Impact Of Lifestyles Research Articles

The Impact of Farmers' Social Lifestyles on Agricultural Sustainability in Rural Area of Turkey

This study investigates how farmers' social lifestyles influence agricultural sustainability in rural Turkey. Through data analysis from 312 producers across five provinces, we examine how participation in social activities such as religious gatherings, café meetings, and agricultural fairs shapes farming decisions and sustainability outcomes. Using logistic regression modeling, we find that social network participation significantly impacts agricultural performance and sustainability practices. Results reveal that different types of social engagement lead to distinct patterns of innovation adoption and resource management. Coffee-house and religious gatherings influence not only sales decisions but also agronomic practices, such as adopting new technologies and innovative methods. The lack of female involvement and potential pathways for their integration are also important. This research provides crucial insights for policymakers seeking to leverage existing social networks to promote sustainable agricultural practices in rural communities.

National Trends in the Prevalence of Self-Perceived Overweight Among Adolescents Between 2005 and 2022: Nationwide Representative Study.

Despite several studies on self-evaluation of health and body shape, existing research on the risk factors of self-perceived overweight is insufficient, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the risk factors affecting self-perceived overweight and examine how the prevalence of self-perceived overweight has changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we analyzed the impact of altered lifestyles due to COVID-19 on this phenomenon. The data used in the study were obtained from middle and high school students who participated in the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (N=1,189,586). This survey was a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling survey representative of South Korean adolescents. We grouped the survey results by year and estimated the slope in the prevalence of self-perceived overweight before and during the pandemic using weighted linear regression, as well as the prevalence tendencies of self-perceived overweight according to various risk factors. We used prevalence ratios to identify the risk factors for self-perceived overweight. In addition, we conducted comparisons of risk factors in different periods to identify their associations with the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of self-perceived overweight was much higher than BMI-based overweight among 1,189,586 middle and high school participants (grade 7-12) from 2005 to 2022 (female participants: n=577,102, 48.51%). From 2005 to 2019 (prepandemic), the prevalence of self-perceived overweight increased (β=2.80, 95% CI 2.70-2.90), but from 2020 to 2022 (pandemic) it decreased (β=-0.53, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.33). During the pandemic, individuals with higher levels of stress or lower household economic status exhibited a more substantial decrease in the rate of self-perceived overweight. The prevalence of self-perceived overweight tended to be higher among individuals with poor academic performance, lower economic status, poorer subjective health, and a higher stress level. Our nationwide study, conducted over 18 years, indicated that self-perceived overweight decreased during the COVID-19 period while identifying low academic performance and economic status as risk factors. These findings suggest the need for policies and facilities to address serious dieting and body dissatisfaction resulting from self-perceived overweight by developing counseling programs for adolescents with risk factors such as lower school performance and economic status.

Impact of healthy lifestyles on mental health indicators in adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveHealthy lifestyles are extremely important since they are one of the main protective factors in adolescence, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no explanatory models have been found that study the impact of healthy lifestyles on levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being. The study's objective was to test a model that allows determining the impact of healthy lifestyles on mental health indicators in adolescents in a post-COVID-19 pandemic period. MethodNon-probabilistic sampling was used to collect the participants. The sample included 1515 Peruvian adolescents of both sexes (53.4% men and 46.6% women) from 12 to 18 years of age (M = 14.5; SD = 1.5). The WMS Healthy Lifestyle Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the General Well-being Index were used to measure the variables. ResultsThe study results show that the proposed explanatory model presents adequate fit indices (χ2 = 4280.30; df = 1113; P < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.043 [IC90% 0.042 – 0.045]; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.94; SRMR = 0.064). Specifically, it was found that the practice of healthy lifestyles negatively predicts the level of anxiety (-0.37; P < 0.001) and depression (-0.47; P < 0.001). On the other hand, it positively predicts the level of psychological well-being (0.74; P < 0.001) experienced by adolescents. The study also found that an important group of adolescents present anxiety symptoms (38.6%) and depression (38.3%). ConclusionHealthy lifestyles are important for the mental health of adolescents since they manage to predict the level of anxiety, depression, and, above all, the level of psychological well-being of adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lifestyle Profiling Using Wearables and Prediction of Glucose Metabolism in Individuals with Normoglycemia or Prediabetes.

