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Introduction: The risk for cardiovascular diseases and other comorbidities increases with the number of unhealthy lifestyle factors in the general population. However, information on the combined number of unhealthy lifestyle factors in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is scarce. Objectives: To study lifestyle factors and the association between disease impact and two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors in two Scandinavian cohorts with RA. Methods: We analysed data from two cohorts, Danish (n = 566; mean age 61.82 (SD 11.13) years; 72% women) and Swedish (n = 955; mean age 66.38 (SD 12.90) years; 73% women). Lifestyle factors (tobacco use, BMI, alcohol consumption and physical activity) were dichotomised as healthy vs. unhealthy (range 0–4 unhealthy factors). The association between disease impact and two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors was analysed using logistic regression. Results: Sixty-six percent of Danish and 47% of Swedish respondents reported two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors, most commonly, being overweight/obese and physical inactivity. For Danish participants, two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors were associated with (OR and 95% CI) male gender (1.86; 1.21–2.85), cardiovascular diseases (1.90; 1.28–2.82) and disease duration (0.97; 0.95–0.99). Corresponding findings for the Swedish cohort were male gender (1.42; 1.07–1.89), pain (1.10; 1.04–1.15), fatigue (1.09; 1.04–1.15), physical functioning (1.64; 1.28–2.10) and quality of life (0.35; 0.20–0.60). Conclusion: Many patients, most often male, in both cohorts had two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors. The number of unhealthy lifestyle factors indicates a multifaceted relationship with disease impact. Key Points • This article contributes with new information concerning the proportion of patients with RA who have one or more unhealthy lifestyle factors. • Every second patient in the two included cohorts reported two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors. • Two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors were more common in men than in women but were not necessarily associated with measures of disease impact. • In order to adhere to a healthier lifestyle, a large proportion of the patients need to change more than one lifestyle habit, which entails a challenge for both the patients and the health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may have a bidirectional association in clinical practice, and both diseases have caused considerable damage to the burden of health care and even hindered the economic development of the society. We sought to discover the risk factors for DM in patients with GERD. Methods: The research data was collected from the database of the health management center at a medical center in Southern Taiwan as a retrospective cross-sectional research from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. We used logistic regression to analyze the related factors for DM in patients with GERD. Results: Of the 5578 patients with GERD, 739 had DM. The statistically significant risk factors for DM in GERD were gender, age, body mass index, waistline, betel quid chewing habit, lack of exercise habit, and family history of DM. Conclusion: We conclude that DM in patients with GERD should have regular physical examinations that include a thorough patient history, appropriate laboratory tests, and possible endoscopy. We also suggest that patients with either DM or GERD should be evaluated and treated immediately if they have symptoms, including regular physical examinations and lifestyle interventions, to improve health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of social determinants on changes in dietary habits before and after diagnosis of breast cancer in women (Barcelona, 2003-2013).Methods: We performed a cohort study with 2,235 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The information was obtained from an ad hoc questionnaire based on recommendations from the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition. We conducted a descriptive bivariate analysis and fit logistic regression models. The dependent variable was the change in dietary habits (food groups) and the independent variables were a selection of social and clinical variables (age, social class, cohabitation, years since diagnosis, history of replaces, and treatment with chemotherapy).Results: While 5.8% of women followed a healthy diet (consumption of vegetables, fruits, farinaceous, lean meat, and seafood) before diagnosis, 9.5% did so after diagnosis. We observed statistically significant changes in consumption of all food groups (p < 0.001) after diagnosis. The greatest change in consumption patterns was observed in women aged < 50 years and those from non-manual classes (high classes) [e.g., legume consumption: OR<50 years/>65 years = 2.9 (95% CI 1.78-4.81); ORnon-manual/manual = 2.5 (95% CI 1.38-4.36)]. The occurrence of relapses and chemotherapy was associated with greater changes in dietary habits.Conclusion: Women with breast cancer change their eating habits after diagnosis, and these changes are conditioned by social and clinical determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Previous studies have reported that organizational structures and cultures in primary health care are obstacles to district nurses doing successful work in health promotion practice (HPP). Because organizational structures are not easily changed, Jean Watson’s Attending Nurse Caring Model (ANCM) was introduced and piloted at a primary health care center in Sweden, aiming to transform HPP so as to empower district nurses and increase their work satisfaction. Aim To investigate patients’ experiences of the caring encounter in HPP after introduction of the ANCM in Swedish primary health care, the aim being to explore the essential components of the caring encounter between patients and district nurses. Methods A descriptive and qualitative research design was used. Data collection was performed using individual face-to-face interviews with twelve patients at risk for developing CVD. Data analysis consisted of both deductive content analysis, using a categorization matrix based on the ANCM and, subsequently, inductive latent content analysis. Results The findings were abstracted into three themes: 1.‘Feeling the deepest essence of being cared for’: to be respected and being put at the center of the encounter; 2. ‘Feeling acceptance and worth’: being treated with openness and permissive attitudes, 3. ‘Being in a supportive atmosphere that promotes hope’: to feel trust and being trusted in the encounter, and being empowered by hope. The unifying main theme of the caring encounter was abstracted as ‘Experiencing human dignity’. Conclusion The present study revealed that the essence of the caring encounter between patients and district nurses in HPP is to be unconditionally accepted in an environment that inspires hope and encouragement. The ANCM seems to be a promising model to use for strengthening the caring encounter and supporting CVD patients in making healthy lifestyle choices. However, further studies of qualitative and quantitative designs are needed to investigate what the ANCM can contribute to HPP in Swedish primary health care.

