Lifelong Health Research Articles

Problems and countermeasures in eye care and vision screening services for children aged 0 to 6 years

The critical period for visual function and ocular structure development occurs from 0 to 6 years of age, making standardized eye care and vision screening services during this stage vital for improving lifelong visual outcomes and quality of life. In China, policy-driven initiatives have established a preliminary eye care and vision screening service system for this age group. However, problems such as insufficient public awareness, limitations in screening technology, fragmented service networks, and decentralized data management systems hinder early intervention and follow-up of abnormal visual development. To address these issues, a collaborative effort involving the government, healthcare institutions, schools, and families is essential. By integrating clinical medicine with preventive care, a tiered service network for medical care should be developed. Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize screening technologies and establishing a nationally unified, standardized child eye health information management system are crucial to create a closed-loop, digitalized management model integrating health education, screening and early warning, precise diagnosis and treatment, visual rehabilitation, and intelligent follow-up. Multisectoral action is essential to advance pediatric eye care and vision screening services and lay the foundation for lifelong ocular health management.

Long-Term Benefits of Early-Life Immunotherapies

Early-life immunotherapies are increasingly being explored as a preventive and therapeutic strategy to modulate immune development and protect against both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Administered during critical windows of immune plasticity, these interventions—ranging from vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to microbial-derived adjuvants and immune-modulating agents—can exert long-lasting effects on immune competence, disease susceptibility, and overall health trajectories. This review synthesizes emerging and established evidence on the long-term benefits of early-life immunotherapies, highlighting their potential to reshape health outcomes well beyond childhood. By priming the immune system early, these interventions enhance resistance to infections, reduce the incidence and severity of allergic and autoimmune diseases, and improve the effectiveness and durability of future vaccinations. Mechanisms underlying these benefits include epigenetic reprogramming, development of robust immunological memory, trained innate immunity, and interactions with the microbiome. The review also explores the implications for public health strategies, especially in low-resource settings where early-life interventions may yield significant lifelong health gains. As research advances, early immunotherapeutic approaches may become cornerstone strategies in global efforts to promote immune resilience and reduce the burden of chronic disease Keywords: Early-life immunotherapy, immune programming, neonatal vaccines, trained immunity, allergy prevention, long-term immunity, pediatric immunology

From participation to prevention – the expanding role of physical activity in lifelong health

From participation to prevention – the expanding role of physical activity in lifelong health

The Importance of Breastfeeding for Life-Long Health

The Importance of Breastfeeding for Life-Long Health

Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) on the Placenta†.

The rate of depression in pregnant mothers has dramatically risen in the past few decades. One of the well-studied causes of depression is a deficiency of serotonin (5-HT) in the synaptic cleft of neurons in the central nervous system, called the serotonergic theory of depression. The serotonin transporter (SERT/SLC6A4) binds 5-HT such that it can no longer bind and activate its cognate receptors on the post-synaptic neurons. Greater number of pregnant women are prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug to combat depression. These compounds act to bind to SERT, and thereby prolonging the duration 5-HT remains active within the synaptic cleft. While such treatments might be beneficial for the mother, the placenta and fetal brain can be inadvertently affected. SERT has been proposed to be the primary means by which the placenta internalizes maternal 5-HT and then transfers this neurotransmitter to the emerging brain, where it guides initial brain development. Herein, we consider evidence that SSRIs might influence the placenta-brain axis and contribute to gestational disorders, such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and gestational diabetes (GDM). Current data with rodent models, in vitro approaches with human trophoblast cell lines, and human epidemiological studies are reviewed. Gaps in our current understanding and future directions are discussed. A better understanding of how SSRIs might affect the placenta is crucial as by obstructing acquisition of maternal 5-HT by the placenta and downstream alterations on fetal brain development, these treatments might impact the lifelong health of sons and daughters.

Oral health care of people with Angelman syndrome in Germany – a questionnaire-based study

