title: Counseling middle-aged women about physical activity using the stages of change.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss application of the Stages of Change theoretical framework and provide clinical tips on exercise adherence among midlife women. Included is a checklist to assist the nurse practitioner (NP) in effectively delivering the message.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of the current scientific literature on exercise adherence and the Stages of Change model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Middle-aged women comprise a unique population. Determining the woman's readiness for change using the Stages of Change model, NPs can routinely include appropriate exercise recommendations in their practices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurse practitioners are in a unique position to promote healthy behaviors by counseling women in midlife about adopting an active lifestyle. Exercise counseling is an essential component of healthcare, especially among middle-aged women who are experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes.
authors.affiliation: Prestonsburg Community College, Kinesiology and Health Promotion Department, Prestonsburg, KY, USA. Jennifer.Dearden@kctcs.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Dearden
authors.forename: Sharon L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Sheahan
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D020377:Self Efficacy