Background and Objectives: The time of the pandemic brought great difficulties, both in state and interstate systems, industry, trade, and with individuals themselves. In addition, numerous studies have shown a drastic increase in mental disorders in people around the world. Therefore, the basic idea of our study was to investigate these disorders in university students in relation to their different lifestyles. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Niš (Serbia) from December 2021 to February 2022. All of the participants were assessed by using appropriate questionnaires. The study included 1400 randomly selected students (692 females and 708 males). The statistical analysis of the data included the application of multiple regression analyses and correlation tests. Results: Statistical analysis indicates that extremely severe levels of depression symptoms were reported by 232 students (16.6%). Severe and extremely severe anxiety symptoms were reported by 480 students (34.3%). Multiple linear regression analysis found that for the increased depressive symptoms, the “most deserving” parameters were related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances (β = 0.10, and 0.11, respectively), compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. For anxiety symptoms, the main role was played by alcohol consumption (β = 0.11) but also by the use of social networks as an adequate substitute for deprived content during the pandemic (β = 0.13). Alcohol consumption was the most “responsible” for elevated stress levels compared to the period before the pandemic (β = 0.19). Conclusions: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were drastically increased in the university students. There was significantly more frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances among them. That is why social support from a close environment is the most important strategy in coping with mental health issues during emergency situations.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze whether the beneficial properties of sulfurous mineral water from Varna basin varied depending on the lifestyle. Materials and Methods: Fifty healthy volunteers entered the 8-week intervention study with mineral water intake from selected sources. Plasma markers for lipid profile, inflammation and oxidative status were measured before and after the intervention period. Based on the self-reporting questionnaire, the participants were stratified into groups depending on their lifestyle habits related to nutrition, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and frequency of alcohol consumption. The levels of biochemical markers were analyzed in relation to the lifestyle variables. Results: Significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the Varna sulfurous mineral water were suggested, which seem to be independent of lifestyle habits. A potential of the water to improve the lipid profile in overweight subjects was also revealed. Conclusions: Everyday consumption of sulfurous mineral water may affect metabolic processes and health in their crosstalk with lifestyle habits. In terms of precision medicine and personalized nutrition, we believe that the results from this study would be of interest to the society, policymakers, and healthcare professionals.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lifestyle habits and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among different ages who were initially diagnosed with breast cancer (within the first 2 weeks) and to determine the contribution of lifestyle habits factors on HRQoL.Methods: Patients with breast cancer were recruited from 22 hospitals in 11 provinces or municipalities in northern and eastern China. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) was used to measure HRQoL. Chi-square test, ANOVA, and multivariable generalized linear models were conducted to identify the differences in HRQoL between two age groups (age

Background: Physical activity has been shown to be effective in treating and improving anxiety in college students. However, no studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity and anxiety in college students through mediating factors such as dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of lifestyle and dietary nutrition in the relationship between physical activity and anxiety., Methods: This study used a stratified random sampling method to survey 498 college students from three universities in Fujian, China. Data on participants' demographic characteristics, physical activity, lifestyle habits, and dietary nutrition were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. The proposed structural equation model was analyzed using Amos software., Results: The results of the study showed that dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits had significant independent mediating effects and continuous multiple mediating effects ( p  < 0.01) in the effects of physical activity on college students' anxiety. Dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits played an independent mediating role, accounting for 24.9% of the total effect; there was also a continuous multiple mediating effect between dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits, accounting for 13.27% of the total effect value. In addition, physical activity had a direct effect value on anxiety in college students, accounting for 36.93% of the total effect value., Conclusion: By increasing the behavior and awareness of college students to participate in physical activity, supplemented by guiding them to develop regular lifestyle habits and correct dietary nutritional patterns, the anxiety level of college students can be effectively improved and reduced. This type of regulation is an important reference for the self-management and rehabilitation of college students with anxiety disorders. Future studies can experimentally develop a combined intervention of physical activity, lifestyle habits, and dietary nutritional to help college students better cope with anxiety., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Sun, Zhu and Bao.)

This study aimed to examine the relationship between changes in lifestyle habits and presenteeism change according to sex. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from health checkups, the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (WHO-HPQ) short form, and health insurance claims for 9366 Japanese corporate employees in 2015 and 2016. Changes in 11 lifestyle habits of sleeping, eating, exercise, drinking, and smoking were classified into four patterns by combining lifestyle habits (good/poor): (a) no worsening, (b) worsening, (c) no improvement, and (d) improvement. A multiple regression analysis was conducted for each sex, with changes in the WHO-HPQ score as the objective variable, lifestyle habits change (worsening or improvement) as the explanatory variables, and age, job position, department, diseases, lifestyle habits, and WHO-HPQ score at baseline as adjustment variables. The results showed worsening of good lifestyle habits, such as sleeping, regular exercise, and frequency of drinking in men, while sleeping in women was associated with negative changes in the WHO-HPQ score. On the other hand, the improvement of poor lifestyle habit of sleeping was associated with positive changes in the WHO-HPQ score. These findings suggest that maintaining good lifestyle habits of sleeping for both sexes, and exercising and drinking for men, may be beneficial in maintaining work performance, while improving the poor lifestyle habit of sleeping for women may be beneficial in improving work performance., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: The co-author, Sakiko Ozawa is a health care consultant (senior researcher) at the Tokio Marine dR Co., Ltd. The other co-authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2024 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.)

Background: The way physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) independently and interactively modify the age-related decline in physical capacity remains poorly understood. This cross-sectional study investigated the independent and interactive associations of PA and SB with physical function and performance throughout the adult life course., Methods: Data from 499 community-dwelling adults (63% female) aged 20-92 years, involved in the INSPIRE Human Translational Cohort, were used in this cross-sectional study. Daily time spent on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, min/day) and SB (h/day) was measured with activPAL triaxial accelerometers. Physical function and performance were assessed through the measurement of the 4-m usual gait speed (m/s), handgrip strength (kg), lower-limb strength (isokinetic knee extension torque, N·m), estimated lower-limb power (five-time chair-rise test performance, s) and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O 2 max, mL/kg/min). Confounder-adjusted multiple linear and curvilinear regressions were performed to investigate how MVPA, SB and their interactions were associated with the physical outcomes (all square root-transformed except gait speed) throughout the adulthood spectrum., Results: Interaction analyses revealed that the combination of higher levels of MVPA with lower levels of SB favourably reshaped the negative relationship between handgrip strength and age (age 2  × SB × MVPA: B = -7E-08, SE = 3E-08, P < 0.05). In addition, higher levels of MVPA were independently associated with an improved age-related profile in gait speed (age 2  × MVPA: B = 3E-06, SE = 