Kenneth Allen | PubMed Health

PubMed2005

Omega-3 for baby and me: material development for a WIC intervention to increase DHA intake during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project was to develop educational materials for a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program intervention in Denver, Colorado. Despite accumulating evidence of the importance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy, there has been no attempt to develop a targeted nutrition intervention to improve birth outcomes among high-risk women. The goal of the Omega-3 for Baby and Me intervention, for which these materials were developed, is to increase the consumption of DHA-rich foods to decrease the risk for premature delivery and low-birth weight babies among this population. METHOD: Following collection of data from eight focus groups among the target audience, the principles of the Health Belief Model were used to develop materials to address the needs, barriers, and motivators of this audience. In addition, process evaluation pilot testing was used to evaluate recipes and logos during the material development. RESULTS: Materials developed for this intervention include a logo, 9-month calendar, stickers, shopping lists, recipes, recipe holder, magnetic clip, nylon pouch, and recruitment materials. CONCLUSION: The use of focus groups and pilot testing increased the target audience acceptance of education materials that are being used for the Omega-3 for Baby and Me intervention. Successful outcomes from the Omega-3 for Baby and Me intervention, i.e., decreasing the incidence of preterm birth and low-birth weight, will have implications for supplemental food policies at state and national levels.

Colorado↗

PubMed2004

Using microabrasive material to remove fluorosis stains.

BACKGROUND: Increased public access to fluoride has decreased the prevalence of caries and increased the prevalence of fluorosis staining. This article provides a case report involving a conservative method of removing fluorosis stain, as well as describes an in vitro test of the method. CASE DESCRIPTION: A healthy man sought treatment at New York University College of Dentistry for removal of severe, dark brown fluorosis staining on his anterior teeth. To remove the stain, the treating clinician used a microabrasive material, which leaves enamel intact, instead of a tooth-whitening agent, which requires removal of all affected enamel. METHODS: To demonstrate that enamel structure is not disturbed by the microabrasive material, the authors performed a study using scanning electron microscopy, or SEM. They viewed enamel structure under SEM at x1,000 magnification. They viewed untreated microabraded enamel and compared it with enamel that had been treated for 20 seconds with 37 percent phosphoric acid. RESULTS: An etch pattern was not discernible on the tooth treated with the microabrasive material. The enamel prisms remained intact and the cores were not exposed. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Microabrasion removes intrinsic fluorosis stain effectively while protecting enamel. In this case, an enamel shade of brown not in the range of any tooth color shade guide was reduced.

Adult↗