This study examined the relationship between lifestyles (diet, sleep, and physical activity) and glucose responses at a personal level. 36 healthy adults in the Bay Area were monitored for their lifestyles and glucose levels using wearables and continuous glucose monitoring (NCT03919877). Gold-standard metabolic tests were conducted to phenotype metabolic characteristics. Through the lifestyle data (2,307 meals, 1,809 nights, and 2,447 days) and 231,206 CGM readings from metabolically-phenotyped individuals with normoglycemia or prediabetes, we found: 1) eating timing was associated with hyperglycemia, muscle insulin resistance (IR), and incretin dysfunction, whereas nutrient intakes were not; 2) timing of increased activity in muscle IS and IR participants was associated with differential benefits of glucose control; 3) Integrated ML models using lifestyle factors predicted distinct metabolic characteristics (muscle, adipose IR or incretin dysfunction). Our data indicate the differential impact of lifestyles on glucose regulation among individuals with different metabolic phenotypes, highlighting the value of personalized lifestyle modifications.

Temporal Relationship between HbA1c and Depressive Symptom Trajectories in a Longitudinal Cohort Study: The Mediating Role of Healthy Lifestyles.

This study analyzed China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data to explore the HbA1c-depression link, including depressive trajectories, while considering the mitigating impact of healthy lifestyles. Cross-lagged panel models and group-based trajectory modeling were performed to investigate the temporal relationship between HbA1c levels and depressive symptoms, as well as the depressive trajectories. Structural equation models were used to assess the mediating effects of healthy lifestyles. The mean age of the participants was 57.66 ± 9.04 years, with 53.68% being female. Analyzing 8826 participants across three waves, we observed a significant prediction of subsequent depressive symptoms by the preceding HbA1c levels (β = 0.296; p < 0.001). Four distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were distinguished: stable low, stable moderate, increasing, and stable high. Elevated HbA1c levels were associated with a higher risk of developing stable high (OR 1.12 and 95% CI 1.02-1.23), increasing (OR 1.21 and 95% CI 1.11-1.32), and stable moderate depressive symptoms (OR 1.07 and 95% CI 1.01-1.13). Engaging in two healthy life behaviors reduced stable high and increasing depressive pattern risks by 32% and 30%, respectively. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle lessened 7.2% of the impact of high HbA1c levels on the subsequent depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating adequate sleep and light physical activities, which might reduce the adverse impact of elevated HbA1c levels on depressive symptoms.

Joint impact of polygenic risk score and lifestyles on early- and late-onset cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding the interactions between genetic risk and lifestyles on different types and age onsets of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk can help identify individuals for whom lifestyle changes would be beneficial. Here we developed three polygenic risk scores, called MetaPRSs, for coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage by combining PRSs for CVD and CVD-related risk factors in 96,400 participants from the prospective China Kadoorie Biobank. Genetic and lifestyle risks were categorized by the disease-specific MetaPRSs and the number of unfavourable lifestyles. High genetic risk and unfavourable lifestyles were found to be more strongly associated with early than late onset of CVD outcomes in men and women. Change from unfavourable to favourable lifestyles resulted in 14.7-, 2.5- and 2.6-fold greater reductions in incidence rates of early-onset coronary artery disease and ischaemic stroke and late-onset coronary artery disease in high than low genetic risk group. Young adults at high genetic risk may have larger benefits in preventing CVD from lifestyle improvements.