1E-06, P < 0.05), chair-rise performance (age × MVPA: B = -9E-05, SE = 4E-05, P < 0.05) and V̇O 2 max (MVPA at 21 years: B = 3E-02, SE = 7E-03, P < 0.05; age × MVPA: B = -5E-04, SE = 2E-04, P < 0.05). Conversely, the detrimental association of age with lower-limb muscle strength (age × SB: B = -1E-04, SE = 6E-05, P < 0.05) and chair-rise performance (age × SB: B = 1E-05, SE = 7E-06, P < 0.05) was exacerbated with increasing duration of SB, independently of MVPA. Supplementary analyses further revealed that some of these associations were age and sex specific., Conclusions: This cross-sectional study demonstrated that reduced sedentary time and increased activity duration were independently and synergistically associated with an attenuated age-related loss in physical capacity. These findings need to be confirmed with longitudinal data but encourage both adopting an active lifestyle and reducing sedentary time as preventive measures against physical aging., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Few studies have examined and compared spousal concordance in different populations. This study aimed to quantify and compare spousal similarities in cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases between Dutch and Japanese populations. This cross-sectional study included 28,265 Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study spouse pairs (2006–2013) and 5,391 Japanese Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) Cohort Study pairs (2013–2016). Spousal similarities in cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated using Pearson's correlation or logistic regression analyses adjusted for spousal age. The husbands' and wives' average ages in the Lifelines and ToMMo cohorts were 50.0 and 47.7 years and 63.2 and 60.4 years, respectively. Significant spousal similarities occurred with all cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases of interest in both cohorts. The age-adjusted correlation coefficients ranged from 0.032 to 0.263, with the strongest correlations observed in anthropometric traits. Spousal odds ratios [95% confidence interval] for the Lifelines vs. ToMMo cohort ranged from 1.45 (1.36–1.55) vs. 1.20 (1.05–1.38) for hypertension to 6.86 (6.30–7.48) vs. 4.60 (3.52–6.02) for current smoking. An increasing trend in spousal concordance with age was observed for sufficient physical activity in both cohorts. For current smoking, those aged 20–39 years showed the strongest concordance between pairs in both cohorts. The Dutch pairs showed stronger similarities in anthropometric traits and lifestyle habits (smoking and drinking) than their Japanese counterparts. Spouses showed similarities in several cardiometabolic risk factors among Dutch and Japanese populations, with regional and cultural influences on spousal similarities. [Display omitted] • Spousal concordance was observed for several cardiometabolic risk factors. • Men had increased hypertension risk if their wives had the same disease. • Interventions targeting spouses, rather than individuals, may be more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There are many reports about bone mineral density in the study of osteoporosis, but it still cannot fully explain the problems of bone strength and fracture. This paper studies bone strength through hip mechanics, hoping to supplement the existing research. OBJECTIVE: To understand the impact of postmenopausal women’s lifestyle habits on hip geometry and mechanics. METHODS: Totally 648 postmenopausal women were selected. The subjects used dual-energy X-ray digital bone density to scan the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and left hip joint (total hip, proximal femur), and obtained the corresponding bone mineral density value and five parameters of hip geometric mechanics: bone cross-sectional area, cross-sectional rotational inertia, cross-sectional flexural modulus, cortical thickness and buckling stress ratio. Linear analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation of lifestyle habits with bone mineral density and hip geometry mechanics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Analysis of factors affecting bone density: Age, drinking more than two cups of coffee per day, and the number of pregnancies were negatively correlated with bone density (P < 0.05); body weight, body mass index, and moderate-intensity exercise were positively correlated with bone density (P < 0.05). (2) Factor analysis of affecting hip geometric mechanics: age and daily coffee consumption were negatively correlated with cross-sectional area, cross-sectional rotational inertia, cross-sectional flexural modulus, and cortical thickness (P < 0.05). Age, daily coffee consumption and less than one cup of milk per day were positively correlated with buckling stress ratio (P < 0.05). Body weight, height, and sunshine duration greater than 3 hours and moderateintensity exercise were positively correlated with cross-sectional area, cross-sectional rotational inertia, cross-sectional flexural modulus, cortical thickness (P < 0.05). Body mass index was negatively correlated with buckling stress ratio (P < 0.05). (3) It is indicated that drinking coffee every day is not conducive to bone health; proper exercise can help bone health; sunshine time greater than 3 hours can increase bone strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown a positive correlation between cervical cancer and some lifestyle habits, such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and dieting. These risk factors basically increase the likelihood of exposure to a high-risk HPV genotype. The aim of our study was to detect the most common lifestyle habits as risk factors for squamous intraepithelial lesions and squamous invasive cervical cancer. The study is a case-control study. Material is represented by 192 patients aged 20 to 59 years, divided into two groups: examined and control. The study was conducted in the period from March 2019 to September 2020 at the University Clinics for Gynecology and Obstetrics and Radiotherapy and Oncology in Skopje. All women underwent: a survey with a specific questionnaire, and as an indication, all women in the study group and colposcopic cervical biopsy with endocervical curettage for histopathological analysis. The relative risk of squamous intraepithelial lesions and squamous invasive cervical cancer was assessed by calculating the odds ratio (OR, Odds Ratio) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI, Confidence Interval), using logistic regression. Data analysis showed an association between cigarette smoking (chi-square test = 8.1702, p = 0.0043, p<0.05, with a relative risk of 2.45), diet (chisquare test = 4.1739, p = 0.0411, p<0.05, with a relative risk of 2.11) and squamous cell abnormalities of the cervix. Our study found that smoking and dieting were potential risk factors for cervical squamous cell abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of daily life exposure on the gastrointestinal tract is not fully understood. This study aimed to examine associations between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and sociodemographic status and lifestyle habits in the general population.Methods: The Malmö Offspring Study (MOS) included 2,648 participants from the general population who had answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic status, lifestyle habits, medical health, and self-reported irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS) was completed to assess gastrointestinal symptoms the past 2 weeks. Subjects with organic gastrointestinal diseases were excluded. Presence of self-reported IBS and gastrointestinal symptoms the past 2 weeks were used as dependent variables to study the associations with age, sex, body mass index, education, occupation, marital status, smoking, snuff using, alcohol drinking frequency, alcohol amount per drinking occasion, physical activity at work, and physical activity during leisure time, using logistic regression and generalized linear model.Results: Self-reported IBS was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms the past 2 weeks (p < 0.001). There was an association between IBS and female sex (p < 0.001), former smoking (p < 0.001), present smoking (p < 0.001), and an inverse association with drinking 3–4 standard glasses per occasion (p = 0.038). Gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with age 50–59 years (p = 0.009), ≥60 years (p = 0.004), female sex (p < 0.001), studying (p = 0.036), unemployment (p = 0.009), former smoking (p = 0.001), and present smoking (p = 0.012). In men, IBS was associated with middle-age and both IBS and gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with unemployment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). In women, IBS was associated with present smoking (p = 0.022), and gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with former smoking and inversely associated with higher age (p = 0.006) and intermediate physical activity at work (p = 0.008). No associations were found with BMI, education, marital status, or snuff using.Conclusion: Self-reported IBS in the general population shows strongest association with female sex and smoking, whereas gastrointestinal symptoms also are associated with unemployment and inversely associated with higher age. In men, both IBS and gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with unemployment. In women, both IBS and gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with smoking, whereas symptoms are inversely associated with higher age and intermediate physical activity.

