Proper Nutritional Habits Research Articles

An umbrella view on food habits in the context of health and sustainability for sports persons

Food and nutrition play a vital role in the health of sportspersons. They are responsible for their stamina, performance and optimal growth in their respective sport. A diet with proper nutrition and good eating habits will help the sportsperson optimize energy for excellent performance. Dietary advice from a competent dietitian and Chef daily, before and after each performance or during practice or competition, is very much needed. In the present scenario of the sports world, most countries debut special dietary Chefs for the well-being of their sportspersons. Diet rich in carbs and proteins at different levels are the base for good food habit

Analysis of Determinants of Food Preferences in a Polish Population-Based Sample of Primary School Adolescents: Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study.

For the choices of food products, food preferences are crucial, as they influence the intake of nutrients and the resultant quality of diet, but in Poland, no studies of food preferences were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic on a population of young adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the determinants of food preferences in a Polish population-based sample of primary school adolescents as part of the Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. The DAY-19 Study focused on a national sample of a population of primary school adolescents who were recruited based on cluster sampling of participants from counties and schools, yielding a sample of 5039 individuals. Their food preferences were assessed using the Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ), and they were compared in subgroups stratified by (1) gender: male and female; (2) age: younger (10-13 years) and older (14-16 years); (3) place of residence: urban and rural; (4) Body Mass Index (BMI): underweight, normal body weight, and overweight/obese (assessed based on Polish growth reference values); and (5) physical activity level: low and moderate (assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for children aged 10-13 (IPAQ-C) and adolescents aged 14-16 (IPAQ-A)). In the population of adolescents, no statistically significant differences in food preferences between subgroups stratified by gender were observed (p > 0.05). For boys, none of the studied factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) was statistically significant determinant of food preferences (p < 0.05), while for girls, all of them were statistically significant determinants (p > 0.05). All the assessed factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) in girls were associated with preferences for snacks, and older girls, those from a rural environment, those who were underweight and overweight/obese, as well as those having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for snacks than younger ones (p = 0.0429), those from an urban environment (p = 0.0484), those of a normal body weight (p = 0.0091), and those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0083). Similarly, girls from rural environments declared a higher preference for starches than those from urban environments (p = 0.0103), and girls having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for fruit than those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0376). Taking this into account, the population of girls, in particular, needs dedicated educational actions to support proper nutritional habits. Additionally, older age, living in a rural environment, being underweight and overweight/obese, and having a low physical activity level may be indicated as factors predisposing one to food preferences potentially promoting unhealthy dietary habits.

Awareness of pregnant women about proper nutrition habits and rational diet

IntroductionProper nutrition of a woman before conception and during pregnancy determines the proper course of pregnancy, fetal development and the health of the mother and child in the future. A properly balanced diet must cover the increased demand for energy and provide the right amount and quality of nutrients.&#x0D; AimThe aim of the study was to verification the nutritional knowledge of pregnant womendepending on age, place of residence and number of pregnancies.&#x0D; ResultsThe survey involved 66 women between 19 and 40 years old (average age 30.50±4.30 years). 40.9% of the women were under 30 (N=27), and 59.1% of the respondents were 30 or older (N=39). 54.5% of women lived in cities (N=36), and 45.5% of the respondents lived in rural areas (N=30). Women who were pregnant for the first time accounted for 48.5% of the respondents (N=32). According to their own opinion, the majority of women (62.1%) stated that their knowledge of nutrition during pregnancy was good, and 28.8% assessed their knowledge as very good. The change in diet after pregnancy was confirmed by 81.8% of the surveyed women, in particular the changes concerned eating more vegetables and fruits (79.6%), avoiding highly processed products (61.1%) and avoiding sweets (50.0%). Most of the respondents (97.0%) indicated that they had eliminated products from their diet, i.e. alcohol (100.0%), Fast Food (57.8%) or sushi (60.9%). Snacks were eaten by 92.4% of the respondents, most often fruits (83.6%) and vegetables (63.9%).&#x0D; ConclusionNutritional awareness of pregnant women is at a good level. Appropriate changes in their diet are declared by the majority of the surveyed women. It would be advisable to educate women planning pregnancy and pregnant women about the specific effects of essential nutrients and the risk of their deficiencies.

Movement and health beyond care, MoviS: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial on nutrition and exercise educational programs for breast cancer survivors

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women, and exercise can significantly improve the outcomes of BC survivors. MoviS (Movement and Health Beyond Care) is a randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the potential health benefits of exercise and proper nutritional habits. This study aims to assess the efficacy of aerobic exercise training in improving quality of life (QoL) and health-related factors in high-risk BC.MethodsOne hundred seventy-two BC survivor women, aged 30–70 years, non-metastatic, stage 0–III, non-physically active, 6–12 months post-surgery, and post chemo- or radiotherapy, will be recruited in this study. Women will be randomly allocated to the intervention arm (lifestyle recommendations and MoviS Training) or control arm (lifestyle recommendations). The MoviS training consists of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training (2 days/week of supervised and 1 day/week of unsupervised exercise) with a progressive increase in exercise intensity (40–70% of heart rate reserve) and duration (20–60 min). Both arms will receive counseling on healthy lifestyle habits (nutrition and exercise) based on the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF) 2018 guidelines.The primary outcome is the improvement of the QoL. The secondary outcomes are improvement of health-related parameters such as Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity level, flexibility, muscular fitness, fatigue, cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated maximal oxygen uptake), echocardiographic parameters, heart rate variability (average of the standard deviations of all 5 min normal to normal intervals (ASDNN/5 min) and 24 h very low and low frequency), and metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory serum biomarkers (glycemia, insulin resistance, progesterone, testosterone, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein).DiscussionThis trial aims to evaluate if supervised exercise may improve QoL and health-related factors of BC survivors with a high risk of recurrence. Findings from this project could provide knowledge improvement in the field of exercise oncology through the participation of a multidisciplinary team that will provide a coordinated program of cancer care to improve healthcare quality, improve prognosis, increase survival times and QoL, and reduce the risk of BC recurrence.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04818359. Retrospectively registered on March 26, 2021