Association of modifiable metabolic risk factors and lifestyle with all-cause mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

We aimed to investigate the potential impact of metabolic risk factors and lifestyles on mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. From the Korean Central Cancer Registry database (2008–2016), 8,505 HCC patients were included in the analysis. Patients with 2 or more metabolic risk factors (n = 2384, 28.0%) showed significantly worse overall survival (OS, 29 months, 95% confidence interval [CI] 27–33) than patients with 0 (n = 2269 [26.7%]; 41 months, 95% CI 37–47), or 1 (n = 3852 [45.3%]; 42 months; 95% CI 38–46) metabolic risk factor. (P < 0.001) In the multivariable Cox analysis, patients with ≥ 2 metabolic risk factors had significantly elevated risk of overall mortality (adjusted hazards ratio (HR) = 1.14 [95% CI 1.06–1.23], P < 0.001) and HCC-specific mortality (sub-distribution HR = 1.09 [95% CI 1.00–1.09], P = 0.046), compared to those without. Alcohol and smoking were also independent risk factors for worse overall and HCC-specific mortality (all P < 0.05). Metabolic comorbidities were associated with greater risk of mortality in a dose-dependent manner in HCC patients, regardless of tumor stage and liver function. Alcohol intake and smoking significantly increased mortality by themselves and even further with the presence of metabolic risk.

Low-carbon lifestyle index and its socioeconomic determinants among households in Saudi Arabia

Understanding the complex relationship between household consumption patterns, lifestyles, socioeconomic characteristics, and carbon footprint is crucial for mitigating climate change. However, the impact of urban household lifestyles on carbon footprint remains understudied in the Middle East, which ranks high in carbon emissions per capita globally. A case study of the region is particularly relevant due to its unique cultural characteristics that may have different impacts on household consumption patterns. This study develops household low-carbon index based on consumption lifestyles at home, workplace, and during leisure, and shopping, and predicts its socioeconomic determinants in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via a questionnaire distributed among urban residents in the Dammam Metropolitan Area and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression. The study found varying attitudes toward packaging, waste recycling, recreation, transportation, food consumption, textiles, electronics, and furniture use among respondents. The average household low-carbon index was moderate (ℼ = 1.642, σ = 0.734) on a 3.0 Likert scale. The study identified income, household size, household type, education level, gender, age, and marital status, as significant predictors of household low-carbon index (p < 0.05). This study equips policymakers with valuable insights to implement low-carbon policies and raise public awareness of the benefits of adopting low-carbon lifestyles, thereby fostering urban resilience and sustainability.

A Glimpse of Research Trends and Frontiers in the Etiology of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency via Bibliometric Analysis.

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is the most common reproductive aging disorder in women of reproductive age, which is characterized by decreased ovarian function in women before the age of 40. Etiology research of POI has garnered interest and attention from scholars worldwide over the past decades. However, to the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive survey with bibliometric analysis has been conducted yet on the research trends of POI etiology. This article aimed to analyze current scientific findings on the etiology of POI, offering innovative ideas for further research. Research articles on the etiology of POI from 1994 to 2023 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. A total of 456 research articles were included, and the total number of publications increased annually. We used VOSviewer and bibliometric.com to analyze the keywords, terms, institution, publication country/region, author name, publication journal, and the sum of times the articles have been cited. This study has shown that a research hotspot is the genetic etiology of POI; however, there is still a lack of research on the impact of epigenetic alterations, iatrogenic injuries, environmental pollution, social stress, and unhealthy lifestyles on the pathogenesis of POI. The factors illustrated here represent potential future directions for POI etiology research and warrant more attention from researchers.

Clinical Impact of Early Rhythm Control and Healthy Lifestyles in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundThere are limited data regarding the combined effect of early rhythm control (ERC) and healthy lifestyle (HLS) behaviors on the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). ObjectivesThis study sought to evaluate how the combination of ERC and HLS behaviors affects the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with AF. MethodsUsing the Korean National Health Insurance database, we included patients with new-onset AF between 2009 and 2016 (n = 208,662). Patients who received rhythm control therapy within 2 years after AF diagnosis were defined as the ERC group. Patients with ≥2 HLS behaviors were defined as the HLS group. Patients were categorized into 4 groups: group 1, without ERC and without HLS (n = 46,972); group 2, with HLS alone (n = 110,479); group 3, with ERC alone (n = 15,133); and group 4, with both ERC and HLS (n = 36,078). The primary outcome was ischemic stroke. ResultsCompared to group 1, group 2 and group 3 were associated with a lower risk of stroke (HR: 0.769 [95% CI: 0.728-0.881] and HR: 0.774 [95% CI: 0.703-0.852], respectively). Group 4 showed the lowest risk of stroke (HR: 0.575; 95% CI: 0.536-0.617). After propensity score weighting, the incorporation of additional ERC alongside HLS was associated with a relative risk reduction of 22% for stroke, and additional HLS alongside ERC were associated with a relative risk reduction of 27% for stroke. ConclusionsEach of ERC and HLS might reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with new-onset AF. The presence of both ERC and HLS is associated with an enhanced benefit for stroke prevention in this population.

