Chronic Diseases Of Lifestyle Research Articles

IJCM_302A: Perceptions related to lifestyle modifications among Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients in tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore

Background: Diabetes is a chronic lifestyle disease which can be kept under control by some simple lifestyle modifications like blood sugar monitoring, dietary modification and exercise pattern. Diabetes mellitus (DM) appears to be a global epidemic and an increasingly major non-communicable disease threatening both affluent and non-affluent sections of the society. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore involving 109 participants. The study utilized the Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities questionnaire to collect data. Practices were categorized as good or poor based on an average score, with scores above 75% indicating good and lower scores indicating poorer practices. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: The dietary modifications were good in 7.3% of the subjects, exercise behavior in 14.67%, foot care practices in 12.6% and sugar monitoring in only 1% of the subjects. Being male and married was associated with better self-care behaviors. People belonging to low socio-economic status had better dietary modification habits. Conclusion: Self-care activities with respect to diet and sugar monitoring are poor in the population studied. The self-care activities relating to exercise behavior and foot care are good. Improving self-care behavior among patients with diabetes in India should start with adequate targeted health education.

The profile of people undergoing lower limb amputations at Groote Schuur Hospital.

The annual incidence of lower limb amputations (LLA) at Groote Schuur Hospital is rising gradually. However, little is known about the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of people undergoing these limb amputations. To collect and analyse data to describe the sociodemographic, health and amputation profiles of people who have undergone LLA at Groote Schuur Hospital. A descriptive retrospective chart review was conducted using a sample of 107 participants who had undergone LLA at Groote Schuur Hospital between January 2019 and July 2020. A customised assessment tool was used to extract data on the sociodemographic, health and amputation profiles of patients who had LLA. Data were analysed descriptively. Sixty per cent of the patients who had undergone LLA at Groote Schuur Hospital were women. Most of the patients were over the age of 60 years and had not completed school and were pensioners or unemployed, with very low income and multiple co-morbidities including poorly controlled diabetes. Complications because of uncontrolled diabetes were the primary indication for LLAs at Groote Schuur Hospital. Therefore, health literacy projects are indicated to address chronic diseases of lifestyle, which, in turn, may reduce the overall burden of LLA, particularly on the South African under-resourced healthcare system. The results of this study may help us identify key factors that predispose patients to LLAs. Consequently, this may help us identify key areas for prevention and better management of diseases that can result in complications that indicate the need for amputation.

A Study to Assess the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Healthy Lifestyle Among Garden workers

The analytical cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding healthy lifestyle among garden workers ,to find out the association between level of knowledge, attitude and practice on healthy lifestyle among garden workers with selected socio demographic variables. convenient sampling technique was adopted to select 52 employees working in the garden at selected tertiary health care centre, Puducherry. after obtaining informed consent data were collected, by using structured interview schedule questionnaire over a period of one week in March 2022. Among 52 samples of garden workers 2 (3.8%) has adequate knowledge, 27(51.9%) has moderately adequate knowledge and 23 (44.2%) has inadequate knowledge; 4 (7.7%) has favorable attitude, 43 (82.7%) has moderately favorable attitude and 5 (9.6)% has unfavorable attitude; 21 (40.4%) has good practice, 27 (51.9%) has average practice and 4 (7.7%) has poor practice regarding healthy lifestyle. Mean and standard deviation of knowledge is 12.96 ± SD 3.199 with p value .158, attitude is 45.98 ± SD 6.755 with p value .324 and practice is 10.79 ± SD 2.136 with p value .971 shows that there is no correlation between the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding healthy lifestyle among garden workers.The overall findings of the study revealed that promoting healthy lifestyle practices in work place is vital towards preventing chronic lifestyle related diseases.

Knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.

Exposure to risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) begins early especially during adolescence while morbidity and mortality occurs mainly in adulthood. To assess the level of knowledge of major NCDs (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes) and risk factors among adolescents in a semi-urban setting. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to collect data. The study targeted students attending mixed secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. An adapted knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to chronic diseases of lifestyle was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25. A total of 1,281 students participated in the study. The results revealed that most of the participants (62.1%) had low levels of knowledge about NCD risk factors. Very few students in the present study recognized the role of family history and genetic predisposition as potential risk factors of hypertension (18%) and diabetes (24.7%) as well as the normal blood pressure (35.9%) and blood glucose levels (20.5%). Although most of the students identified alcohol and smoking as risk factors for cancer, half (51.6%) of them did not have the knowledge that regular physical activity reduces the risk of getting cancer. Many of the adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya had low level of knowledge regarding NCDs and their risk factors. The findings of this study highlight the need for a school-based intervention programme to raise awareness of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents.