BackgroundCaregivers of people with Angelman syndrome (AS) in Germany were surveyed to amend a lack of information on supportive and preventive oral care for persons in this group.MethodsReturned anonymized questionnaires that had been sent to the approx. 600 members of the German Angelman Syndrome Association were evaluated. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Witten/Herdecke University (# 121/2021).ResultsIn total, 220 questionnaires for people with AS aged between 1 and 54 years old (mean age 17.0 years) were evaluated. Overall, 38.1% (n = 84) of the people with AS were younger than three years at their first dental appointment; 60.0% (n = 132) tooth brushed twice daily; 15.9% (n = 35) brushed for 2–3 min; and 78.5% (n = 172) did not use dental hygiene products other than toothbrushes. Age-specific differences emerged: Although only 45.0% (n = 45) of people with AS ≥ 18 years (n = 100) began tooth brushing in the first year of life, this increased to 69.7% (n = 89) for people with AS < 18 years (n = 119). Also, while 76.5% (n = 91) of people with AS < 18 years were usually assisted with tooth brushing by the same person, this applied to only 50.0% (n = 50) of people with AS ≥ 18 years (p < 0.001; Chi-Square-Test).ConclusionsThere are age-dependent differences in tooth brushing behavior among people with AS. Irrespective of age and sex, nearly all people with AS required life-long oral health support at home. Professional oral health support, e.g., regular check-ups, individual prophylactic measures, and dental cleaning, remains essential for this group. Hence, efforts must be increased to develop and offer more interprofessional dental prophylaxis concepts for people with AS of all ages, from infancy to senescence. These findings accord with those for other groups of people with syndromic disorders, such as Down syndrome.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

The Role of Life Skills Education in Enhancing Adolescent Mental Health: A Neuro scientific Perspective

Abstract Life skills education (LSE) plays a pivotal role in promoting adolescent mental health by enhancing critical cognitive and emotional competencies. Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, characterized by significant structural and functional changes, including synaptic pruning, myelination, and the maturation of the prefrontal cortex. These neurological transformations provide a unique window for cultivating essential life skills, such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Neuroscientific research indicates that LSE can strengthen neural pathways associated with executive function, impulse control, and emotional processing, thereby supporting cognitive flexibility and resilience. For instance, mindfulness-based life skills training has been shown to improve prefrontal cortex activation, reducing stress reactivity and enhancing emotional stability. Additionally, life skills programs can positively influence the amygdala and hippocampus, regions critical for emotional regulation and memory formation, fostering long-term psychosocial well-being. By equipping adolescents with the skills needed to navigate complex life challenges, LSE not only supports immediate mental health but also prepares young individuals for future success. As educational systems evolve, integrating neuroscience-informed life skills training into mainstream curricula should be prioritized to promote holistic, lifelong mental health outcomes.

Gestational hypertension increases risk of seizures in children and mice

Gestational hypertension (GH) is prevalent, with life-long health burdens for mothers and their children exposed in utero. We analyzed the nation-wide Epic Cosmos dataset and found significantly higher rates of seizures in children of mothers with GH than in children of normotensive mothers. Complementary studies of nested Iowa and Stanford cohorts and a large Taiwanese cohort also revealed significantly increased seizure risk after covariate adjustments. We modeled this association in an angiotensin (ANG) II mouse model of GH. Maternal ANG II significantly increased seizure grade and deaths elicited by pilocarpine among male but not female offspring. Electrical stimulation increased seizure grade and death across sexes in offspring from ANG II–treated dams. Proinflammatory and microglial gene expression in the brain were upregulated only in male offspring from ANG II–treated dams. Chronic phenylephrine, a GH model lacking the maternal proinflammatory aspects of ANG II, induced similar offspring seizure phenotypes. PLX5622-induced depletion of microglia or antiinflammatory pentoxifylline abolished this sensitized seizure response and lowered mortality in the ANG II model. These results suggest that GH programs offspring risk for seizures in a sex-dependent manner in humans and mice. Neuroinflammatory mechanisms may contribute to the elevated sensitivity and mortality from seizures elicited by GH exposure in utero.

Assessing the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on child development

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a critical practice for ensuring optimal child development, yet its global adoption varies significantly. The World Health Organization recommends EBF for the first 6 months to support infant health and development, and this guidance is reinforced by global policy recommendations. Despite these recommendations, the practice of EBF varies widely across regions. This article highlights the global trends and challenges of EBF, with a particular focus on Nigeria, where EBF rates remain low due to various barriers. Furthermore, the article delves into the developmental milestones of children, emphasizing how EBF supports physical, cognitive, mental, and social growth. It underscores the importance of EBF in promoting a child’s overall well-being and development. By examining both global and local perspectives, the article aims to inform and encourage more effective breastfeeding practices and policies to enhance child health worldwide. In conclusion, EBF supports cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth, laying a foundation for lifelong health and well-being. Strong advocacy efforts, especially in Nigeria, are needed to promote EBF and enhance child health outcomes.