Exploring Lifestyle Factors and Treatment Adherence among Older Adults with Hypertension Attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a Rural Area of Central Portugal.

This cross-sectional and analytical study aimed to characterize a sample of hypertensive older adults attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a rural area of central Portugal according to their lifestyle and to analyze the impact of lifestyles on treatment adherence. The sample comprised 235 Portuguese hypertense patients, mainly females (63.8%) with a mean age of 75 years (±8.14 years) and low level of education. The data collection was carried out through a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, dietary variables, an Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Version), a Nutrition Health Determination Questionnaire, a Self-Care with Hypertension Scale, and an Adherence to Treatments Measurement Scale. Only 34.5% of the hypertensive patients have controlled blood pressure values (28.2% men and 38% women). However, more than half (56.2%) of the hypertensive patients are classified as adherent to therapeutic measures. The hypertensive individuals, who present higher levels of adherence to the treatment, do not present alcohol dependence, are frequent consumers of aromatic herbs, sporadically consume salt, present good nutritional health, and practice moderate physical activity. The predictor variables for treatment adherence are the self-care dimensions general dietary (p = 0.001), specific dietary (p = 0.034), physical activity (p = 0.031), and antihypertensive medication intake (p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients with healthier lifestyles present better levels of treatment adherence. Therefore, promoting physical activity and healthy dietary practices is necessary to improve treatment adherence and increase antihypertensive treatment's effectiveness.

Current Trends in Online Grocery Shopping

The convenience and accessibility of online shopping have revolutionized the retail industry, with online grocery shopping experiencing significant growth in recent years. This research paper explores the current trends in online grocery shopping, focusing on key factors driving its popularity and the challenges it faces. By analyzing consumer behavior, technological advancements, and market dynamics, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-commerce within the grocery sector. The research delves into the shifting preferences of consumers towards online grocery shopping, emphasizing the convenience, time-saving benefits, and extensive product range offered by digital platforms. Furthermore, it examines the impact of changing lifestyles, especially in urban areas, on the rising demand for online grocery services. The study also addresses the crucial role of data analytics and AI-driven technologies in enhancing the customer experience and optimizing supply chain management for online grocery retailers. Moreover, the paper investigates the challenges associated with online grocery shopping, including issues related to delivery logistics, product quality, and customer satisfaction. It discusses strategies adopted by online retailers to overcome these challenges and build trust among consumers. Additionally, the research highlights the competitive landscape of the online grocery market, analyzing the strategies employed by key players to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry.

Effects of common lifestyle factors on obstructive sleep apnea: precautions in daily life based on causal inferences.

This study aimed to evaluate the causal impact of common modifiable lifestyles on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is beneficial for recommendations to prevent and manage OSA. Published genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics were used to perform two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Variants associated with each exposure of smoking, drinking, and leisure sedentary behaviors at the genetic level were used as instrumental variables (IVs). Then, inverse-variance weighting (IVW) was considered the primary result for causality. Moreover, several complimented approaches were also included to verify the observed associations. MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger intercept were applied to test the horizontal pleiotropy. To assess heterogeneity, Cochran's Q test by IVW and MR-Egger were applied. Regular smoking history increased OSA risk in all applied approaches [OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.28 (1.12, 1.45), p = 1.853 × 10-4], while the causality of lifetime smoking index [OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.39 (1.00, 1.91), p = 0.048], alcohol intake frequency [outliers removed OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.26 (1.08, 1.45), p = 0.002], and coffee intake behavior [OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.66 (1.03, 2.68), p = 0.039] on OSA risk were not always consistent in other approaches. In addition, no robust causal associations were observed for the effect of sedentary leisure behaviors on OSA risk. In sensitivity analysis, we observed no sign of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Ever regularly smoking has a robust causal role in increasing OSA risk, which should be discouraged as precautions from developing OSA.

