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PARTS & SECTIONS

   Click on a title below:

Part I.
Basics/Process

  A. Chapters 1-6:
      
Starting

  B. Ch. 7-13:
       Organizing

  C. Ch. 14-20:
       Revising/Edit
ing

Part II.
College Writing

   D. Ch. 21-23:
        What Is It?

   E. Ch. 24-30:
      
 Write on Rdgs.

   F. Ch.31-35:
       Arguments

  G. Ch. 36-42:
       Research

   I.  Ch. 49-58:
       Majors & Work

Part III.
Writing to Literature

 H. Ch. 43-48:
       Literature

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 Study Questions

 

                                                                        

Chapter 51. MAGAZINE OR NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

Student Sample of a Magazine/Newsletter Article

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Introduction

The sample below is a paper by a student, unless specifically noted.  It is an  example of "A" level undergraduate writing or entry-level professional work. 

 The authors of all sample student papers in this Web site have given their permission in writing to have their work included in WritingforCollege.orgAll samples remain copyrighted by their original authors.  Other than showing it on this website, none should be used without the explicit permission of the author.

Unless otherwise noted, sample papers do not necessarily meet all requirements an individual instructor or professional supervisor may have: ask your instructor or supervisor.  In addition, samples are single spaced to save room; however, a proper manuscript given to an instructor or supervisor normally should be double spaced with margins set at or close to 1" unless another format has been requested.

NOTE #1 about This Sample: This paper uses APA style for page numbers, with dates added, and the "References" bibliography at the end also is in APA style.

NOTE #2 about This Sample: This is a magazine article written as a research paper.  An informal magazine article--as found in magazines, trade publications, and newsletters--often will not have quotations or paraphrases in it.  If it does, it will briefly refer to the author and title in the text of the article itself, without a separate bibliography.  (However, articles like this one written for more formal publications will have quotations and paraphrases that are formally added, with a formal bibliography at the end.)

Nicki L. Cook
EngC 3033-03 Jewell
D-III: Patient Care

The Benefits of an Exercise Program in Nursing Homes

by Nicki L. Cook

        In the following diary entry, 84-year-old Anna Mae Halgrim Seaver (1997) expresses a disturbing sentiment that is common among residents in today's nursing homes:

I don't much like some of the physical things that happen to us.  I don't care much for a diaper.  I seem to have lost the  control acquired so diligently as a child ... Did you ever sit in a wheelchair over an extended period of time? ... The seat squeezes you into the middle and applies constant pressure to your hips ... Most of the residents are in wheelchairs ... Captive prisoners of daytime television; soap operas, talk shows and commercials (p. 11). 

Seaver's diary entry indicates that nursing homes are filled with physically unmotivated and lonely individuals.  A solution that can improve the quality of life for the residents is for nursing homes to set up an exercise class for those who are able to participate.  The benefits of a regular exercise program include a more physically fit group of individuals with more independence, the promotion of positive interpersonal relationships among the residents, and finally, the reduction of stress and anxiety levels.

Physical Fitness and Exercise

        The primary reason why America's nursing homes must incorporate an exercise regimen into the residents' lives is because it serves to increase their physical fitness levels.  In fact, numerous studies have proven that regular exercise contributes to an increase in energy and stamina, regardless of whether one is young or old.  Moreover, Applegate and Pahor (1997), researchers at the University of Tennessee, stated the following regarding exercise among the elderly: "Exercise programs do not need to be elaborate to have health effects.... Tai chi (Chinese shadow boxing) in the home probably improves balance, reduces the risk of falls, and may improve strength" (p. 1863).

        Likewise, another fitness study by Buckwalter and DiNubile (1997) focused on the role that exercise played in the lives of debilitated nursing home residents.  These individuals were exposed to eight weeks of exercise.  Their results indicated that "significant functional improvements accompanied the strength and muscle mass gains” (p. 131).  These "functional improvements" refer to the independence that is gained as a result of increased strength.  That is, the increased muscle strength enabled these people to rely more upon themselves for their various needs. Therefore, they wouldn't be as dependent on the nurses for assistance.

