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Scientific evidences support the preventive role of physical activity in relation to different multifactorial pathologies. Health's promotion through the spreading of lifestyles that encourage movement, does not represent just an action in contrast with "sedentary life" risk-factor, but also a priority for "quality" of life, with relevant economical and social benefits. WHO indicates physical activity as one of the priorities for an effective prevention. Besides, the EU supports the realization and the diffusion of some prevention-programs. Main pilot experiences developed in Italy and other countries are summarized. Attention is focused on the role of the competences and structures involved in an integrated approach based on availability of medical support, social services and local structures, considering recent developments in health prevention and promotion. In Italy and Europe, new opportunities to implement health promotion through physical activity are offered by the development of higher education in movement and sport sciences.

A prevalence study was conducted to evaluate Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in two groups of injection drug users recruited at two drug addiction treatment centres in Rome and Frosinone (Italy). Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in the 181 subjects included in the study was 8.83%. Significantly increased carriage rates were found among drug users in Frosinone with respect to those in Rome. No other significant determinants of colonization were identified through multiple logistic regression analysis. Only 2 of 16 Staphylococcus aureus strains (12.5%) were found to be methicillin resistant. Genomic DNA restriction pattern analysis, through SmaI digestion and pulsed field gel electrophoresis, demonstrated wide genetic heterogeneity among the isolates. Although the great majority of PFGE patterns were found in single isolates, in some cases common patterns were identified in isolates obtained from different drug users, clearly indicating the possibility of interhuman transmission of Staphylococcus aureus in this population.