder abuse also was associated with significantly increased risk of overall mortality (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07-1.84). Confirmed elder self-neglect or abuse also was associated with mortality. Increased mortality risks associated with either elder self-neglect or abuse were not restricted to those with the lowest levels of cognitive or physical function. Conclusion Both elder self-neglect and abuse reported to social services agencies were associated with increased risk of mortality. JAMA. 2009; 302(5):517-526 www.jama.com

This article presents a theoretical framework for the study of social and behavioral factors associated with elder self-neglect. The model presented reflects the authors' beliefs that a risk-vulnerability model offers a useful framework from which to study all forms of elder mistreatment, as well as elder self-neglect. This model has particular utility, because it can begin to define the elements of risk and vulnerability that may be addressed using preventative measures as opposed to solely addressing intervention, which is often the case when addressing elder mistreatment and self-neglect. The authors then address a method for using the Consortium for Research in Elder Self-neglect of Texas data as currently constructed and adding to that database to effectively study risks and vulnerabilities in the elder self-neglect population. These additional data would greatly expand the scope of the study. The discussant adds his perspective to the ideas proposed by the authors.

Background: The rates of annual visits for adult Medicaid enrollees to the emergency department (ED) are increasing. Many programs throughout the country are focused on engaging patients in the use of their primary care providers (PCP) rather than the ED for low acuity conditions. It is unclear, however, the proportion of patients who are willing to use primary care services rather than the ED if they are given the choice. Methods: Cross-sectional study of adult Medicaid enrollees (18 y and older) presenting to a large, urban, academic ED from June to August 2012 with a low acuity condition was performed. We excluded patients who did not have a PCP or active Medicaid insurance. Our primary goal was to determine the proportion of patients who prefer to use the ED, rather than their PCP clinic, if an appointment was immediately available. Our second goal was to understand why patients would prefer ED over PCP care. Results: A total of 150 patients agreed to complete the survey, and 95 (63.3%) met our inclusion criteria. Forty-three patients (45.3%) stated preferring to use their PCPs rather than the ED if an appointment was available at that time. Thirteen (48.1%) cited that the ED had more technology or specialty care services available when compared with their PCP's clinic, 8 (15.4%) were in significant pain, and 6 (11.5%) felt the care they received in the ED was better than what they would receive in their PCP clinic. Conclusions: Our study shows that a little less than half of adult Medicaid enrollees presenting to the ED with low acuity conditions would have preferred to use their PCP rather than the ED, if an appointment had been immediately available.

Despite prevention efforts of colleges and universities across the nation, there have been no substantial decreases in heavy episodic drinking among undergraduates over the past 2 decades.This study provides an update on correlates of heavy episodic drinking for a recent cohort of undergraduate college students.A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. Participants were randomly selected undergraduate students from a public 4-year university located in the Northeast.Heavy episodic drinking was associated with male gender, white race, having a family history of drug or alcohol abuse, smoking cigarettes, and using marijuana. Age, athlete status, completion of an alcohol education program, condom use, depression, anxiety, and financial stress were not associated. After controlling for gender and race, marijuana use and smoking cigarettes were found to increase predictability of heavy episodic drinking.Rates of heavy episodic drinking remain high but correlates may be shifting for this cohort of college students. Opportunities to address heavy episodic drinking concurrently with cigarette smoking and marijuana use should be explored.Qualitative research methods are needed to gain insight into reasons for heavy episodic drinking; information that could inform the creation of more effective programming. © 2014 Copyright © SHAPE America.

Empirical data support the benefits of physical activity for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, the experience of exercising during or after breast cancer treatment has not been fully documented. The purpose of the researchers in this study was to provide an in-depth description of women's experiences with exercising during or after their breast cancer treatments, specifically, their perceptions of the benefits they experienced as a result of participation in an individualized exercise program that included cardiovascular and resistance activities. Forty-five women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer within the previous two years were recruited from two oncology practices after electing to enroll in an exercise program. Data were collected between September 2006 and August 2007 through in-depth interviews at various stages in the exercise program and analyzed simultaneously using thematic analysis methods. Whether in treatment or post-treatment, women attributed psychological, physical, and social benefits to their participation in the exercise program. Participants credited the program with helping them to feel better, regain control over their bodies and their lives, manage their emotions, and prepare them to live healthfully going forward. These results provide insight into the specific ways women experience exercise during and after their breast cancer treatments.

Objective: To explore the psychosocial effects of living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the experiences of young women diagnosed with this endocrine disorder. Design: A qualitative, phenomenological methodology was used. Data were obtained through personal, semistructured interviews. Setting: College campuses in New England. Participants: A purposive sample of 12 young women with PCOS age 18 to 23 years. Results: The following themes emerged from analysis of participants' responses: concerns for older self, feeling physically inferior, coping with symptoms, patient-provider relationship, seeking useable information and support, and coming to terms with a chronic condition. Conclusions: Participants in this study faced numerous physical, social, and emotional challenges on a daily basis. As these young women gathered information relevant to their needs, sought and received social support, and maintained their daily routines to improve their health and appearance, they came to terms with this chronic condition. Based on participants' relayed experiences, it became evident that a need exists for health care practitioners to include psychosocial support in a comprehensive holistic plan for the treatment of PCOS in adolescents and young women in their early twenties. JOGNN, 40, 709-718; 2011. DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01299.x