On this page, we will discuss equity and empowerment issues for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions in nursing by providing fitness- and health-related strategies and resources to nurses and students with disabilities. Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, MPH, RN, HFI, RYT will provide a resource column discussing the role of health promotion as a strategy/resource for nurses with disabilities.

Current Column

Physical Activity for Nurses with Disabilities: Recommendations and Resources. Bernardo, L.M. (2008). National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities Online Journal, 1(1).

Future columns by Dr. Bernardo will explore topics such as the following:

1. Why is tailored fitness/physical activity important for nurses with disabilities?
2. How can we customize health education to improve physical, mental, and social functioning for people with disabilities as we do for people without disabilities.
3. How can people with disabilities receive access to health information that incorporates their disabilities.
4. How can people with disabilities receive education and services that promote their health so that they can achieve their goals in education, employment, recreation, etc?
5. People with disabilities can be more effective advocates and by becoming knowledgeable about their health and health resources, and by becoming active participants in health promotion activities. How can fitness help people achieve this goal?
6. How can we ensure that health promotion is not a form of social control, but have it be based on the needs (incorporating disability and/or chronic health condition) and lifestyle preferences of individuals?

We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

If you have questions, comments, or ideas for feature topics, please let us know.

Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, MPH, RN, HFI, RYT
Associate Professor

University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
415 Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Phone: 412 624-7637
Email: lbe100@pitt.edu

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Dr. Bernardo's current research focuses on evidence-based practice in non-traditional health promotion and fitness activities, such as Pilates and Yoga. She is a co-investigator on two studies where she designed and taught the yoga intervention for people at risk for Type II diabetes and for women with osteopenia. She is also the principal investigator of a study funded by the Oncology Nursing Society Foundation to teach oncology nurses about exercise in women with breast cancer. Lisa is principal investigator on a study funded by the PA State Nurses Association District #6 that surveyed women’s experiences with and preferences for exercise during breast cancer treatment. She serves as the project director for the ABCDiet Program, an education program funded by HRSA that teaches school nurses about youth obesity prevention. Lisa is a ACSM certified Health Fitness Instructor and ACSM certified wellness coach. She is also a certified instructor through Stott-Pilates, and a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.