Background and Purpose: With an increase in longevity, many studies have explored the influences of different lifestyle factors on successful aging. This study hypothesizes that older rats fed with a nutritionally balanced standard diet would perform better on learning tasks than rats fed with either a high- sucrose or a high-saturated fat. It also hypothesizes that older rats fed with a high-sucrose diet would perform better than those fed with a high-saturated fat. Methods: The learning abilities of the 15-month-old rats (N = 36) were assessed by conducting forward and reverse learning tasks using a T- maze apparatus. Results: The results showed that rats on a nutritionally balanced diet performed significantly better on both learning tasks than those on either the high-sucrose or the high-saturated fat (p's < .05). This may be due to the fact that the high-sucrose and high-saturated fat diets exacerbated a cognitive decline in geriatric rats. There was no significant difference between the learning abilities of the rats on a high-sucrose or high-saturated fat diet (p's > .05). Conclusion: At an older age, both high- sucrose and high-saturated fat diets have a similarly detrimental influence on cognitive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Social isolation required by the pandemic has led to some changes in individuals' eating and lifestyle habits. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the change in nutrition and lifestyle habits of Turkish people during the COVID-19 outbreak and investigate the effects of individuals' attitudes to healthy eating on this change. METHOD: At the beginning of the pandemic, individuals over the age of 18 participated in this cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. Demographic information (age, gender, education level, place of residence and occupation), anthropometric data (reported weight and height); nutritional behavior information (number of meals per day, changes in consumption of various foods, use of nutritional supplements, etc.) and changes in lifestyle habits were requested from the participations. In addition, the Healthy Nutrition Attitude Scale (ASHN) was used to determine the healthy eating attitudes of the participants. RESULTS: A total of 432 volunteers participated in the study. It was revealed that body weight increased in 38.0% of the participants and activity level decreased in 73.1% of them during the initial stage of the pandemic. Nevertheless, 44.7% of participants reported increased sleep time, 77.8% reported increased social media use, and 66.7% reported increased stress and anxiety. It was found that the most commonly used nutritional supplements during this period were vitamin C, vitamin D and multivitamin complex. Women have significantly higher ASHN scores compared to men (p < 0.001). The total ASHN scores of those whose body weight did not change and those who increased their activity level were found to be significantly higher. It was determined that as the age and education level increased, the healthy eating attitude increased. CONCLUSION: In this study, findings regarding the negative effects of the COVID-19 quarantine on the nutrition and lifestyle of the Turkish people are presented. However, those with a positive attitude toward healthy eating were observed to have better weight control and eating habits and stress management during the pandemic. Therefore, it is thought that the dissemination of healthy eating attitudes in society may contribute to the maintenance of physical and mental health in the event of a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Workplace Health Promotion Programs (WHPP) have been shown to be an efficient way of improving workers’ health. These programs can be incorporated in the worker’s daily schedule and improve their productivity at work. Improving employees’ health also benefits the employers by increasing their return on investment and lowering healthcare costs. The Activate Your Health program, created by Capsana in 2015, is a WHPP targeting multiple lifestyle habits for a three-year period. This WHPP includes tailored web-based interventions and the support of different health professionals throughout the years. We hypothesize that this approach will yield long-term lifestyle changes. The objective of the current paper is to describe the Activate Your Health program’s design. Methods/design Eleven companies are taking part in this WHPP and had to choose among five different options of this program and all their employees were encouraged to participate. Each option differs by the number and type of interventions included. The limited option, which is considered the control group, only consists in completing a questionnaire regarding their health status, lifestyle habits and behaviors. On the other end, the extensive option receives a combination of multiple interventions: online menus, health challenges, support in creating a healthy work environment, coaching by health professionals (nurse, nutritionist, and kinesiologist), health screening and flexibility assessment, online resources, social health platform, and activity tracking. The remaining options are in between these options and vary by the amount of intervention. Baseline data are already gathered; two other data collection periods will take place after one and 2 years into the program. The primary outcomes of the current program are physical activity and fitness measures, nutritional data, smoking habits, stress and intention to change. Discussion The Activate Your Health program will allow us to compare which combinations of interventions are the most effective. It is expected that the extensive option will be the most advantageous to improve lifestyle habits. The results will indicate the strength and weakness of each intervention and how it could be improved. Trial registration Clinicaltrails.gov, registration number: NCT02933385 (updated on the 26th of March 2019, initially registered on the 5th of October 2016).

Background. Physical activity, healthful dietary habits, and not smoking are associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, few studies have examined how counselling to improve poor lifestyle habits might be carried out in clinical practice. In Swedish primary care, structured lifestyle counselling is still not integrated into everyday clinical practice. The aim of the present study was two-fold: (1) to describe a novel lifestyle intervention programme in primary care; and (2) to evaluate change in unhealthy lifestyle habits over 1 year in men and women with high cardiovascular risk who participated in the lifestyle intervention programme. Method. A single-group study with a 1-year follow-up was carried out. A total of 417 people was enrolled, median age 62 years (54% women), with either hypertension (69%), type 2 diabetes mellitus, or impaired glucose tolerance. The 1-year intervention included five counselling sessions that focused on lifestyle habits, delivered by a district nurse with postgraduate credits in diabetes care and the metabolic syndrome. All patients were offered in-depth counselling for one or more lifestyle habits when needed. Lifestyle habits were assessed by a questionnaire at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Total change was assessed using a nine-factor unhealthy lifestyle habit index. Results. Favourable, significant changes were observed for physical activity, dietary habits, smoking, and stress over 1 year. Similar improvements were seen for both sexes and type of diagnosis. Conclusions. The results support the utility of a multifactorial, structured approach to change unhealthy lifestyle habits for cardiovascular risk prevention in a primary care setting.

Background: People’s dietary and lifestyle habits appeared to be influenced by restrictive measures imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the differences in dietary and lifestyle habits during and after the lockdown measures in Cyprus. Methods: Two online cross-sectional surveys were conducted, using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, smoking habits, physical activity, and dietary habits. The first survey was conducted between 6 April 2020 and 20 June 2020 (during national lockdown) while the second survey was conducted between 27 October 2021 and 20 January 2022 (post-lockdown). Results: A total of 2503 individuals participated in the study. A higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes/pulses, fish, and poultry was identified during lockdown compared to the period after the lockdown. Moreover, a greater daily intake of olive oil and a lower consumption of alcohol was found during the confinement period compared to the post-confinement period. During lockdown, most participants (43.0%) never or rarely used delivery services, while the largest proportion of the participants after lockdown used delivery services 1–3 times per month (37.0%) (p < 0.001). During lockdown, around 66% of the participants were physically active, compared to 55.5% after lockdown (p < 0.001). Furthermore, when compared to those with a normal BMI, more overweight and obese respondents ordered food 1–2 times per week in both periods (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dietary and lifestyle habits of the participants were healthier throughout the lockdown period than after the end of the restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical to encourage the Cypriot population to maintain the healthy dietary and lifestyle habits established during the lockdown in their daily lives after the confinement.