An Evidence Based Rationale for Health and Wellness Coaching as a Complementary Certification in Undergraduate Health Education.

Health and wellness coaching (HWC) is an effective intervention for many chronic lifestyle diseases. Chronic diseases represent a majority of our severe national healthcare burden. Yet, HWC certification programs vary in delivery method and degree awarded. The purpose of this paper is to provide an evidence based rationale for HWC as a complementary area of study to non-licensure granting, undergraduate health degrees in higher education. A comprehensive review of the literature related to the efficacy of HWC was completed. In addition, the national program directory was mined for descriptive data for approved HWC programs. Given the growing body of support for HWC as an effective intervention, we recommend that institutions deliver HWC curricula as an academic minor for undergraduate students in non-licensure granting health-related degrees to position graduates for entry level careers in HWC. Evidence from the successful deployment of an undergraduate program in HWC supports our contention that HWC be delivered as an academic minor in support of lifestyle health and wellness education. In doing so, the field can offer HWC in a way that is widely accessible to the undergraduate population, while providing a mechanism for direct employment as a professional health and wellness coach.

A Narrative Review of Lifestyle Risk Factors and the Role of Oxidative Stress in Age-Related Hearing Loss.

Age-related hearing loss affects a significant proportion of adults aged 60 years and above, with a prevalence of 65%. This condition has a negative impact on both physical and mental well-being, and while hearing interventions can help alleviate the effects of hearing loss, they cannot completely restore normal hearing or halt the progression of age-related hearing loss. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been identified as potential contributors to this condition. By addressing modifiable lifestyle risk factors that exacerbate oxidative stress, there may be an opportunity to prevent hearing loss. Therefore, this narrative review provides an overview of the major modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with age-related hearing loss, that is, exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals, smoking, diet, physical activity, and the presence of chronic lifestyle diseases, and offers an overview of the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of this condition.

Chronic diseases of lifestyle curriculum: Students' perceptions in primary health care settings.

Community-based primary health care (PHC) forms the foundation of healthcare in South Africa. Medical programmes need to equip future health practitioners to face the challenges of the rising burden of chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL) in different communities. Community-based education (CBE) contributes to developing knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the challenges experienced in the PHC context. To explore medical students' perceptions of the current CDL curriculum and related programmes during CBE rotations. The study was conducted among fourth- and fifth-year medical students at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Focus group discussions were conducted and data were analysed thematically. Themes included perceptions of the CDL curriculum, relevance thereof for the PHC setting and barriers and challenges to implementing PHC programmes. This study identified foundational CDL content that needs to be incorporated or revisited at strategic points. Participants identified the need to contextualise educational programmes and focus on affordable, culturally acceptable and holistic healthcare prevention strategies. Barriers and challenges included high patient load, resource constraints, the lack of continuous care and focus on communicable diseases. Community-based education rotations were described as meaningful opportunities to develop professional attributes, competencies and skills. This study identified foundational concepts to consider at key points throughout the curriculum. Incorporating creative and reflective learning activities in CDL modules can prepare students for the realities of PHC settings.Contribution: This study provides insight into medical students' perceptions of the CDL curriculum and informs future curriculum content for CDL modules.

Promoting Men’s Health in a Community

Background: Physical activity (PA) and healthy lifestyle habits directly influence physical health and reduce the risk for chronic lifestyle diseases. An interdisciplinary, community-based approach, informed by baseline information on PA and lifestyle habits, can play an important role in promoting men’s health. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine and describe PA levels and lifestyle habits of a sport and non-sport group of adult males and determine whether an association existed between PA levels and lifestyle habits. Method: A quantitative research design was used in this case-control study. Data was collected using a self-developed demographic questionnaire and two standardised questionnaires, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Belloc and Breslow Seven Lifestyle Habits Questionnaire. Results: A total of 102 males aged between 25 and 35 years were included in this study. The only comorbidity reported was hypertension (5.9%). The self-reported PA levels of 51% of the participants in the sport group were classified as health-enhancing, while 27.5% of the participants in the non-sport group were classified as inactive. The two groups were comparable regarding healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating breakfast, not smoking and minimal alcohol consumption. However, cross tabulation of PA levels with lifestyle habits showed that no participant in the sport group exhibited low levels of PA combined with poor lifestyle habits. Conclusion: The baseline information on PA and lifestyle habits of males obtained in this study supports the suggested strategies for healthcare professionals. Through these strategies, healthcare professionals can support communities to increase their PA levels and educate them on healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of chronic lifestyle diseases.