Daily time spent on screens and psychological well-being: Cross-sectional association within the SUN cohort

BackgroundThe impact of various lifestyles on psychological well-being (PWB) remains under-studied. We aimed to explore the cross-sectional association between daily screen use (television, tablet and mobile phone) and PWB within the SUN cohort. MethodsPWB was assessed using the 29-item Ryff scale (ranging from 29 to 174), and participants with scores >75th percentile were considered as having optimal PWB. Participants were categorized based on their self-reported weekly screen usage hours. Postestimation logistic regression models assessing the prevalence likelihood of not achieving optimal PWB were adjusted for sociodemographic, psychological, personality and lifestyles factors. Isotemporal substitution models explored the potential impact on PWB resulting from replacing 1 h/day of screen time with 1 h/day of exercise. ResultsThe study included 3051 participants (55.8% women, mean age 57.3 ± 11.1 years, mean Ryff's score: 139.1 ± 17.4 points). Daily screen use for ≥2 h was associated with a higher prevalence likelihood of not achieving an optimal PWB (Prevalence Ratio [PR]:1.09; 95% CI:1.01–1.18). Among PWB dimensions, screen use ≥2 h/day was linked to an increased likelihood of not achieving optimal scores in environmental mastery (PR:1.11; 95% CI:1.02–1.20), life purpose (PR:1.10; 95% CI:1.02–1.18), and personal growth (PR:1.09; 95% CI:1.01–1.18). Replacing 1 h of daily screens time with 1 h of exercise may lead to potential improvements in environmental mastery (Odds Ratio [OR]:0.87; 95% CI:0.76–0.99), purpose in life (OR:0.86; 95% CI: 0.76–0.98), personal growth (OR:0.84; 95% CI:0.73–0.96) and positive interpersonal relationships (OR:0.86; 95% CI:0.75–0.99). ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of reducing screen use activities and increasing physical exercise for achieving optimal PWB.

Abstract A015: Impact of healthy lifestyles and polygenic risk scores on pancreatic cancer risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Healthy lifestyles have been observed to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. However, it is unknown whether this protective impact varies among individuals with different levels of genetic susceptibility for pancreatic cancer. Methods: We investigated the association between healthy lifestyles, genetic risk, and pancreatic cancer incidence in 70,780 participants (32,783 males, 37,907 females) from the Multiethnic Cohort Study (MEC), a prospective cohort of White, African American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese American, and Latino men and women. We calculated a healthy lifestyle factor score (HLFS) based on smoking status, alcohol intake, body mass index and physical activity. We also estimated genetic risk using an established polygenic risk score (PRS) of 49 pancreatic cancer risk variants. Cox regression was used to assess the independent and joint associations of the HLFS (analyzed as quintiles) and PRS (analyzed as quintiles and high/low categories) with pancreatic cancer risk. Models were adjusted for age at blood draw, sex, race, family history of pancreatic cancer, and in the genetic analyses, the first ten principal components to account for population stratification. Results: The analytical cohort was comprised of 23,643 (33.4%) Japanese Americans, 16,816 (23.8%) Latinos, 14,305 (20.2%) Whites, 10,645 (15.0%) African Americans, and 5,371 (7.6%) Native Hawaiians. There were 721 incident cases of pancreatic cancer from an average follow-up period of 13.7 (SD 4.8) years. Higher levels of the PRS were associated with a 25-62% increase in pancreatic cancer risk, compared to the first PRS quintile. These elevated risks were borderline significant for quintile 2 (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.97-1.61) and statistically significant for quintile 3 (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05-1.73), quintile 4 (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.15-1.87), and quintile 5 (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.27-2.06). For the HLFS, higher quintiles were associated with a 10-27% decreased risk of pancreatic cancer, compared to the lowest quintile, but this was only statistically significant for the highest quintile (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.94). When evaluating the HLFS by levels of the PRS (low 0-50% vs. high 50-100%), the association between the highest HLFS quintile and pancreatic cancer was more pronounced among those in the high PRS group (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.91), compared to those in the low PRS group (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.55-1.18). However, this difference in effect by PRS levels was not statistically significant (p-interaction=0.43). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that including information on healthy lifestyles and genetic risk may improve the risk stratification of pancreatic cancer for multiethnic populations. In addition, it is possible that healthy lifestyles could provide more benefit to individuals at higher genetic risk. Citation Format: Brian Huang, Adelynn Paik, David Bogumil, Fei Chen, Peggy Wan, Lynne Wilkens, Loic Le Marchand, David Conti, Christopher Haiman, Veronica Wendy Setiawan. Impact of healthy lifestyles and polygenic risk scores on pancreatic cancer risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A015.