Background: This study's purpose was to examine the association between a broad range of lifestyle habits and depressive symptoms in Norwegian adolescents.Methods: This study was based on national, self-reported, cross-sectional data from the Ungdata Surveys, conducted in 2017-2019. The target group comprised 244,250 adolescents (ages 13-19). Binominal logistic regression was used to analyse the association between lifestyle habits (physical activity, social media use, gaming, dietary habits, smoking, smokeless tobacco, alcohol intoxication) and depressive symptoms. The outcome measure was defined as a high level of depressive symptoms (≥80th percentile). Separate analyses were performed for boys and girls, and all models were adjusted for perceived family economy, parental higher education and age.Results: The odds of having depressive symptoms were significantly lower among those who reported being physically active at least 3 times per week (OR; boys: 0.81, girls: 0.83), used social media ≤3 h per day (OR; boys: 0.65, girls: 0.70), engaged in gaming ≤3 h per day (OR; boys: 0.72, girls: 0.77), were non-smokers (OR; boys: 0.74, girls: 0.72) and had not experienced alcohol intoxication during the previous 12 months (OR; boys: 0.66, girls: 0.67). Furthermore, the results indicated a significant inverse association between depressive symptoms and high consumption of a range of healthy food items and low consumption of unhealthy food and beverages among girls. Similar tendencies were found among boys (OR; 0.77-0.91). Finally, higher adherence to healthy lifestyle habits was associated significantly with lower odds of having depressive symptoms among both genders (OR; boys: 0.40, girls: 0.52).Conclusions: A healthier lifestyle was associated with lower odds of having depressive symptoms. Additional research is needed to confirm a possible causal relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity (PA) is recognized as important predictor of healthy aging. However, the influence of the type of voluntary PA as well as age or sex in this relationship is unclear. Thus, we assess the association between current and past PA level and physical performances among voluntary active older adults.Methods: Functional capacities (timed Up and Go, sit-to-stand, alternate step test, unipodal balance, grip strength, knee extension strength, estimated muscle power and VO2 max) as well as body composition (DXA: total and appendicular lean masses (LM; kg), fat mass (FM; %)) were measured. Current and last 5-years PA level (time spent on total, aerobic, resistance and body & mind activities) were assessed using an interview. Multiple regressions, adjusted on age, sex and BMI, were performed to assess the relationship between current or past PA level and physical performances. Sub-group analysis, according to the sex (men/women) or age (< 65 yrs. vs. ≥65 yrs) were performed.Results: 525 subjects (age:61.7 ± 8.1 yrs.; women:68.9%; BMI:26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study. After adjustment on confounding factors, total current PA level has positive impact on total FM (β = - 2.09, p = 0004) and balance (β = 0.10; p = 0.05). Moreover, current body & mind activities influence total LBM (β = - 0.22, p = 0.02) and balance (β = 0.17; p = 0.001) whereas resistance activities influence total LBM (β = 0.17; p = 0.05), FM (β = - 0.16; p = 0.04) and sit-to-stand capacities (β = - 0.10; p = 0.05). Globally, these results were more pronounced in women than in men and among people aged over 65 years. Past level of PA has low impact on functional capacities and body composition, regardless of sex. Among people < 65 years, there is no relationship between time spent on total PA and functional capacities or body composition. However, a significant correlation was found between past total PA and balance (r=` 0.19; p = 0.01), alternate-step test (r = 0.24; p = 0.02) and VO2max (r = 0.19; p = 0.02) in people aged over 65 years. More precisely, the past time spent on aerobic and resistance activities influence balance (r = 0.16; p = 0.03 and r = 0.15; p = 0.04, respectively) after 65 yrs. old.Conclusion: Even if physical activity history has little influence on physical aging process, being active is associated with body composition and functional capacities, especially among women aged 65 years and over. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to characterize physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), and body composition across collegiate years. 143 participants (Age: 19.7±1.2yrs) were measured using a modified fourcompartment model and the Long International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Two-way ANOVAs and Pearson Correlations were utilized. For males, PA and ST were significant across class year. Vigorous PA and ST were significantly correlated to %body fat (p=0.001 and p=0.036, respectively) and fat mass (p=0.002 and p=0.023, respectively) suggesting vigorous PA and reduced ST may be associated with improved body composition. Males expressed differences in PA and ST across class year while females were stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study clarified the prevalence and risk factors of sleep disorders in visually impaired athletes.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 99 visually impaired athletes engaged in the following Paralympic sport events: track and field (marathon), goalball, swimming, blind soccer, and judo. Eighty-one respondents (male: 72.8%; average age: 32.5 ± 12.0 years) who completed the survey were chosen for analyses. Survey items were attributes [age, gender, body mass index, and condition of visual impairment (athletic classification and causing time of disability)], lifestyle habits (bedtime, wake-up time, drinking alcohol, meals, and use of electronics after lights out), competition activities (sports time per week, morning and evening practices, and competition stressors), psychological distress, and sleep disorders [recorded using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)]. First, the prevalence of the respondents having sleep disorders (scored 5.5 points or more in the PSQI) was investigated. Then, the relations between attributes, lifestyle habits, competition activities, psychological distress, and sleep disorders were explored using logistic regression analysis.Results: Twenty-six respondents (32.1%) had sleep disorders. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that "interpersonal relationship stressors" and "wake-up time" were independently related to sleep disorders.Conclusions: Approximately one-third of visually impaired athletes were shown to have sleep disorders. High interpersonal relationship stressors and late wake-up time may be risk factors of their sleep disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Background] Daily habits or exercise habits in first-year college students are well known to be important in getting used to college life and an improvement of academic ability. Limited small-scale studies report that mental health or mood states can affect daily habits or exercise habits, but there is a lack of robust findings of a large-scale study for college students at the same college and at the same academic year (i.e., for homogenous subjects). [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between mood states and daily habits or exercise habits in first-year college students. [Methods] This study was a cross-sectional study of 1030 male college freshmen. Mood states were assessed by the Japanese version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) 2nd Edition-Adult Short and daily habits or exercise habits were assessed by questionnaire survey. [Results] Based on the total POMS score