Competency+1

=**Select and use appropriate anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, functional, and socioeconomic assessment techniques to identify and prioritize nutritional problems and needs of populations and communities (CEPH).**=

1. How does this piece/sample relate to the competency?
 * Pediatric obesity is the greatest public health threat facing our nation and is associated with devastating complications and chronicity. This is an issue that I care about deeply. My initial assessment examined pediatric obesity rates in the Indianapolis area (Marion County), which is challenged in terms of SES and poverty, as well as health behaviors and health outcomes. My research revealed higher overweight and obesity rates in Marion County, compared to elsewhere in the state.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this piece/sample?
 * I collected backgound data that encompassed BMI data (anthropometrics), the health implications and co-morbidities surrounding pediatric obesity (clinical, biochemical, and functional), demographic and socioeconomic background data, and dietary information (eating patterns and health behaviors); I also researched different therapeutic strategies and interventions for pediatric obesity. This thorough assessment was a strength.
 * Weakness include initial goals in my Development of a Program Plan (planning project document) that weren't focused or realistic in terms of what I could accomplish within the semester. I had to revise my process objectives and outcome objectives accordingly before I could start to develop an intervention.

3. What did I learn from reviewing and reflecting on this piece/sample?
 * When planning a community intervention, it is highly important to lay the groundwork first in methological steps. This was the first time that I researched a problem prior to preparation for designing and implementing a community project, and the steps didn't come easily. In fact, I really struggled with the organizational aspects. I have a much better understanding of the process, and this should facilitate future projects.

4. What do I need to work on in the future to more fully meet this competency?
 * Community health and nutritional assessment encompass all these techniques. My personal and professional goals include integrating clinical care with community health. To incorporate a public health and community wellness approach, I need to continuously assess health issues in the community, prioritize them, and develop effective interventions. This is an ongoing longitudinal process.


 * __Additional work__: **this is a presentation that I gave at the 60th Annual Obesity & Associated Conditions Symposium, American Society of Bariatric Physicians; New Orleans; November, 2010. The topic, “Nutritional Assessment: Focusing on Office Anthropometrics,” focused on the role of nutritional assessment in obesity evaluation and treatment. My audience included nurses, medical assistants, nurse practioners, physician assistants, and office managers. Nutritional assessment was introduced last semester and reintroduced during Community Nutrition. Although I worked on this outside of class, my coursework provided the critical foundation. Nutritional assessment is a core concept.