Association of healthy lifestyle with life expectancy free of five major disabilities in Chinese older adults.

Whether and to what extent multiple healthy lifestyles affect the longevity of people with disabilities, including those in basic activities of daily living, mobility, vision, hearing and cognition, is crucial to policymakers. We aimed to determine the impact of combined lifestyles on life expectancy (LE) lived with and without five disabilities. We recruited participants (n = 15 121 from the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey between 2008 and 2018. Healthy lifestyle levels were estimated from six factors: smoking, drinking, physical exercise, diet, cognitive activity, and sleep, which we categorised as favourable and unfavourable using the latent class growth mixture model throughout the follow-up period. We used Multi-state Markov models to assess the different disability stages of LE. Of the total LE at age 65, older adults with a favourable lifestyle spent 59.60% (disability-free LE (DFLE) = 10.24 years) without five disabilities in combination, whereas those with unfavourable lifestyle spent 56.74% (DFLE = 7.28 years). Furthermore, the percentage of DFLE was 64.98 (7.71 years) and 68.38 (9.91 years) in males with unfavourable and favourable lifestyle levels, respectively, and 47.92 (6.62 years) and 55.12 (10.30 years) for females. Compared to older adults with low socioeconomic status (SES) and unfavourable lifestyle level, those with lower SES and favourable lifestyle level had more 3.77 years of DFLE, those with higher SES and unfavourable lifestyle level had more 1.94 years, as well as those with higher SES and favourable lifestyle level had more 5.10 years at age 65. Corresponding associations were found separately for each of the five individual disabilities. A favourable lifestyle level was associated with longer total LE along with a higher proportion of DFLE and may contribute to narrowing socioeconomic health inequalities. Policymakers should develop lifestyle interventions and scale up rehabilitation services in primary care, thereby delaying disabilities to later ages, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Impact of Balanced Lifestyles on Childhood Development: A Study at Crèche

Introduction: In our fast-paced world, children’s dietary habits and behaviour are increasingly concerning, with a tendency toward indulging in sweets and snacks. Insights are derived from observations of 20 children at a crèche facility. Temptation of sweets: Children’s inherent attraction to sweet and salty snacks challenges maintaining a healthy diet. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues, recognizing the pivotal role parents and caregivers play in guiding children toward healthier choices. Significance of a balanced diet: A well-rounded and nutritious diet is crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. Providing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential. Role of activities: Diversifying a child’s routine with engaging activities is a powerful strategy to redirect their focus from unhealthy snacks. Sports, arts, outdoor play, and educational games promote physical fitness, creativity, and cognitive development, contributing to a well-balanced lifestyle. Strategies for encouraging healthy choices: • Lead by example: Modelling healthy habits inspires children to adopt similar behaviour. • Educate about nutrition: Imparting knowledge about the nutritional value of foods equips children to make informed choices. • Make healthy options accessible: Stocking the kitchen with nutritious snacks makes it convenient for children to opt for healthier alternatives. • Limit unhealthy choices: Setting clear limits on sugary snacks helps children develop moderation and self-control. • Create a fun and active environment: Fostering an enjoyable environment involves family outings, games, and making exercise a natural part of daily life. Results: Encouraging results were observed among the 20 children. Two children, aged around 12, demonstrated awareness of healthy habits. Excluding these two, others showed positive changes in behaviour towards sweets and snacks through activities and counselling. Conclusion: Maintaining a balance between a child’s consumption of sweets and snacks and engaging in diverse activities is crucial for overall development. A combination of nutritious choices and engaging activities guides children toward a path of health and happiness

Biological Aging Acceleration Due to Environmental Exposures: An Exciting New Direction in Toxicogenomics Research.

