SVAHEC Summer 2011 Projects for UVM COM students in Southern Vermont:

Nursing Mothers' Project with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

The Birthing Center at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is studying mother's attitudes and expectations about breastfeeding and then following up to learn how the mothers felt about their actual experiences.  A survey was developed with the help of a UVM medical student during the summer of 2010 to be given to all mothers shortly after birth and then to breastfeeding mothers at one and six months postpartum.  The survey is being utilized now and there will be results to collate by the summer of 2011.  The information will be used by nurses, lactation consultants, and pediatricians at the Birthing Center for quality improvement.  We would like to publish the results locally in Vermont, and would consider submission to a publication with a broader audience.  Assistance with evaluation of lactation literature would be appreciated.  Knowledge of statistics would be wonderful but is not a requirement.  We would invite the student to observe the nurses, lactation consultants, and pediatricians as they work with the mothers of nursing babies.

Breastfeeding has long been an important preventive health measure and has been promoted by influential public health agencies, including the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.  In Vermont, approximately 75% of new mothers initiate breastfeeding.

At Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, we are interested in how mothers make the choice to breast or formula feed.  We are also aware that breastfeeding is a pleasure for some mothers but can be difficult or frustrating for others. 

Southern Vermont AHEC can arrange for housing in the region. A car is necessary.

 

Prescription for Exercise Program with the Edgar May Health & Recreation Center

 

For the 3rd consecutive year, UVM College of Medicine students will conduct a research project around exercise and health benefits in cooperation with the Springfield Health & Recreation Center and Springfield Medical Systems (hospital and area practices).

The Recreation Center has developed a "Prescription for Exercise" program that works in cooperation with area physicians who identify obese patients, or patients who have health conditions that would benefit from increased activity.  The physicians write "prescriptions" or referrals to the Health Center.  A personal trainer and individual orientation is provided to the participant for six months.

Student(s) will examine and record health data of the participants including blood pressure, cholesterol counts, weight, BMI, etc.  This project was started by UVM College of Medicine students and has been continued by students over the past three years.  The goal is to show how health & recreation centers can improve the health of the community.

For more information or an application, contact Susan White at 802-885-2126 or swhite@svahec.org.

  

We are also available to assist individual student projects, per student interest. In the Springfield-Windsor-Bellows Falls area there are several programs involving school aged children and healthy choices, physical activity, nutrition and obesity-prevention. If you have an interest in this important topic, or another idea, please contact Susan White at the above email for more information and an application.

 

Southern Vermont AHEC, 365 Summer Street, Suite 151, Springfield, VT 05156 

802-885-2126 (phone) ~ 888-758-0676 (toll free) ~ 802-885-2128 (fax) ~info@svahec.org (email)

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