The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing is the official journal of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA). PCNA is the leading nursing organization dedicated to preventing cardiovascular disease through assessing risk, facilitating lifestyle changes, and guiding individuals to achieve treatment goals.
Letter From Your President In case you have not heard, ‘‘healthcare’’ is changing even as I write this letter! Nurses are and will be even more instrumental in making sure these changes are implemented in ways to improve patient and public health outcomes. Certainly, prevention is center stage nationally and will remain so for PCNA as well. As your president, my goal is to continue to make PCNA the ‘‘go to’’ nurse organization in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. PCNA will continue to focus on patient care, developing high quality professional education, producing clinical tools for primary and secondary prevention, and advocating for policy change that protect patient rights and nursing’s scope of practice. Because strength is in numbers, we hope to grow our membership, both nationally and internationally. The expansion and growth of PCNA chapters will play a key role in accomplishing this goal. Models for well-functioning chapters are already in existence within PCNA, and guidance from the national office is always available for those of you interested in starting a chapter in your area. Cardiovascular disease is a global problem. With this in mind, we will continue our international efforts to promote nurses as leaders in CVD prevention. In October 2014, PCNA has plans to host the first-ever international CVD prevention conference for nurse leaders. This invitation only conference will bring together nurse leaders from around the globe to formulate a strategic plan which will further CVD prevention around the world with nurse leaders at the forefront. DOI: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000159
A common problem in this country and around the world is sodium per capita intake. Sodium intake of Americans far exceeds recommendations, and reducing population sodium intake is vital to improving our nation’s health. The food industry and those who regulate it could improve the nation’s health through reductions in the amount of salt in processed foods. Many organizations, including PCNA have come together to work with companies to voluntarily reduce sodium in the foods they produce and will continue to do so in 2014. As your President, I plan to emphasize sodium reduction efforts of PCNA. I am most honored and pleased to serve as your president! I accept this responsibility with excitement! I know the value of each member of PCNA and your capabilities. I am excited to work with you and build on the progress our wonderful organization has made thus far. With our combined efforts, I know we will be successful in reducing CVD at home and abroad.
High Blood Pressure Education Month May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages patients to be involved in their care and providers to provide patient education. Patients are encouraged to know their numbers and discuss the goal of treatment with their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers are encouraged to teach their patients systolic and diastolic blood pressure in addition to pharmacologic treatment including the purpose and potential side effects of the medications and what happens if these are suddenly stopped. This education encourages the patients to be involved with their care and have a greater understanding of the goals of treatment. Explaining the purpose of the therapy may help the patients understand the importance of taking the medications and decrease the chance that they may stop taking the pills. Empowering the patients with information concerning lifestyle changes is stressed including reduction in dietary sodium; achieving a healthy body weight; 30 minutes of physical activity most days; a diet that is primarily made up of fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol; as well as moderation in the amount of alcohol. The education should stress the impact that lifestyle plays in high blood pressure, including the effect of dietary sodium in contributing to hypertension and blocking the efficacy of some blood pressure medications. Empowering the patients with the information encourages self-care and maximizes the best management. In addition, to encourage patients’ involvement in their care and compliance to the treatment, the Centers for Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing News 199
Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Disease Control and Prevention also encourages healthcare professionals to communicate with the patients at every visit concerning lifestyle habits. Inquire about side effects of the medications and, if necessary, change the medications; ask whether the medication regimen is complicated; and simplify the treatment if possible. If the patient is concerned about the cost of the medications, the use of generic medications is encouraged when possible. Electronic medical records are useful in keeping track of the patient’s blood pressure, but if that is not available, manual lists are very effective. One in three adults has high blood pressure in America. We are challenged with continually educating our patients about the risks associated with high blood pressure, their responsibility in managing their lifestyle, and correcting behaviors that contribute to high blood pressure. There are numerous organizations that offer patient education materials such as the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and Million Hearts. PCNA offers numerous patient education tools that are located on the Web site and downloadable in the Forms Guide and the Tool Kit. The materials can be printed from your computer and reviewed with the patient while he/she is in the office. In addition, PCNA has published a 14-page color Blood Pressure patient education booklet that can be downloaded and printed for patients, or the booklets can be ordered for free for PCNA members.