Usability testing of EatsUp®: mobile application for monitoring balanced dietary practices and active lifestyle among adolescents—a study in Jakarta, Indonesia

BackgroundAdolescence is a critical period for establishing lifelong health habits, yet many adopt unhealthy behaviors, leading to obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Mobile apps offer a promising platform for delivering health interventions through education. Usability testing is essential to ensure mobile app features align with adolescent preferences and promote sustained behavior change.MethodsWe conducted an experimental usability study from June to August 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia targeting adolescents aged 15–18 who used the EatsUp® mobile application. Participants engaged with the app for seven consecutive days, completing daily tasks and a user experience questionnaire. User experience was assessed across six domains—Attractiveness, Perspicuity, Efficiency, Dependability, Stimulation, and Novelty—using a 7-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, which were compared against established user experience benchmarks.ResultsA total of 30 high school students participated (mean ± SD age 16 ± 0.70 years), of whom 23 (76.7%) were female. Most participants (90.0%) used the EatsUp® application for at least seven consecutive days. The app received positive and high user experience ratings across all six parameters, with mean scores exceeding 0.8. Compared to the benchmark data from previous UEQ studies, the app ranked in the “Excellent” category (top 10%) for five parameters, while Perspicuity was rated as “Good” (top 25%).ConclusionThe EatsUp® app demonstrated strong usability, with an overall positive user experience. It ranked as “Excellent” in five user experience parameters except perspicuity, making it well-suited for adolescents. However, perspicuity needs improvement to enhance ease of use. Study limitations include a predominantly female sample from Jakarta-based schools, limiting generalizability. Future studies should include a more diverse population and explore features like gamification to enhance long-term engagement.

Influence of fetal programming on carcinogenesis: pathophysiological and epigenetic perspectives

Fetal development represents a critical phase of vulnerability and biological programming, during which the intrauterine environment acts as a central modulator of gene expression and the individual’s future health. In light of the DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) hypothesis, this article analyzes the pathophysiological events of the fetal period from the ninth gestational week to birth with emphasis on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that link early environmental exposures to cancer risk in adulthood. Based on a review of recent literature (2020–2025), it explores interactions between maternal nutrition, inflammation, psychosocial stress, environmental pollutants, hormones, microbiome, and the epigenetic remodeling of key genes such as TP53, BRCA1, MYC, and KRAS. The placenta is highlighted as a biochemical and epigenetic interface between mother and fetus, influencing fetal genome stability through microRNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification. Clinical and experimental studies show that intrauterine-induced epigenetic alterations may predispose to the development of leukemias, solid tumors, and cancer-associated genetic syndromes. Understanding these relationships reinforces the need for an expanded preventive model in prenatal care, including environmental monitoring, nutritional support, management of maternal comorbidities, and promotion of a healthy gestational environment. It is concluded that cancer prevention may, in part, begin in utero, through integrated strategies aimed at minimizing epigenetic risk factors and promoting lifelong health.

“Making Gymnastics Enjoyable and Sustainable:” Positioning Gymnastics in Physical Education through Individual Interest Bolstering Study Engagement for a Lifelong and Healthy Lifestyle

Abstract While individual interest has been widely associated with student engagement across academic domains, its role in specialized physical education courses like gymnastics remains underexplored in Philippine higher education. This study examined the association between students’ individual interest in gymnastics and their study engagement in the subject. A total of 293 undergraduate students enrolled in a specialized physical education course that includes gymnastics at a state university in the Philippines participated in the study. Individual interest was conceptualized to three factors: positive affect and willingness to reengage (PAWR), stored utility value (SUV), and stored attainment value and knowledge-seeking intentions (SAVKSI). Multiple regression analysis revealed that overall individual interest in gymnastics is significantly associated with study engagement. However, when examined individually, only SUV showed a significant positive association, while PAWR and SAVKSI did not. These findings suggest that when students perceive the practical usefulness of gymnastics, particularly its contribution to fitness and long-term health, they are more likely to be academically engaged. Physical education instructors are thus encouraged to design lessons that highlight the real-life applicability of gymnastics to sustain student interest and engagement. Future research should explore how individual interest can be nurtured through innovative teaching approaches, integration of gymnastics with other movement disciplines, or across diverse student populations. This study supports the positioning of gymnastics as a sustainable component of university curricula to foster lifelong health promotion and active lifestyles.