as an index of negative mood, the participants were assigned to four groups: Low, Normal, High, and Very high groups. Statistically significant differences were found in frequency of eating breakfast, quality of sleep, sleep duration, likes or dislikes of sports, years of sports experience, and fitness score. In particular, quality of sleep and fitness score were significantly lower and years of sports experience were significantly higher in Low group than other groups. Statistically significant trends were also observed in all parameters such as frequency of eating breakfast, quality of sleep, sleep duration, likes or dislikes of sports, years of sports experience, and fitness score. That is, with increasing levels of negative mood, these scores became worse in High and Very high groups than in Low group. Stepwise multiple-regression analysis for all the parameters also identified quality of sleep (β = 0.251), likes or dislikes of sports (β = 0.196), and frequency of eating breakfast (β = -0.081) as independent factors affecting negative mood states. [Conclusions] Therefore, these results indicate that negative mood states are associated with daily habits and exercise habits, and poor mood states can be associated with worse daily habits and exercise habits in first-year college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective way to address risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD) and reduce healthcare costs is by using sound health-related advice (HRA) to promote healthy lifestyle habits. In Argentina, however, few studies have examined the context in which HRA is communicated and undertaken by patients at the primary care level. In this study, we assessed the reception of HRA using a mixed-method approach in a central area of Argentina. A total of 1,044 participants from the community were contacted and sociodemographic characteristics, health-related lifestyle factors, and medical history were collected. A calendar with health messages was provided to participants and its usage was assessed after 1 year. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 patients attending a local primary healthcare center. The results show that HRA was given more frequently to individuals with higher mean age, lower educational level, and to females. Participants with a chronic health condition are at a higher chance of receiving advice to reduce salt intake and maintain a healthy weight. Dietary advice is offered along with other lifestyle recommendations. The use of alcohol and tobacco is usually addressed together. HRA was primarily received in the context of an NCD diagnosis and advice was directed, especially, to risky behaviors. The HRA to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables was mentioned less frequently. Patients at the healthcare center greatly appreciated receiving an HRA, especially when given in a tailored, written, and detailed form, and acknowledged its importance to prevent or control a chronic health condition as part of the medical treatment but showed concern regarding the ability to fully incorporate the advice. Lifestyle recommendations are highly appreciated by patients but are still underutilized since they are offered mostly in the context of illness. The health calendar was shown to be useful to complement health intervention programs at the community level. The findings of our study underscore the acknowledged value of HRA by participants to tackle the risk factors of chronic diseases. If properly used HRA constitutes a simple and highly valued tool to help address patient's needs to prevent and control NCD in Argentina.

Aim: In this study, we seek to empirically understand the relationship between lifestyle habits and dementia risk. Methods: Through an original online survey, we first confirm the significant difference in the dementia risk indicators between good and bad lifestyle habits. Then, using regression analysis to hold other factors equal, we examine the relationships between lifestyle habits and an aggregate dementia risk indicator. Results: Through the t‐test results, we find that the average scores of dementia risk for respondents avoiding good habits and preferring bad habits are significantly higher than those of the respondents favoring good habits and avoiding bad habits. Our empirical findings showed that Japanese‐style dietary habits significantly correlate with a decreased dementia risk. An additional 1‐point increase in eating habits will reduce dementia risk scores by 0.148 points, on average. Furthermore, we also confirm that walking (more than three times per week) and watching TV (almost every day) help prevent dementia. Conclusions: We conclude that maintaining a good lifestyle helps prevent dementia. In particular, good eating habits, both in terms of types of food and eating routines, are essential to avoid the development of dementia. Most of these lifestyle habits belong to the targets of the "Health Japan 21" project. Therefore, our findings might provide some convincing evidence for promoting the project, which will not only extend healthy life expectancy, but also reduce the increasing number of older adults with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 203–208. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Differences in socioeconomic status contribute to inequalities in lifestyle habits and burden of noncommunicable diseases. We aimed to examine how the effects of a 1-year structured lifestyle education program associate with the participant's educational level and socioeconomic area (SEA) of residence. Methods. One hundred individuals (64% women) with high cardiovascular risk were included. Education level (nonuniversity vs university degree) was self-reported and SEA (low vs high) defined by living in different SEAs. Lifestyle habits and quality of life were self-reported, cardiovascular risk factors and Framingham 10-year cardiovascular disease risk were measured at baseline and after 1 year. Results. Sedentary behavior decreased in both nonuniversity degree and low SEA group over 1 year, with a significantly greater improvement in daily activity behavior in low- compared with high-SEA group. Abdominal obesity decreased significantly more in the nonuniversity compared with the university degree group. Cardiovascular risk and quality of life improved in all groups, however, with greater discrimination when using educational level as the dichotomization variable. Conclusion. The results are clinically and significantly relevant, suggesting that low socioeconomic status measured both as educational level and SEA are no barriers for changing unhealthy lifestyle habits and decreasing cardiovascular risk after participation in a lifestyle program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: COVID-19 arose as a pandemic that wreaked havoc all over the world. Study determines lifestyle changes adopted by people of Karachi in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was the cross-sectional study and carried out at public sector hospital and 218 participants were selected through random sampling method. Results: Lifestyle changes a statistically significant difference in nutrition (p = 0.000), physical activity (p = 0.000), workout (p = 0.000), smoking (p = 0.000), sleep hours (p = 0.000), and supplements (p = 0.000) before and during lockdown. Face masks were utilized by 38% of individuals, gloves by 19%, and social isolation was observed by 26%. 11% of participants did not follow any protocols. Conclusion: Study found significant differences in lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, smoking and physical activity., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties., (© 2024 Tafazzul Hyder Zaidi.)