Post-COVID Heroes: Physical Education Teachers’ Role in Sports and Physical Activity in Jamaica

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated Jamaica’s high physical inactivity rates, which means the country could potentially see increases in lifestyle diseases and deaths. Given the fact that physical literacy is not prevalent among the Jamaican population, physical education (PE) teachers must play a greater role in the postCOVID era to promote physical activity and sports involvement through school, community, and national initiatives. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived role of PE teachers in the development of sports and physical activity (PA) lifestyles in the post-COVID era in Jamaica. Methods: The research took the form of a descriptive quantitative survey that analyzed the experiences and perceptions of 47 PE teachers in Jamaica. The sampling method utilized a combined approach using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Results: The results of the study indicated that PE teachers play an important role in teaching and developing the fundamental skills of students in preparation for transition into amateur and national competitions. PE teachers in the post-COVID era need to contribute more to students living a healthy lifestyle and becoming active for life. Conclusion: The results of this study have great implications for Jamaica’s physical inactivity levels and the continued development and maintenance of Jamaica’s dominance in sports in the international arena. Keywords: chronic lifestyle diseases, physical activity lifestyle, sports development.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Patterns and Risk of Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle among University Students in Kenya.

This study assesses the fruit and vegetable consumption patterns and risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL) among young adults attending Kenyatta University, Kenya. Four hundred and twenty-three young adults aged 19–30 years participated in the cross-sectional study. Males were 75.0% less likely to be overweight than females (OR = 0.25; 0.13–0.47). The mean overall consumption of fruit and/or vegetables amounted to 3.6 servings in a typical day. Eight in ten participants consumed lower amounts of fruits and vegetables than recommended by the WHO. At least one combined risk factor of CDL was observed among 91.3% of the young adults. About 8.7% of the participants were classified as low risk for CDL (having none of the five risk factors), 48.9% had one risk factor, 32.9% had two risk factors, 8.5% had three risk factors, while 0.9% had four risk factors. A significant relationship between daily fruit consumption and waist circumference was observed. These findings show the dire need to develop public health nutrition activities aimed at increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables and sensitizing young adults, and the general population, to the risk factors of CDL.

In vitro anti-oxidant, anti-glycation, and bile acid-lowering capacity of chickpea milk fermented with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus Himuka-SU5 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Amami-SU1

In the present study, we developed new functional food materials from chickpea (Cicer arietinum) milk (CM) with desirable nutritional value, health functions, and rheology to mitigate lifestyle and age-related diseases. The anti-oxidant, anti-glycation, and bile acid-lowering properties of CM fermented with the lactic acid bacteria Lactiplantibacillus pentosus Himuka-SU5 (LpFCM) and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Amami-SU1 (LcFCM) were determined in vitro. L. pentosus Himuka-SU5 and L. lactis Amami-SU1 were found to lower the pH from 6.4 to 4.7 at 12 and 48 h, respectively. The lactic acid concentration in LpFCM and LcFCM was 6.9 and 4.4 mg/mL, respectively. Both starters were found to degrade the dissolved proteins in CM, and L. lactis Amami-SU1 produced ammonia. Though the total phenolic content was slightly lower in LpFCM and LcFCM than in unfermented CM, O2− radical-scavenging capacity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity, and Fe-reducing power were high in both LpFCM and LcFCM. Anti-glycation in a bovine serum albumin-fructose model and the bile acid-lowering capacities of CM were distinctly increased following fermentation. Based on the results of the present study, we inferred that fermented CM can be considered a desirable food material to prevent and ameliorate chronic lifestyle diseases, particularly in the elderly.

