Women with breast cancer often experience weight gain during and after treatment, significantly increasing risk for recurrence as well as all-cause mortality. Based on a growing body of evidence, meditative movement practices may be effective for weight management. First, we describe the effects of stress on factors associated with weight gain for breast cancer survivors. Then, a model is proposed that utilizes existing evidence to suggest how meditative movement supports behavioral, psychological, and neurohormonal changes that may explain weight loss. Application of the model suggests how a novel "mindful-body-wisdom" approach may work to help reduce weight for this at-risk group.
Endometriosis has created a public health crisis in the United States due to its high prevalence, and its severe health ramifications. Not only does endometriosis have a wide-ranging prevalence in the population, as it is predicted that 1 in 10 females of reproductive age suffer from this disease, but endometriosis significantly decreases this population's quality of life, productivity, and emotional well-being due to chronic pain and infertility issues. There have been several identified reasons behind the endometriosis diagnosis delay, including patient and provider-centered causes, which lead to the dismissal, stigmatization, and tolerance of symptoms. However, there is limited research about the social determinants influencing the United State's diagnosis delay. This study aimed to investigate the social determinants surrounding the endometriosis diagnosis delay by interviewing Endometriosis patients about their own diagnoses. Participants were also asked about their satisfaction about their endometriosis diagnosis. A thematic analysis was conducted using patient testimonials to reveal trends surrounding the endometriosis diagnosis delay. On average, 40 participants reported experiencing a diagnostic delay of 11.75 ± 7.94 years. Participants report significant dissatisfaction with the timeliness of the endometriosis diagnosis, the providers' ability to be communicative and receptive, and the providers' ability to diagnose endometriosis. Many social determinants were also associated with diagnosis delays - including gender, ethnic, racial, economic, geographical location, age, and sexual orientation factors. Not only do participant testimonials reveal the need for culturally competent care, validation, and patient-centered care during the endometriosis diagnosis process, but these testimonials also emphasize the need for diagnostic surgery and specialized care as endometriosis is a complex disease that can have systemic implications on a patient. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) endometriosis care guidelines should be adjusted to reflect the needs of endometriosis patients.
Alcohol use disorder is a major problem worldwide and can result in a number of significant physical, social and economic consequences. Specifically when comparing the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in the United States and Spain, it is much higher in the United States, at 13.9% compared with 1.5% in Spain. While there are a number of factors that contribute to a person’s risk, this thesis focuses on possible cultural explanations for these differences. After analyzing current literature surrounding alcohol trends and differing cultures in the US and Spain, the differences could be attributable to the dry drinking culture in the US, and the culture surrounding university - living and college towns in the US. The findings of this study suggest that culture, norms and attitudes surrounding drinking have a large impact on alcohol use disorder, and the US could benefit from implementing strategies to change these norms and attitudes surrounding alcohol, as well as train healthcare providers to have effective, brief counseling conversations.
Women participating in the aesthetic sports of cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, and swimming are more prone to develop eating disorders and higher levels of body dissatisfaction than non-athletes. In addition to successful performance levels, female athletes participating in shape-based sports are expected to maintain a contradicting thin-build body type that not only satisfies society’s standards to look thin but also demonstrates the strength required to perform in specific sports. Female athletes are faced with sociocultural pressures that can lead to adopting thin-idealism, and further result in serious effects on an athlete’s perception of themselves, as well as their physical health. Social comparison and diet culture are other factors that contribute to an athlete’s unhealthy behaviors, and society’s involvement in media to equate beauty with women who have thin bodies and persuade individuals to never feel satisfied with their appearance is so long-established that many athletes strive for perfectionism. This study evaluated the relationship between female athletes in aesthetic sports and their feelings towards their body composition, eating habits, and self-esteem through an online questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine trends, if any, between subgroups of respondents (n=58) who identify between 18 to 25 years old and have previously or currently participated in cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, and/or swimming. Data revealed that a majority of respondents often feel insecure about how their body looks during sports participation, and often experience social comparison to their teammates/peers. The most frequent activity to change body composition resulted in skipping meals/hunger cues among cheerleaders, dancers, and gymnasts, while swimmers engaged most in exercising more than once a day. Athletes with 10 or more years of athletic involvement also stated that they moderately to strongly related to the statement: “I think a lot about looking thin.” Ultimately, analysis supports that the sports industry requires more awareness of the health risks associated with certain sports, and how athletes and their coaches lack health-related education regarding proper nutrition, exercise, and body acceptance.
Women with breast cancer often experience weight gain during and after treatment, significantly increasing risk for recurrence as well as all-cause mortality. Based on a growing body of evidence, meditative movement practices may be effective for weight management. First, we describe the effects of stress on factors associated with weight gain for breast cancer survivors. Then, a model is proposed that utilizes existing evidence to suggest how meditative movement supports behavioral, psychological, and neurohormonal changes that may explain weight loss. Application of the model suggests how a novel “mindful-body-wisdom” approach may work to help reduce weight for this at-risk group.