Association of preeclampsia with long‐term risk of neurodegenerative disorders

ObjectivePreeclampsia (PE) is a common complication of pregnancy linked to increased lifetime risk of multiple comorbidities. However, the link between PE and development of adverse neurologic conditions is still poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the risk of neurodegenerative disorders for women with PE compared to those without PE.Study designWe utilized the TriNetX database including electronic health records from 66 healthcare organizations and identified women 18+ years old with their last delivery between January 2000 and December 2023. PE was defined using ICD‐10 codes that occurred before delivery up until December 2020. The comparator group included pregnant women in the same period without PE diagnosis. After 1:1 propensity score matching on age at index pregnancy, demographics, health utilization, comorbidities, depression, reproductive factors, and body mass index, hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cognitive disorders were estimated between the PE and comparator group using a Cox proportional hazard regression model. Cognitive outcomes were identified by ICD‐10 codes and censored until one of the following conditions was met: (1) development of an outcome, (2) July 26, 2024, or (3) loss to follow‐up in the system.ResultsThe PE group had a 9% increased risk of symptomatic cognitive impairment (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03, 1.16) and a 9% increased risk of composite cognitive impairment outcomes, including clinical, symptomatic, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or related medication use (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03, 1.15) compared to the non‐PE group. Similar trends were observed in the term birth subgroup for symptomatic cognitive impairment (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.00, 1.12) and composite outcomes(HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01, 1.13). No significant associations were found in the preterm subgroup due to limited events. Risk of Parkinson's disease, parkinsonism, or related outcomes was not statistically different in the main model but was higher in sensitivity analyses with natural language processing (NLP) and accounting for death as competing risk. Cognitive impairment, dementia/Alzheimer's, and vascular dementia showed no differences in the main or NLP sensitivity analyses but were elevated in the competing risk sensitivity analysis.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate an increased risk of cognitive impairment among individuals with a history of PE, with additional associations for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism identified in sensitivity analyses. These results highlight the importance of obstetrical health as a predictor of lifelong neurocognitive health, underscoring the need for targeted surveillance and early intervention strategies for neurodegenerative diseases in this population.

Investigation of Oral Health Awareness and Associated Factors Among Japanese University Students: Analyzing Behaviors Influencing Lifelong Oral Health Promotion

Background: University students’ awareness of oral health plays an important role in lifelong health promotion. However, the factors influencing this awareness among Japanese university students are not fully understood. This study aimed to comprehensively examine and analyze Japanese university students’ perceptions of their oral health status, self-reported oral symptoms, and oral health-related behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students using an anonymous online questionnaire to collect information on their basic attributes and self-reported items related to oral health status, oral health behavior, and lifestyle habits. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to examine factors associated with oral health status. Results: A total of 5482 students participated in this study. Overall, 75.9% of the respondents reported that their oral health was good. Factors significantly associated with good oral health were the absence of dental caries and periodontal disease, tooth brushing at least twice a day, regular dental visits, conscious toothpaste selection, and lack of concern about dental care costs and pain during treatment. Conclusions: Oral diseases and symptoms, oral health behaviors, and psychosocial factors were strongly associated with university students’ awareness of their oral health. Since oral health is closely related to systemic health, it is essential to promote proper oral hygiene practices at an early age. Therefore, providing oral health education for university students may contribute to lifelong health promotion and prevention of systemic diseases.

Reform and Exploration of Nursing Education in the Context of Lifelong Health Services

With the intensifying aging of the population, the increasing burden of chronic diseases, and the diversification of health needs, lifelong health services have become the core objective of modern healthcare systems. As a critical component of health service talent cultivation, nursing education faces new challenges and opportunities. Based on the core of lifelong health services and their new requirements for nursing education, this article explores the current difficulties and issues in nursing education. Accordingly, it proposes reform strategies and exploration directions for nursing education in the context of lifelong health services, such as constructing an integrated curriculum system that breaks the segmentation of the life cycle, innovating the “scenario-practice” teaching model to strengthen capability development, and building a “dual-qualified and interdisciplinary” teaching team to enhance teaching transformation capabilities. The aim is to cultivate “warm, capable, and responsible” nursing talents for the Healthy China strategy in the new era.

Hormone replacement therapy in female-specific cancer survivors: considerations beyond cancer cure.