Protein-based HDL subspecies: Rationale and association with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia

HDL-cholesterol is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and is used in clinical practice for risk stratification. HDL is composed of many protein-defined subspecies that each comprises just a few percent of the total, some associated with lower and some with higher risk of CVD. HDL that contains apoC3 or apoE are subspecies that have opposing actions on HDL reverse cholesterol transport and opposing associations with risk of future CVD, apoC3 adverse and apoE beneficial. In addition to coronary heart disease, HDL that contains apoC3 is associated with risk of future type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance; ischemic stroke and cerebral infarction; dementia and the deposition of beta-amyloid in the brain. HDL that contains apoE and apoE itself are associated with lower risk of dementia. Other HDL subspecies that contain complement C3, alpha-2 macroglobulin, plasminogen, or haptoglobin are associated with higher future risk of coronary heart disease, whereas others such as HDL that contains apoC1 are associated with lower risk. At this time, these findings provide improved understanding of the multifaceted HDL system to better determine risk and targeting of therapy for the most prevalent chronic lifestyle diseases in our society.

Editorial introductions.

Current Opinion in Lipidology was launched in 1990. It is part of a successful series of review journals whose unique format is designed to provide a systematic and critical assessment of the literature as presented in the many primary journals. The field of lipidology is divided into six sections that are reviewed once a year. Each section is assigned a Section Editor, a leading authority in the area, who identifies the most important topics at that time. Here we are pleased to introduce the Section Editors for this issue. SECTION EDITORS Frank M. SacksFrank M. SacksDr Sacks is Professor of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in the Nutrition Department of Harvard Chan School of Public Health; Professor of Genetics & Complexes Diseases; and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr Sacks led the panel designing the DASH Study, which crafted a healthful eating pattern and demonstrated that it lowered blood pressure more effectively than any previous dietary treatment. Subsequently Dr Sacks led the DASH-Sodium study, which determined the dose-response effect of dietary sodium on BP. These multi-center National Heart Lung and Blood Institute trials found major beneficial additive effects of low salt and a dietary pattern rich in fruits and vegetables on blood pressure. He also led the seminal PoundsLost trial which showed the percentage of calories from fat or carbohydrate had no effect on long term weight loss. Currently, he is co-investigator of the MIND study, a randomized trial of a diet that combines features of the Mediterranean and DASH diets to preserve cognition in older people, funded by the National Institute on Aging. Dr Sacks's laboratory has studied the role of apolipoproteins in atherogenic lipoprotein metabolism in obesity and hypertriglyceridemia. He authored over 30 research papers on apoC-3 and/or apoE. Recently he discovered that a type of HDL that contains apolipoprotein C-III predicted higher rates of heart disease and diabetes, the opposite to the protective relation for the total HDL; and impaired HDL function in reverse cholesterol transport. Dr Sacks teaches at Harvard School of Public Health as course director for nutritional metabolism and biochemistry. Dr Sacks received the 2011 Research Achievement Award of the American Heart Association for lifetime research accomplishment. Majken K. JensenMajken K. JensenMajken K. Jensen, PhD, is Associate Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr Jensen's primary research interests include novel metabolic markers, nutrition, and genetics, in relation to chronic lifestyle diseases. In ongoing collaborations with Dr Frank Sacks, they investigate how the presence of a small proinflammatory protein (apolipoprotein C-III) on HDL particles marks a potentially dysfunctional type of HDL that is not inversely associated with risk of cardiometabolic health, such as IMT, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Other currently funded work is focused on lipoprotein metabolism and Alzheimer's disease and stroke. Her research predominantly utilizes large-scale observational studies (including the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, the Nurses’ Health Study, the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study, the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and the Cardiovascular Health Study) where cost-efficient prospective case-control studies are nested within for purpose of measuring novel biomarkers or genome-wide markers. Dr Jensen's research has been published in leading scientific journals and has been recognized with numerous awards. She received the Trudy Bush Fellowship for Cardiovascular Disease Research in Women's Health from the American Heart Association in 2011 and originally came for research studies at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health as a Fulbright scholar. Dr Jensen has published over 80 original research articles and 5 reviews, editorials, and letters.