        The story of Anna Kelly, a woman in her eighties, demonstrates the independence she reclaimed as a result of her physical efforts.  Before the yoga class was introduced at her nursing home six months ago, Ms. Kelly was very thin and frail.  She often complained of having no physical energy.  Ms. Kelly was dependent upon nurses for the majority of her needs.  For instance, she needed help wheeling herself around, eating, getting dressed, and bathing.  However, as a result of her weekly yoga class, Ms. Kelly is reaping the benefits of increased strength and flexibility in her arm and shoulder muscles.  She now has the ability to dress herself from the waist up.  Ms. Kelly can also feed herself Moreover, she can wheel herself to the cafeteria, to the craft room, or simply take a leisurely stroll outside in her wheelchair.  Not only can she engage in her favorite hobbles again, but also she has the strength to do them for longer periods of time without becoming fatigued as easily.

        Research conducted by Mary Marmoll Jirovec, Ph.D., illustrates another form of independence that many seniors often exhibit as a result of increased physical activity.  Her studies focused on a possible relationship between seniors who exercise and a decrease in their urinary incontinence, or the inability to control the bladder.  Dr. Jirovec (1991) has concluded that "the incidence of urinary incontinence within this sample of nursing home residents was decreased after the exercise regimen.  Apparently, urinary incontinence in nursing homes is ... related to the atrophy of mobility skills such as walking that often develops within institutionalized settings" (p. 149).

Promotion of Positive Interpersonal Relationships

        In addition to improving residents' physical fitness levels and increasing their independence, the institution of an exercise program also serves to promote positive relations among the residents.  For example, Ruuskanen and Parkatti (1994) researched many of the factors that are linked with exercise.  They concluded that "physical activity ... increases the possibilities for a more varied and stimulating social life" (p. 990).  Furthermore, in Dr. Jirovec's "Literature Review," she states that the researchers of another exercise experiment "reported some improvement in residents' social behavior" (p. 146).

        Clearly, the social atmosphere in many nursing homes is an area that is in need of great improvement.  That is, it is not uncommon to find residents who stay in their rooms the entire day.  Some spend this time sleeping.  Others, as Seaver stated earlier, stare at a television screen all day long.  Unfortunately, these withdrawn behaviors often lead to loneliness and depression.

        Therefore, a regular exercise program would serve as an activity that would encourage many of these elderly people to come out of their secluded rooms and into a positive atmosphere that would serve to improve the camaraderie among the residents.  Likewise, to encourage further socialization, each person could be paired up with another individual for the class.  This allows the pair to practice the routine together and help each other with the various stretches.  It also allows them to motivate each other.  More importantly, it provides them with an opportunity to make friends with those they had once considered strangers.

        The following is an example of a man whose social life dramatically improved after deciding to join his nursing home's Tai Chi class.  Bill was placed under the care of the Prairie View Nursing Home by his children several years ago.  During his first two months at Prairie View, he did not associate with any of his peers.  When his son came to visit, he discovered that his father was becoming very antisocial and quite unhappy.  The son suggested that he become an active member of Prairie View's Tai Chi class.  After attending only one session, Bill made several new friends. Now he and his friends get together outside of the class.  They play poker and chess.  The friends also requested that their dining room seating arrangements be reassigned so that they can sit together.

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety

        Finally, a third benefit of instituting an exercise program in nursing homes is that it would help reduce the stress and anxiety levels of the participants.  It is important to realize that although it may not seem as though retired individuals have stressful issues to deal with, most elderly people living in nursing homes would disagree.

        For instance, in her diary, Anna Mae Halgrim Seaver (1997) commented further about her dismal life in the nursing home.  "The afternoon drags into early evening.  This used to be my favorite time of the day.... Pop open a bottle of Chablis and enjoy the fruits of my day's labor with my husband. He's gone. So is my health. This is my world" (p. 11).  This excerpt mentions a few common causes of anxiety among the elderly.  These include boredom, the loss of a spouse, and deteriorating health.  Another cause of anxiety is the fact that these individuals often live far away from their loved ones.  What can worsen this situation, however, is when a person's family does live close by, but never comes to visit.  Similarly, adjusting to life in a new environment that does not allow for the freedom they once had can also be very difficult.  Ruuskanen and Parkatti's (1994) research in nursing homes has led them to believe that "depression is often attributable to these life changes" (p. 990).