Biological clock technologies are designed to assess the acceleration of biological age (B-age) in diverse cell types, offering a distinctive opportunity in toxicogenomic research to explore the impact of environmental stressors, social challenges, and unhealthy lifestyles on health impairment. These clocks also play a role in identifying factors that can hinder aging and promote a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, researchers in epigenetics have developed testing methods that predict the chronological and biological age of organisms. These methods rely on assessing DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at specific CpG sites, RNA levels, and various biomolecules across multiple cell types, tissues, and entire organisms. Commonly known as 'biological clocks' (B-clocks), these estimators hold promise for gaining deeper insights into the pathways contributing to the development of age-related disorders. They also provide a foundation for devising biomedical or social interventions to prevent, reverse, or mitigate these disorders. This review article provides a concise overview of various epigenetic clocks and explores their susceptibility to environmental stressors.

Empowering Communities: A Review of Community-Based Outreach Programs in Controlling Hypertension in India.

India's epidemiological shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) signifies the impact of healthcare advancements and changing lifestyles. Despite declines in infectious diseases, challenges related to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes have risen. Approximately one in four Indian adults has hypertension, with only 12% maintaining controlled blood pressure. To meet the 25% relative reduction target in hypertension prevalence by 2025, India must enhance treatment access and public health initiatives. A global report underscores the urgency of preventing, detecting, and managing hypertension, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, where 188.3 million adults are estimated to have hypertension. Loss to follow-up persists in both communicable and non-communicable diseases, driven by factors such as stigma and socioeconomic barriers. Community outreach programs have proven effective, incorporating mobile health interventions, community health worker engagement, and door-to-door screenings. Hypertension management faces similar challenges, with community outreach tailored to lifestyle factors and cultural beliefs showing promise. The comprehensive strategy to control hypertension involves strengthening primary healthcare centers, promoting wellness centers, and capacitating Community Health Officers. While community-led, tech-enabled private sector interventions can screen and manage NCDs, integration with the public health system is crucial for widespread adoption and cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, tailored strategies, such as community outreach integrated into healthcare systems, are essential to address loss to follow-up and enhance health management success in both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Comparison of lifestyle and nutritional status between women with and without metabolic syndrome.

Amidst the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the greatest health problems. Lifestyle factors and bad habits are responsible for the emergence and development of MetS. The aim of the study was to compare and check whether women with MetS adhered to a healthy diet and had a healthier lifestyle than women without MetS, and to compare the impact of women's lifestyles on their nutritional status. The study included 167 women aged 20-78. As per guidelines, all tests required fasting. Comparisons of individual quantitative variables between groups were made using the Student's t-test for independent variables or the Mann-Whitney U-test. The relationship between quantitative variables was verified with the Spearman correlation coefficient. All statistical tests were based on a significance level of p<0.05. Women with MetS were more likely to have bad habits such as smoking, adding sugar to beverages and adding salt to food on the plate, while alcohol consumption was more common in women without MetS, but there was a statistically significant positive correlation between alcohol consumption and HDL-cholesterol levels in both groups. Women with MetS showed statistically significantly higher body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences (p<0.001), a statistically significant positive relationship between adding sugar to beverages and triglyceride levels (r=0.2699, p=0.015). In women without MetS, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between HDL-cholesterol levels and cigarette smoking (r= 0.2709, p=0.014). Women with MetS had statistically significantly higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean serum levels of total cholesterol (p<0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p=0.007), triglycerides (p<0.001) and glucose (p<0.001) than women without MetS. Nutritional errors were shown in both groups, including deficiencies in calcium, folates, iron, vitamin D and excessive sodium and phosphorus intake. Therefore, it is important to prevent the onset of MetS components and to educate and assist professionals in setting realistic goals individually adapted to each patient.