Take The President’s Challenge This May During National Physical Fitness & Sports Month Spring is a time of new beginnings and a fine time to start any delayed New Year’s resolutions! If a healthy
diet and active lifestyle are some of your goals, consider partnering with The President’s Challenge, the premiere program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, available at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/. The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+) is a great introductory program for the whole family to get active, eat better, and earn an award. PALA+ goals for adults (18 years or older): h Physical activity: Be active
30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 6 of 8 weeks. An alternative
is to use a pedometer with a goal of 8500 steps daily. h Healthy eating: Select from 8 healthy eating goals, adding a new one to focus on each week. PALA+ goals for kids and teens (ages 6Y17 years): h Physical activity: Be active
60 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 6 of 8 weeks. An alternative is to use a pedometer with a goal of 12,000 steps daily. h Healthy eating: Select from 8 healthy eating goals, adding a new one to focus on each week.
200 Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing | May/June 2014 Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
The President’s Challenge Web site provides a free, online personal activity tracker available after creating an account. Activities from AYZ are listed and everything countsVfrom walking and household tasks to hobbies such as dancing and yoga. For those looking for a loftier set of goals, the Presidential Champions challenge may be just the match. The goal is to earn points for every activity recorded on the online activity tracker. It takes 40,000 points to earn a bronze award, 90,000 for silver, 160,000 for gold, and 1 million for platinum. Persistence and effort pay off because walking for 60 minutes at a moderate pace will earn you 220 points, whereas cross-country skiing for the same amount of time accrues 464 points. Recall that moderate activities allow one to talk comfortably, whereas vigorous activities generally permit saying just a few words without stopping to catch one’s breath, https://foh.hhs .gov/calendar/physical.html. Not sure where you stand in terms of strength and agility? Take the Presidential Challenge Adult Fitness Test to measure your aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. School-aged children are likely familiar with the companion Presidential Youth Fitness Program and the opportunity to earn the Presidential Youth Fitness Award. Guides for fitness and healthy eating are free of charge at https://www .presidentschallenge.org/tools-resources/ fitness-guides.shtml and include Stay Active and Be Fit! A Guide to Fitness and Activity Fundamentals for adults and Get Fit and Be Active! A Handbook for Youths Ages 6Y17. To make this President’s Challenge program a social event, or just create some friendly competition, you can start a group (or enlist an entire organization) and message fellow participants words of encouragement. Sign up for the Fitness is Fun free monthly e-newsletter and find the
President’s Challenge program and resources that are right for you, https://www.presidentschallenge.org/ informed/newsletter/index.shtml.
Meet a PCNA Member Susan Bush, RN, is a registered nurse in cardiac rehabilitation at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado, and past president of the Rocky Mountain PCNA chapter.
‘‘I became interested in nursing when I was a teenager. My mother was ill, so spent a lot of time in the hospital,’’ says Bush. ‘‘I was able to observe nursing and I saw what an impact nurses had on my family. I wanted to do it well in order to give someone else a positive experience.’’ After 7 years as a PCNA member, Susan Bush started the Rocky Mountain chapter in October 2010 with 4 other members in Colorado
and Wyoming. Today, the chapter provides a way for nurses in Colorado and Wyoming to learn, network, and share ideas. ‘‘Our journey has been interesting, challenging, and rewarding,’’ says Bush. ‘‘I would encourage other PCNA members to step up and get involved. If we can overcome the challenges of our region to start a chapter, anyone can do it.’’
PCNA Membership Who makes up the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)? Is this the organization to join if I am not a nurse or I am not an advance practice nurse? The answers may surprise you. To truly understand the membership of PCNA, exploring our mission can clarify who should be part of the organization. The mission of PCNA is multifaceted: h to increase public and political
awareness of the critical role nurses play in cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction h to promote individual and community education in CV risk reduction and disease management across the life-span h to provide education and professional development for nurses
Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing News 201 Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
h to advocate for professional
certification and development of nurses specializing in CV disease prevention or management h to disseminate information on innovative, fiscally responsible models of CV care delivery h to foster productive liaisons with professional organizations sharing similar goals h to support the use and dissemination of research and support evidence-based practice
in CV risk reduction and disease management PCNA encourages membership from nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing students, dieticians, exercise physiologists, students, physicians, and all health professionals (see chart below) interested in advancing cardiovascular risk reduction and disease management. It is through a diverse membership that the PCNA can achieve its mission. We strive to attract a varied membership,
through benefits offered to PCNA members. Our diverse membership is noted by both national and international membership. PCNA has members in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. We also have international members from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Gambia, Iceland, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Lebanon, New Zealand, Philippines, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Our members practice in a wide array of settings in both outpatient and inpatient as well as academic milieus (see chart below). As PCNA continues to grow our membership, we are always looking for those who fit the mold above or will help us as an organization to grow through increasing diversity. To answer the question of whether you belong, if you have a passion for CV risk reduction and management, no matter what your profession or work setting, you will find PCNA a complement to your profession and professional goals.
