As nursing faculty, students, or practicing nurses, we serve as patient advocates in relation to risks to pregnant women, children, and families or persons in the workplace. Knowing what truly matters and what does not matter can sometimes prove daunting. All That Matters (http://www.prhe.ucsf.edu/prhe/allthatmatters.html) is a series of nontechnical, patient-centered brochures that can be used to provide patients with strategies to protect themselves and their families from toxic chemical exposures. The University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) developed these resources through the FASTEP (From Advancing Science to Ensuring Prevention) Alliance of clinical and scientific experts in reproductive, occupational, environmental, and pediatric medicine, public health, and toxicology. Included are tips for pregnant women, a Spanish version of these tips, work-related suggestions, and suggestions to avoid pesticide exposures at home and at work.

Toxic Matters and Cuestiones de Salud (a low-literacy Spanish version of Toxic Matters) provide tips on how pregnant women, or women who are planning a pregnancy, can avoid chemical exposures. This resource has been incorporated into UCSF's electronic medical records and is provided as part of prenatal care. Work Matters focuses on prevention of toxic exposures in the workplace along with strategies for pregnant women to use to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Food Matters provides food selection guidelines, and Pesticides Matter includes tips on avoiding pesticide exposures at work and at home.

These resources are based on reliable evidence and are nontechnical and patient-centered. Having a Spanish-language version of at least one of the resources is also useful.

Source: EnviRN News. "All That Matters"-great patient resource now available. September 6, 2012. Available at http://envirn.org/. Accessed October 1, 2012.

Submitted by: Robin E. Pattillo, PhD, RN, CNL, News Editor at [email protected].