Autophagy plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to various stress conditions by the degradation of intracellular components. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of autophagy's cellular and molecular basis, biological significance, pharmacological modulation, and its relevance in lifestyle medicine. We delve into the intricate molecular mechanisms that govern autophagy, including macroautophagy, microautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Moreover, we highlight the biological significance of autophagy in aging, immunity, metabolism, apoptosis, tissue differentiation and systemic diseases, such as neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases and cancer. We also discuss the latest advancements in pharmacological modulation of autophagy and their potential implications in clinical settings. Finally, we explore the intimate connection between lifestyle factors and autophagy, emphasizing how nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns and environmental factors can significantly impact the autophagic process. The integration of lifestyle medicine into autophagy research opens new avenues for promoting health and longevity through personalized interventions., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) world pandemic, affected countries such as Spain enacted measures comprising compulsory confinement as well as restrictions regarding free movement. Such measures likely influence children's and adolescents' lifestyles. Our study aimed to investigate the impact that the Covid-19 confinement has on health-related behaviors (HRBs) among Spanish children and adolescents. An online survey was administered to 516 parents to collect data about 860 children and adolescents (49.2% girls) aged between 3 and 16 years in relation to physical activity, screen exposure, sleep time, and fruit and vegetable consumption during the Covid-19 confinement. Respectively, t-paired test and t-test between groups served to check differences between HRBs levels before and during the confinement as well as between strict and relaxed confinement. Significant differences were found for a reduction of weekly minutes of physical activity during the confinement (−102.5, SD 159.6) (p < 0.001), an increase of daily hours of screen exposure (2.9, SD 2.1) (p < 0.001), and a reduction of daily fruit and vegetable consumption (−0.2, SD 1.6) (p < 0.001). Sleep time showed a significant difference between strict and relaxed confinement (−0.3, SD 0.1) (p < 0.05), whereas binomial logistic regression adjusted for covariates (age, sex, education of the parents, siblings, current condition, exposure to Covid-19, and previous health risk behavior) showed significantly lower odds for screen exposure risk behavior with relaxed confinement (OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.40–0.91). The present study suggests that Covid-19 confinement reduced physical activity levels, increased both screen exposure and sleep time, and reduced fruit and vegetable consumption. Therefore, most HRBs worsened among this sample of Spanish children and adolescents. Closure of schools, online education, and the lack of policies addressing the conciliation between labor and family life could have played an important role in HRBs worsening among pupils, which might be mitigated with adequate conciliation policies, parental guidance, and community support.

Background Little is known about the concurrent change in physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and sport participation (SP) during adolescence. The main purpose of this prospective and partly objective study was to simultaneously investigate PA, SBs and SP changes between the 1st and 2nd grades of high school in urban adolescents. Methods In this 1-year follow-up study, the participants were 81 secondary-school students (28 boys and 53 girls) aged 15.5 years at the baseline. PA was assessed with the SenseWear Armband multi-sensor activity monitor, while SBs were assessed by using School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES) PA questionnaire. The SHAPES questionnaire was supplemented with two questions inquiring about SP in organized sports in school and outside of school. Results PA decreased markedly in both genders between the 1st and 2nd grades of high school. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was reduced by 13 kcal/kg/day on average in boys and by 10 kcal/kg/day in girls (p for both <0.001), while mean daily active energy expenditure (AEE) decreased by 7 kcal/kg/day (p < 0.001) and 3 kcal/kg/day (p = 0.04) in boys and girls, respectively. Similarly, the amount of moderate PA declined by 49 min/day in boys and 21 min/day in girls (p for both <0.001). At the same time vigorous PA was cut by 14 min/day (p < 0.001) and 3 min/day (p = 0.003) in boys and girls, respectively. Conversely, time spent in SBs did not show any change. Conclusion In conclusion, a decline in PA between the 1st and 2nd grades of high school was marked but was not accompanied with an increase in SBs. Policies aimed at increasing PA should be targeting the period of entering secondary school to offset the observed drop in PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Objective: We investigated the potential association of several relevant variables with PD age at onset (AAO), focusing on LRRK2 p.G2019S and GBA p.N370S mutations. Methods: Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) PD patients, screened for LRRK2 and GBA mutations, underwent an interview regarding exposure to the following environmental and lifestyle factors: cigarette smoking, consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol, head injury and rural living. Multivariate linear regression (adjusted for sex) was used to examine the association with AAO, and models included LRRK2 p.G2019S and GBA p.N370S mutation status (carrier/non-carriers), single environmental variable and their interactions terms, as independent variables. Results: 225 Israeli AJ PD patients were enrolled: 65 LRRK2 p.G2019S mutation carriers, 60 GBA p.N370S carriers and 100 non-carries of these mutations. In the dichotomized exposure/non-exposure analyses, positive LRRK2 p.G2019S status was associated with younger AAO in all models, at nominal or near significant levels (p = 0.033–0.082). Smoking was associated with older AAO (p = 0.032), and the interaction between GBA p.N370S and history of head injury was associated with younger AAO (p = 0.049), both at nominal significance. There was no indication of a consistent main effect for GBA p.N370S status or significant LRRK2 p.G2019S-environmental factor interaction. In the dose-dependent analyses, increased coffee and tea consumption levels were associated with older AAO (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that genetic and environmental factors may affect AAO in PD patients, but validation in additional samples is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone health is an important concern in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a powerful predictor of fracture risk in IBD patients. Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in bone health. However, PA data for children and adolescents with IBD are scarce. The primary aim is to evaluate the relationship between PA and BMD in children with IBD. The secondary aim was to assess the relationship between PA and quality of life. Eighty-four IBD paediatric patients (45 boys) aged 14.3 ± 2.7 years were included (disease activity: (i) remission, n = 62; (ii) mild, n = 18; (iii) severe disease, n = 1). BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and expressed as age- and sex-based Z-scores. Each patient wore a triaxial accelerometer for seven consecutive days for objective PA quantification. Quality of life was assessed using the PedsQL™ and energy intake was assessed prospectively for three days using a dietary diary. BMD Z-score was −0.96 ± 1.11. Only five patients (6%) fulfilled the recommendation of 60 min of daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). The proportion of children with osteopenia and osteoporosis was 51% and 4%, respectively. After adjustment for confounders (pubertal status and body mass index), total PA and time in MVPA were positively associated with BMD (regression coefficient per one standard deviation increase in PA parameters = 0.26; P < 0.05). There was no association between time spent in MVPA and total PA, and total quality of life score. PA likely is associated with improved bone health in IBD children. Intervention studies investigating a causal relationship between PA and BMD in paediatric patients with IBD are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study set out to identify the unhealthy lifestyle habits adopted by nurses at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan which could predispose to Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and assess the cardiovascular risk factors among them. A cross sectional study design was utilized. The study population consisted of nurses working on the wards at the UCH, Ibadan who were between the ages of 30-60 years. Systematic random sampling was adopted in selecting 196 nurses for this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to consenting nurses. Focus group discussions were conducted to further probe into the details of the questionnaire. 