202 Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing | May/June 2014 Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Letter From Your President In case you have not heard, ‘‘healthcare’’ is changing even as I write this letter! Nurses are and will be even more instrumental in making sure these changes are implemented in ways to improve patient and public health outcomes. Certainly, prevention is center stage nationally and will remain so for PCNA as well. As your president, my goal is to continue to make PCNA the ‘‘go to’’ nurse organization in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. PCNA will continue to focus on patient care, developing high quality professional education, producing clinical tools for primary and secondary prevention, and advocating for policy change that protect patient rights and nursing’s scope of practice. Because strength is in numbers, we hope to grow our membership, both nationally and internationally. The expansion and growth of PCNA chapters will play a key role in accomplishing this goal. Models for well-functioning chapters are already in existence within PCNA, and guidance from the national office is always available for those of you interested in starting a chapter in your area. Cardiovascular disease is a global problem. With this in mind, we will continue our international efforts to promote nurses as leaders in CVD prevention. In October 2014, PCNA has plans to host the first-ever international CVD prevention conference for nurse leaders. This invitation only conference will bring together nurse leaders from around the globe to formulate a strategic plan which will further CVD prevention around the world with nurse leaders at the forefront. DOI: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000159
A common problem in this country and around the world is sodium per capita intake. Sodium intake of Americans far exceeds recommendations, and reducing population sodium intake is vital to improving our nation’s health. The food industry and those who regulate it could improve the nation’s health through reductions in the amount of salt in processed foods. Many organizations, including PCNA have come together to work with companies to voluntarily reduce sodium in the foods they produce and will continue to do so in 2014. As your President, I plan to emphasize sodium reduction efforts of PCNA. I am most honored and pleased to serve as your president! I accept this responsibility with excitement! I know the value of each member of PCNA and your capabilities. I am excited to work with you and build on the progress our wonderful organization has made thus far. With our combined efforts, I know we will be successful in reducing CVD at home and abroad.
High Blood Pressure Education Month May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages patients to be involved in their care and providers to provide patient education. Patients are encouraged to know their numbers and discuss the goal of treatment with their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers are encouraged to teach their patients systolic and diastolic blood pressure in addition to pharmacologic treatment including the purpose and potential side effects of the medications and what happens if these are suddenly stopped. This education encourages the patients to be involved with their care and have a greater understanding of the goals of treatment. Explaining the purpose of the therapy may help the patients understand the importance of taking the medications and decrease the chance that they may stop taking the pills. Empowering the patients with information concerning lifestyle changes is stressed including reduction in dietary sodium; achieving a healthy body weight; 30 minutes of physical activity most days; a diet that is primarily made up of fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol; as well as moderation in the amount of alcohol. The education should stress the impact that lifestyle plays in high blood pressure, including the effect of dietary sodium in contributing to hypertension and blocking the efficacy of some blood pressure medications. Empowering the patients with the information encourages self-care and maximizes the best management. In addition, to encourage patients’ involvement in their care and compliance to the treatment, the Centers for Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing News 199
Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Disease Control and Prevention also encourages healthcare professionals to communicate with the patients at every visit concerning lifestyle habits. Inquire about side effects of the medications and, if necessary, change the medications; ask whether the medication regimen is complicated; and simplify the treatment if possible. If the patient is concerned about the cost of the medications, the use of generic medications is encouraged when possible. Electronic medical records are useful in keeping track of the patient’s blood pressure, but if that is not available, manual lists are very effective. One in three adults has high blood pressure in America. We are challenged with continually educating our patients about the risks associated with high blood pressure, their responsibility in managing their lifestyle, and correcting behaviors that contribute to high blood pressure. There are numerous organizations that offer patient education materials such as the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and Million Hearts. PCNA offers numerous patient education tools that are located on the Web site and downloadable in the Forms Guide and the Tool Kit. The materials can be printed from your computer and reviewed with the patient while he/she is in the office. In addition, PCNA has published a 14-page color Blood Pressure patient education booklet that can be downloaded and printed for patients, or the booklets can be ordered for free for PCNA members.
Take The President’s Challenge This May During National Physical Fitness & Sports Month Spring is a time of new beginnings and a fine time to start any delayed New Year’s resolutions! If a healthy
diet and active lifestyle are some of your goals, consider partnering with The President’s Challenge, the premiere program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, available at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/. The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+) is a great introductory program for the whole family to get active, eat better, and earn an award. PALA+ goals for adults (18 years or older): h Physical activity: Be active
30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 6 of 8 weeks. An alternative
is to use a pedometer with a goal of 8500 steps daily. h Healthy eating: Select from 8 healthy eating goals, adding a new one to focus on each week. PALA+ goals for kids and teens (ages 6Y17 years): h Physical activity: Be active
60 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 6 of 8 weeks. An alternative is to use a pedometer with a goal of 12,000 steps daily. h Healthy eating: Select from 8 healthy eating goals, adding a new one to focus on each week.