Sociopsychological and biochemical determinants of health and disease in executive health check-up

BACKGROUND: Preventive health check-ups are known to be associated with significant reductions in morbidity, mortality, and economic costs related to various diseases, especially chronic lifestyle diseases that progress silently.OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate the sociopsychological and biochemical issues of health and disease in executive health check-up as well as to employ them for encouraging people to utilize the available preventive health services.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 768 individuals aged >20 years, irrespective of their gender, reporting for an executive health check-up and evaluated their demographic profile, morbidity, type of family, diet and socioeconomic status, biochemical profiling, and sociopsychological features. The data were statistically analyzed using correlations among different variables by Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient method. P < 0.05 and 0.001 indicated statistical significance.RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 48.24 ± 12.84 years and a Male and Female ratio of nearly 2:1. The demographic parameters showed a significant association with the different levels of biochemical parameters (P < 0.05/0.001).CONCLUSION: There exist significant correlations between sociopsychological, and biochemical determinants of health and disease in executive health check-up. These incite the need for utilizing preventive/precautionary health services and early detection of disease status is speculative. There is uncertainty among the public and health-care professionals in utilizing these preventive health-care services in a beneficial, judicious, as well as in cost-effective manner.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on non-communicable chronic lifestyle diseases in population of India: A systematic review

Background: Diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancers are diseases of public health importance in India. People with pre-existing non communicable diseases (NCDs) are vulnerable to COVID and associated complications. Risk factors for NCDs were found to have increased due to pandemic. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the impact of the COVID 19 on chronic NCDs and life style diseases. Materials and Methods: Articles from India published between March 2019 and May 2022 were searched from database such as PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar using MeSH and keywords such as “COVID 19” OR “Coronavirus” OR “SARS-2 CoVirus” AND Lifestyle diseases,” “COVID-19” OR “Coronavirus” OR “SARS-2 CoVirus” AND “Diabetes” OR “HYPERTENSION.” Summary of 18 articles was presented after inclusion and exclusion criterion and removing of duplicates. Results: Risk of COVID 19 in people with pre-existing non-communicable diseases is high, prognosis is poor, and complications are higher. COVID 19 and lockdown measures resulted in restrictions of movements, dietary and sleep pattern changes, psycho social impacts, non-availability or difficulty in procuring medicines, accessibility to health-care facilities, burden on health-care facilities, difficulties in (using or lack of awareness) about tele-consultations facilities, and thus burden of NCDs is expected to rise in future. Conclusions: COVID 19 pandemic had direct and indirect impact on screening, diagnosis and management of patients with NCDs. Burden of NCDs may rise thereby putting extra burden on health-care facilities which warrants preparedness.

In vitro antioxidant, anti-glycation, and bile acid-lowering capacity of peanut milk fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Kinko-SU4

Plant-based milk-like products from soybeans and other legumes and nuts have been explored worldwide, owing to their nutritional and functional characteristics. This study was conducted to develop new functional food materials from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) milk (PM) with desirable health functions to mitigate lifestyle and age-related diseases. The antioxidant, anti-glycation and bile acid-lowering properties of PM fermented with lactic acid bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Kinko-SU4 (FPM) were determined in vitro. L. plantarum Kinko-SU4 lowered the pH level from 6.4 to 4.3, 3.9, and 3.7 at 10, 24, and 48 h, respectively. The lactic acid concentration was 4.4 mg/mL after 48 h of incubation. The starter degraded the dissolved proteins in PM, including Ara h 1, one of the peanut allergens. Although the total phenolic content was 36% lower in FPM than in unfermented PM, O2− radical-scavenging capacity was high in FPM. Anti-glycation in a bovine serum albumin-fructose model and the bile acid-lowering capacities of PM were distinctly increased following fermentation. The result of this study infers that PM fermented with L. plantarum Kinko-SU4 can be considered a desirable food material to prevent and ameliorate chronic lifestyle diseases, particularly in the elderly.

Formulation, Characterization and Release Behaviour of Metformin Hydrochloride Modified Release Tablet by Using Hydrophilic Polymers

Amongst the many public health problems, the diabetes mellitus is considered as a chronic life-style related disease which is now growing as an epidemic in both developed as well as developing countries. The current study is about formulation of metformin hydrochloride tablet to confirm their sustained release property by using various polymers. The tablets are prepared by granulation techniques using binding solution containing polyvinyl pyrolline K30. The possible interaction between the pure metformin hydrochloride and polymers are identified by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Tablets were formulated with different polymers like Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K100 and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Matrix prepared with high concentration of HPMC K100 polymer retards the drug release up to 6 h at 59 %, but the formulation 2 (F2) showed 72.72% of drug release in 6 h. The release of drug from the F2 formulation was found to be prolonged drug release when compared to other formulations. Hence our study conclude that the HPMC K100 polymer containing formulation showed good sustained release property owing to the high gel strength and well high viscosity nature of the polymer.