With rapid advances in disease diagnosis and treatment, patients with cancer will achieve longer survival. Among female cancer survivors, oncologic treatments often lead to premature ovarian insufficiency, negatively impacting their health and quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may mitigate these effects; however, concerns remain regarding its impact on oncologic outcomes. Updating the evidence base could help healthcare providers identify patients who may benefit from HRT without an increased risk of recurrence. This review provides an updated overview of HRT in women with a history of cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers. For cervical cancer, HRT is not contraindicated in either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, regardless of stage. For endometrial cancer, HRT is not contraindicated in early-stage disease with no residual tumor, although it should be avoided in low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. HRT is not contraindicated in epithelial ovarian cancer regardless of stage, except in low-grade serous carcinoma. Currently, HRT is contraindicated for breast cancer. This review highlights the need to promote long-term healthcare strategies for cancer survivors. A shift in focus beyond cancer cure toward lifelong health management is warranted.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and reproductive health: With focus on the developmental window of susceptibility.

Sexual differentiation is highly dependent on the fetal hormonal environment, guiding sexual development and establishing the foundation for lifelong reproductive health. This short communication highlights critical windows of sex determination and differentiation, emphasizing the role of steroid sex hormones, alongside other factors, in orchestrating these processes in early life. Growing evidence suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disrupt these tightly regulated pathways, leading to developmental disturbances that manifest as reproductive disorders at birth or later in life. In males, disrupted androgen signaling during fetal development is linked to hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced fertility, and testicular cancer, while in females, EDC exposure may contribute to altered ovarian function, early puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and infertility. By illustrating how EDCs can interfere with sexual development, this brief review underscores the need for further research and regulatory measures to mitigate their impact on human health.

Intimate partner violence, traumatic brain injury and long-term mental health outcomes in midlife: the Drake IPV study

BackgroundApproximately 30% of women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime, often with traumatic brain injury (TBI) exposure. Nevertheless, there has been limited research exploring lifelong brain health outcomes following IPV with TBI. To address this, we investigated the relationship between IPV, TBI and midlife mental health outcomes within an observational cohort study.MethodsPREVENT Dementia is a cohort study with participants recruited aged 40–59 years for longitudinal measures of brain health. Participants reporting histories of IPV-related physical abuse (IPV-PA) at study recruitment were identified and compared with control participants with no IPV-PA exposure regarding histories of TBI and prevalence of lifetime and ongoing mental health outcomes using standardised assessments.ResultsAmong 632 participants, 90 (14%) reported IPV-PA history. Compared with unexposed participants, history of IPV-PA was associated with higher TBI exposure, together with higher lifetime and ongoing diagnoses of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology. Notably, the risk of ongoing and concurrent midlife mental health disorders remained despite IPV-PA exposure having ceased on average 27 years before assessment. History of TBI in individuals with IPV was associated with increased risk of ongoing PTSD symptomology and concurrent mental health outcomes.ConclusionsOur data confirm high TBI exposure among individuals with a history of IPV-PA, while also demonstrating that this population shows higher rates of ongoing adverse mental health outcomes in midlife, often decades after abuse. This work underlines the prevalence of IPV-PA and the necessity to consider TBI exposure and long-term brain health outcomes among this population.

Exploring the Vital Role of Microbiota Metabolites in Early-Life Health.

Exploring the Vital Role of Microbiota Metabolites in Early-Life Health.

Physical literacy-based intervention for chronic disease management: a quasi-experimental study protocol

BackgroundAs chronic diseases proliferate globally, innovative interventions that promote sustainable physical activity are crucial. Physical literacy offers a holistic strategy for the promotion of lifelong health. This protocol describes a study investigating the effects of the integration of physical literacy principles in community-based physical activity group sessions in adults with chronic diseases. The primary outcome of this study is the physical literacy level (global physical literacy score and sub-scores) of participants.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study will compare three groups: a control group, a group taking part in traditional physical activity (TPA) group sessions tailored for adults with chronic disease focusing on physical fitness general improvement, and a group taking part in TPA sessions that incorporates physical literacy goals and intervention content in line with 6 core dimensions of physical literacy (TPA + PL). Intervention groups will take part in 12 one-and-a-half-hour sessions organised weekly over a 3-month cycle. The study will assess the impact of these interventions using a mixed qualitative and quantitative physical literacy assessment tool at baseline (physical tests for the physical competence dimension; questionnaire for the 5 other core dimensions), three months (post-intervention), and six months (follow-up).DiscussionThis studypresents an innovative intervention for chronic disease population through physical literacy, hypothesising that integrating physical literacy dimensions in tailored physical activity group sessions can significantly improve physical literacy to improve physical activity sustainability and health outcomes. Results from this study will provide insights into the efficacy of physical literacy interventions compared to traditional approaches, potentially guiding future public health initiatives and chronic disease management strategies.Trial registrationNCT06325306 (21/03/2024).