200 Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing | May/June 2014 Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
The President’s Challenge Web site provides a free, online personal activity tracker available after creating an account. Activities from AYZ are listed and everything countsVfrom walking and household tasks to hobbies such as dancing and yoga. For those looking for a loftier set of goals, the Presidential Champions challenge may be just the match. The goal is to earn points for every activity recorded on the online activity tracker. It takes 40,000 points to earn a bronze award, 90,000 for silver, 160,000 for gold, and 1 million for platinum. Persistence and effort pay off because walking for 60 minutes at a moderate pace will earn you 220 points, whereas cross-country skiing for the same amount of time accrues 464 points. Recall that moderate activities allow one to talk comfortably, whereas vigorous activities generally permit saying just a few words without stopping to catch one’s breath, https://foh.hhs .gov/calendar/physical.html. Not sure where you stand in terms of strength and agility? Take the Presidential Challenge Adult Fitness Test to measure your aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. School-aged children are likely familiar with the companion Presidential Youth Fitness Program and the opportunity to earn the Presidential Youth Fitness Award. Guides for fitness and healthy eating are free of charge at https://www .presidentschallenge.org/tools-resources/ fitness-guides.shtml and include Stay Active and Be Fit! A Guide to Fitness and Activity Fundamentals for adults and Get Fit and Be Active! A Handbook for Youths Ages 6Y17. To make this President’s Challenge program a social event, or just create some friendly competition, you can start a group (or enlist an entire organization) and message fellow participants words of encouragement. Sign up for the Fitness is Fun free monthly e-newsletter and find the
President’s Challenge program and resources that are right for you, https://www.presidentschallenge.org/ informed/newsletter/index.shtml.
Meet a PCNA Member Susan Bush, RN, is a registered nurse in cardiac rehabilitation at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado, and past president of the Rocky Mountain PCNA chapter.
‘‘I became interested in nursing when I was a teenager. My mother was ill, so spent a lot of time in the hospital,’’ says Bush. ‘‘I was able to observe nursing and I saw what an impact nurses had on my family. I wanted to do it well in order to give someone else a positive experience.’’ After 7 years as a PCNA member, Susan Bush started the Rocky Mountain chapter in October 2010 with 4 other members in Colorado
and Wyoming. Today, the chapter provides a way for nurses in Colorado and Wyoming to learn, network, and share ideas. ‘‘Our journey has been interesting, challenging, and rewarding,’’ says Bush. ‘‘I would encourage other PCNA members to step up and get involved. If we can overcome the challenges of our region to start a chapter, anyone can do it.’’
PCNA Membership Who makes up the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)? Is this the organization to join if I am not a nurse or I am not an advance practice nurse? The answers may surprise you. To truly understand the membership of PCNA, exploring our mission can clarify who should be part of the organization. The mission of PCNA is multifaceted: h to increase public and political
awareness of the critical role nurses play in cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction h to promote individual and community education in CV risk reduction and disease management across the life-span h to provide education and professional development for nurses
Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing News 201 Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
h to advocate for professional
certification and development of nurses specializing in CV disease prevention or management h to disseminate information on innovative, fiscally responsible models of CV care delivery h to foster productive liaisons with professional organizations sharing similar goals h to support the use and dissemination of research and support evidence-based practice
in CV risk reduction and disease management PCNA encourages membership from nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing students, dieticians, exercise physiologists, students, physicians, and all health professionals (see chart below) interested in advancing cardiovascular risk reduction and disease management. It is through a diverse membership that the PCNA can achieve its mission. We strive to attract a varied membership,
through benefits offered to PCNA members. Our diverse membership is noted by both national and international membership. PCNA has members in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. We also have international members from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Gambia, Iceland, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Lebanon, New Zealand, Philippines, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Our members practice in a wide array of settings in both outpatient and inpatient as well as academic milieus (see chart below). As PCNA continues to grow our membership, we are always looking for those who fit the mold above or will help us as an organization to grow through increasing diversity. To answer the question of whether you belong, if you have a passion for CV risk reduction and management, no matter what your profession or work setting, you will find PCNA a complement to your profession and professional goals.
202 Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing | May/June 2014 Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