94.9% of respondents were female and the mean age of respondents was 39.3±7.4 years. About 32% of the respondents engaged in moderate exercise less than once a week, 59% of the respondents slept between 5-6 hours at night, 44.9% ate fried food 1-2 times weekly, 42.9% consumed one or more litres of soda drink per week. Majority demonstrated high level of awareness about cardiovascular risk factors such as cigarette smoking (78.1%), alcohol use (76.5%), overweight/obese (75.5%), high blood cholesterol (73.5%), physical inactivity (71.9%) and diabetes mellitus (70.9%). However, there was a low level of awareness about cardiovascular risk factors such as race (41.3%) and gender (34.2%). A significantly higher proportion (70%) of respondents who ate fried foods on an average of 3-6 times per week were overweight/obese (p=0.016). Obesity was also associated with family history of cardiovascular diseases (p=0.04). The focus group discussions highlighted nurses' views about difficulties in practicing known healthy lifestyle habits. The study highlighted a moderate prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, consumption of fried foods and physical inactivity among nurses. Efforts should be directed towards the promotion of healthy lifestyles among nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Plant-based diets are associated with a lower: (i) body mass index, (ii) rates of death from ischemic heart disease, (iii) serum cholesterol, (iv) incidence of high blood pressure, (v) type II diabetes mellitus and cancer, with an overall longer life expectancy. However, little data concerning the oral health in individuals on a plant-based diet are available. Aim. The aim of the present study was to investigate the general and clinical oral health status in a cohort of adults who had been following a plant-based diet for a minimum of 24 months. Materials And Methods. For this purpose, individuals were administered two questionnaires (a.Questionnaire investigating risk areas for oral diseases; b. Italian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile -14 (IOHIP-14)) by a dental hygienist and clinical examination of the oral cavity was carried out. Results. Seventy-seven adult individuals were enrolled. On average, they followed a plant-based diet for the last four years, had four meals a day and brushed their teeth twice a day. Fruit was the most frequently consumed food at breakfast by 48 of the participants. Thirty-four responders did not drink beer or wine, 65 did not drink spirits, 57 avoided carbonated beverages and 62 (80.5%) did not consume any highly-sugared beverages. Different dental therapies in the previous three years were reported in 36 of the responders. Overall, answers "never and almost never" to the IOHIP-14 questionnaire were observed in 87% to 100% of the individuals. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that fresh fruit consumption at lunch had a protective effect against caries (p < 0.05). Conclusion. In conclusion, this study showed that individuals on a plant-based diet have good overall oral health conditions. These features are in agreement with the behavior of these subjects towards an overall healthy life style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a clinical disorder characterized by recurrent, reversible episodes of digital vasospasm. RP can be classified as primary (pRP) or secondary, depending on whether it occurs as a benign condition (not disease-associated) or is associated with other diseases, mainly of the connective tissues. In both cases, it can be triggered by environmental factors, as indicated by the increased incidence of pRP episodes following exposure to cold, vibration injury or chemicals. The purpose of this prospective case–control study was to assess, in an Italian cohort of 132 pRP patients, the association of the phenomenon with demographic, lifestyle habits, environmental and work-related factors. Compared to healthy controls, pRP was found to be inversely associated with the use of contact lenses (OR = 0.4; p = 0.004) and of chlorous-based disinfectants (OR = 0.3; p < 0.001) and directly associated with the presence of prosthesis implants (OR = 5.3; p = 0.001) and the use of hydrogen peroxide-based compounds (OR = 2.6; p = 0.002), suggesting that the latter should be avoided in RP affected patients. Multivariate and multivariable analysis confirmed the associations. Further investigations are needed to understand the mechanism(s) underlying these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted on healthy adults without a diagnosis related to cardiovascular disease to investigate the associations between asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis and the characteristics of health checkup examinees. This study was performed on 601 people (320 males and 281 females), who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), among health checkup examinees from January 2, 2015 to December 31, 2016. Those with any prior history of cardiovascular diseases, underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or coronary artery stenting in the past, those with atrial fibrillation, those suspected of contrast agent side effects, and those whose creatinine levels deviated from the normal range were excluded. The mean age was 58.7 ± 8.0 years. Coronary artery stenosis was detected in 173 people (28.8%), and the mean coronary artery stenosis rate was 25.8 ± 12.8%. Regression analysis showed that coronary artery stenosis was influenced significantly by age, gender, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), past smoking duration, current smoking duration, and number of glasses of alcohol consumed (p < 0.05). In terms of the relationship between the presence of coronary artery stenosis and lifestyle habits, amount of alcohol consumed per day (p = 0.03), and patients with a longer period of past (p < 0.001) and current smoking duration (p = 0.01) had a significant effect on coronary artery stenosis. These results suggest that men aged 60 years or older, who have consumed large amounts of alcohol and cigarettes for a long time, require continuous management through tests such as a health checkup, because of the high probability of coronary artery stenosis, even in those without specific symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diurnal preferences refers to one's preference of performing timely activities where one may prefer for late timings and the other for earlier, which account for their chronotype that is controlled partly by genetic factors and are also influenced by environmental factors. Individual's circadian preference can be drawn using questionnaire tools as well as can be externally validated by studying various physiological parameters that has a rhythmicity. Determination of chronotype is well studied worldwide but mostly in European and American countries. Asia being the largest continent, comprising so many countries still did not have widespread studies over chronotype assessment and its implications. This review aims at jotting down the available literature regarding the chronotype evaluation and the various contributing factors in Asian perspectives such that there can be huge cross-cultural studies emphasizing environmental, geographical differences, lifestyle habits, work schedule, and other contributing factors regarding the understanding of circadian preference of humans, which is really hard to define. The dearth in studies regarding diurnal preferences and physiological altercations, which is in turn influenced by the work schedule and the resultant sleep-wake pattern disorientation, needs further investigation worldwide and this available literature may put some light in the path of future research scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Our objective was to determine common risk factors and lifestyle habits associated with atherogenic risk and with the use of lipid-lowering therapy in men with type 2 diabetes. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed in the northwestern Algeria during eleven months on adult men patients with type 2 diabetes. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressures and lipid profile were evaluated. Data of common risk factors and lifestyle habits associated to atherosclerosis were compared between two groups according to the lipid lowering therapy use based on statins. Results: 147 adult men patients with type 2 diabetes were involved in the study, 68 (46.26%) were under statins therapy and 79 (53.74%) were not. Significant associations with statins use were observed regarding the age group of 61-70 years (OR: 0.156 [0.043-0.570]; p=0.005), a salary of less than 30000 Algerian dinars (≈250.60$) (OR: 5.758 [1.299-25.512]; p=0.021), age of diabetes of 2-3 years (OR: 0.105 [0.013-0.867]; p=0.036) as well as with lipid ratios and body mass index (BMI). However, no significant associations were noted regarding the other studied parameters (marital status, educational level, occupation, salary, and family history, smoking status, alcohol consumption and sports practices) with lipid lowering therapy. Conclusion: Age of patients, diabetes duration, lipid ratios and the low income of patients are the strongest factors associated with the use of lipid lowering therapy (statins). However, largest longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether modifiable lifestyle habits could influence the lipid lowering therapies prescription in diabetic patients over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]