A Cross-Sectional Study Rating the Perceived Impact and Reach of the Ministry of Health and Wellness Initiatives to Curb Physical Inactivity in Jamaica

Like other countries, Jamaica in the last 2 decades has seen an increase in physical inactivity, which has significantly increased the number of people living with chronic lifestyle diseases on the island. It can be argued that increased industrialization has resulted in several ecological concerns, such as violence that may deter people from engaging in physical exercise, pollution and polluted air, lack of parks, walkways, and sports/recreational amenities. Despite the causes of physical inactivity, there is a global mobilization by the World Health Organization (WHO) and individual countries to reduce physical inactivity levels by at least 15% by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic has surely put a dent in the physical activity (PA) targets. Many countries initiated restrictive measures (lockdowns, curfews, and social distancing) to try and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For countries such as Jamaica, combating physical inactivity seems to require strategies, interventions, motivation, and the promotion of physical activity (PA) culture from all stakeholders (integrated approach) to meet the WHO’s goals and standards by 2030. The purpose of this research was to assess the perceived impact and reach of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) initiatives to promote PA, impact weight loss, and lifestyle while trying to reduce sedentary behaviors in Jamaica. A standardized questionnaire was used in a single cross-sectional design that surveyed 843 Jamaicans using Google Forms. Participants ages 12-71 years old were surveyed using a hybrid sample strategy that used convenience and snowballs sampling techniques. The results of the study indicated that there was a 35% participation rate in the MOHW initiatives, with only 14.3% of the participants believed that the initiatives were impacting their weight loss and lifestyle. Additionally, 51.6% of the participants did not believe the initiatives caused them to participate more in PA; on average, the initiatives by the MOHW were rated at 50% effective. The initiatives are not very effective in reaching most of the population, which is not achieving the goal of enhancing healthy lifestyle practices and reducing physical inactivity. These implications may potentially see an increase in Jamaica’s physical inactivity levels and chronic lifestyle diseases if these initiatives are not intensified to reach the majority of the population.

Food and beverages undermining elderly health: three food-based dietary guidelines to avoid or delay chronic diseases of lifestyle among the elderly in South Africa

Dietary patterns among South African older adults indicate a moderate intake of total fat and salt, as well as a high sugar intake. Total fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt intakes are associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mortality. Processed and ultra-processed foods are common in elderly households and contain high levels of fat, sugar and salt and are associated with frailty. This paper aims to review the available scientific evidence on the effect on health status of dietary sugar, fat and salt consumption among the elderly. This information will be used to confirm the need for dietary sugar, fat and salt food-based dietary guidelines for the elderly South African population.

Theorizing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Special Needs Students and Teachers in Physical Education and Sports in Jamaica

Students with special needs are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Special needs students require distinct treatment and attention to function and make sense of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the routine and the special attention that are normally available to these students when they are in face-to-face school. One of the most anticipated aspects of face-to-face school is participating in physical education (PE) and sports, which provides physical, social, and psychological benefits for special needs students. However, the pandemic has forced schools online and has changed the ascetics of PE and sports. Furthermore, like a third-world country, Jamaica does not have the technological resources needed to fully engage special needs students in PE. As a result, this study sought to investigate the challenges that are facing special needs students and teachers in PE while conducting classes online during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the teacher’s perspective. The research took the form of a qualitative approach while utilizing a multiple case study design that used a purposive sampling method in selecting the four (out of 11) most prominent public special education schools in Jamaica. The results revealed that student participation in PE was significantly impacted. In some cases, up to 80% of the students were unaccounted for in PE classes since the start of the pandemic. The challenges were seen as magnified twofold, ranging from physical, psychological, social, environmental, and societal issues. The results of this study raise serious concerns about the physical health of students with special needs, with Jamaica struggling to reduce physical inactivity rates and chronic lifestyle diseases. The risk of special needs students developing secondary disabilities because of sedentary lifestyles practices is very worrying.  A lack of physical activity also means lower levels of socialization and increased psychological issues that could worsen with the strict COVID-19 lockdown measures, internet connectivity issues, and lack of devices.