        Another source of anxiety and depression among seniors is the poor self-image that often develops with age.  That is, as people age, they often become discouraged as their bodies become weaker and more fragile.  The activities that were once easy for them to engage in suddenly become very strenuous and difficult.  This leads to frustration. However, 83-year-old Edith Mucke, an avid walker, discovered that exercise has simplified many of the tasks in her life.  "She finds that the vacuum cleaner isn't as heavy to push. Doors open more easily."  Her ability to do many of these tasks again has improved her self-confidence (Meier, 1997, p. E2).

        Therefore, given that physical activity is highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and even depression among the nursing home patients, an exercise program is essential to the maintenance of their well being.  Ruuskanen and Parkatti (1994) have also stated the following: “A trend was found for a positive association between contentment with life in the nursing home or meaningfulness of life and a physically active lifestyle" (p. 989).  Therefore, it is clear that a fitness program would not only help the elderly cope with various forms of stress, but also help them rediscover that they still have a lot to live for.

Conclusion

        As a final thought, we should be aware that there is a great need for America's nursing homes to institute a fitness program for its residents.  Research has demonstrated that elderly residents suffer from lethargy, isolation, and stress.  While many claim that it is too costly to introduce an exercise program in all nursing homes, it is important to consider how we can afford not to help them.  The story of Allen Peters reinforces the fact that American nursing homes must take more responsibility for prioritizing their residents' needs.  Allen Peters used to jog every day.  Peters said that exercise kept his mind and body fit.  When his wife died, he moved into a nursing home.  His state of mind became melancholy.  His body grew decrepit and weak.  Finally, he decided that in order to end this dismal period of his life, he would begin exercising again.  Each morning he begged the nurses to take him outside for a walk.  However, they claimed they were too busy.  It is unfortunate that this simple request was not acknowledged.  This intensified his depression until he finally gave up.  Residents such as Mr. Peters are becoming physically unmotivated and unhappy.  Therefore, they deserve this opportunity to live a full life to the end.

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References

Applegate, W. B., & Pahor, Marco.  (1997).  Geriatric medicine. Journal of the American Medical Association, 277, 1863-1864.

Buckwalter, J. A., & DiNubile, A. T. (1997, September).  Decreased mobility in the elderly.  The Physician and Sports Medicine, 127-133.

Jirovec, M. (1991).  The impact of daily exercise on the mobility, balance and urine control of cognitively impaired nursing home residents. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 28.  ( 145-151.)

Meier, P. (1997, February 3).  Pumping a little iron.  Star Tribune, pp. E1, E2.

Ruuskanen, J. M., & Parkatti, T. (1994).  Physical activity and related factors among nursing home residents.  Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 42, 987-991.

Seaver, A. (1997, June 27).  My world now.  Newsweek, 127, 11.

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Return to top.

 

                 

    

         

I. WRITING FOR MAJORS & WORK

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Chapters:

MAJORS:

 49. Case Study

 50. IMRaD Science
       Report

 51. Article in
      
Magazine or
       Newsletter

 52. Newspaper/
      
News Release
       Writing

 53. Story Writing
          
WORK:

 54. Applying for Jobs

 55. Process Paper
       or Instructions

 56. Professional
       Report

 57. Professional
      Proposal

 58. Recommendation
      Report

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Related Chapters/Pages:

   Details & Images

   Creating Websites

   Leading Writing Groups

                    

                         

 

Updated 1 Aug. 2013

  

   

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Writing for College 
by Richard Jewell is licensed by Creative Commons under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
WritingforCollege.org also is at CollegeWriting.info and WforC.org
Natural URL: http://www.richard.jewell.net/WforC/home.htm
1st Edition: Writing for School & Work, 1984-1998. 6th Edition: 8-1-12, rev. 8-1-13. Format rev. 11-28-21
Text, design, and photos copyright 2002-12 by R. Jewell or as noted
Permission is hereby granted for nonprofit educational copying and use without a written request.

Contact Richard.  Questions and suggestions are welcome.