New knowledge and additional research are needed to renew our scholarship and improve our approach to practicing the art and science of nutrition. The authors in this issue have worked hard to generate new knowledge, ask and answer relevant questions, and advance nutrition and dietetic practice.
A new approach for working with students is to tell a story, prompted by the trend of Narrative Medicine in medical schools. Habash's article is unique by exemplifying use of the narrative story with clients/patients. Listening and counseling skills are important in medicine; these techniques also are important to help dietitians solidify the therapeutic alliance with the client. Narrative medicine may be of value to nutrition and dietetics practitioners where the patient or client is a key member of the team.
An era of simulated learning has developed in the health professions. Holthaus et al tested an interprofessional experience (IPE) simulation with dietetic students by using a pre/posttest survey. The IPE increased student perceptions of the value of the health care team. The authors concluded that the IPE simulation improved an understanding of the profession, improved self-efficacy, and could impact patient care.
Nutrition assessments and interventions are critical components of the provision of nutrition services in various settings. Sealey-Potts et al assessed tools for measuring overweight and obese children and compared skinfolds, body mass index, waist to height ratio, and waist and neck circumferences for accuracy. They found a combination of measures were the most appropriate and found a need for further study to understand inconsistencies and address the standardization of anthropometric tools.
Labyak and Johnson examined an anthropometric technique, sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), for use in adolescents, 12 to 18 years of age. Used as a measure of visceral fat in adults, SAD is associated with changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors. Data were analyzed in a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2010-2011 data. The authors recommended further comparison of SAD with other anthropometric measurements and for clinical applicability.
Sorenson and her colleagues evaluated 48 children who were part of a pilot obesity prevention program. Using accelerometers to measure pre- and postsedentary levels and physical activity, no significant differences were found. The findings indicated the potential to increase physical activity within a family-based intervention and prompted some curriculum revisions.
Protein supplements are often a point of interest among athletes. This project addresses recreational athletes doing moderate to rigorous exercise. Survey respondents (n = 240) were using various sources of protein (food and/or supplements). According to results by Cantarow et al, dietitians and other health care professionals should provide guidance to recreational athletes on dietary protein.
Coduti et al collected data on exclusive breast-feeding from 299 mothers at one Midwest medical center. Scores from the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale by mothers who breast-fed indicated more positive attitudes toward breast-feeding than those by mothers who used formula- and mixed feeding methods. Support from the baby's father also was important to the mother's decision to breast-feed exclusively.
Sum and Bruno conducted a review of vitamin D and the link with hepatitis B. They found a potential role with hepatitis B virus infection and vitamin D in the body. They encourage dietitians to educate patients on vitamin D levels in food products and from other sources when they provide nutritional guidance.
The Thanks to Reviewers gives appreciation to the 2014 contributors to Topics in Clinical Nutrition. The editorial board is grateful for another year of practice-based articles by our authors, that were refereed by an excellent cadre of reviewers, and appreciated by our readers hip.
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RDN, FAND
Editor