Razlike u ishrani i životnim navikama na medicinskim i nemedicinskim fakultetima u Novom Sadu

During the study period, inadequate nutritional habits such as skipping of breakfasts, insufficient consumption of fruit, vegetables and dairy products and excessive fast-food consumption may develop. Understanding undesirable dietary patterns in adolescents is one of the measures in prevention of many diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate differences in dietary habits among students from medical and non-medical faculties at Universities in Novi Sad. The research was conducted in May 2018 and included 514 students aged from 19 to 24 (133 males and 381 females) from 4 faculties (Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Faculty of Technology) whose study programs contain nutritional items. The original anonymous questionnaire was used. Statistical processing was done in SPSS20. Results showed that 50% of students have 3 meals and only 10% have all 5 meals during the day. Student from Technology faculty in the large percentage (12%) constantly eat during the day in comparison with other faculties (4-5%). One half of students have breakfast every day, while a little less than 5% never has breakfast. Regarding the food types, only 5% of the participants consumed vegetables and only 6% of them consumed fruits more than once a day with statistical significance between faculties (p &lt; 0.01). At the same time, 92% of participants consumed meat a few times a week and 77% of participants consumed fish at least once a week. Water consumption higher than 2 l daily was reported by only one third of the students (faculty differences were statistically significant p &lt; 0.05) although 85% of participants reported water as their first choice of drinks. Results indicate presence of differences in dietary habits among students from different faculties. The necessity of education should be directly focused on increasing proper nutrition habits among students especially in study programs which contain nutritional items.

Disease-specific nutrition for the elderly and their Caretakers- What was and what could be

Introduction Older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses often employ the help of Home Care Aides (HCAs). These HCAs assist their client’s nutrition and other activities of daily living. However, many HCAs who care for the elderly are themselves unaware of proper nutrition habits that can improve health outcomes. This project proposal centers on a nutrition-training program that focuses on HCAs and their knowledge of proper nutrition. It will challenge participants to eat better using foods are best suited to the chronic illness that their client suffers from. Approach The Nutrition Training Package contains materials that can be used in training sessions conducted over two days. Each day consists of interactive activities, discussions and presentations. These materials were adapted from interventions used by the Healthy Aging Program- an intervention previously hosted by EverThrive IL. Outcomes Although pilot testing is yet to be conducted, the training package is complete and ready for implementation. Conclusion Based on literature review, the contents of the Nutrition Training Package for Home Care Aides will guide participants through stages of the Model of Change, simultaneously creating the self-efficacy to contribute to elongated, healthier living for the elderly.

Ex-athletes as Parents Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in Their Families: The Nutrition and Physical Activity of Mothers, Fathers, and 6-Year-Old Children

Parents healthy behaviors have an undeniable influence on the long-term health of their children by preventing risky behaviors, as well as overweight or obese, which are currently a global problem. The aim of this study was to examine whether parents being ex-athletes is associated with their family having a healthy lifestyle and raising preschool children in healthy ways. An ex-athletes families ( n = 350) with partners (mean age Mmother = 34.20, SD = 5.29; Mfather = 36.73, SD = 5.63) and children and a control group of families ( n = 336; mean age Mmother = 34.47, SD = 5.05; Mfather = 36.88, SD = 5.69) participated in the study. We analyzed the influence of current participation in physical activity (PA) and proper nutrition habits of parents on the parents’ feeding styles and children PA. When at least one parent was an ex-athlete, the control over eating feeding style was used more often and the emotional feeding style was used less often in comparison to the control group. Children from families with an ex-athlete spent more hours per week on PA compared to children from the control group.

“PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF ANAEMIA IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 1-5 YEAR OLD CHILDREN: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY”

Background: ‘Anaemia’ refers to a condition in which the hemoglobin content of the blood is lower than normal as a result of deficiency of one or more essential nutrients, heavy blood loss, parasitic infections and congenital hemolytic diseases. Anemia is a critical health concern because it affects growth and energy levels adversely. The present study was done to determine the prevalence, associated factors and pattern of anemia in under five-year-old children in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out among under five-year-old children admitted in the hospital for various medical illnesses. For the diagnosis of anemia, WHO criteria for haemoglobin (Hb) threshold in different age group were used. Results: Total 112 anemic children were enrolled into the study. Children of age group of between 1-5 years were affected. A majority of the mother of anemic children had primary level of school education. More than half of the children belong to lower socioeconomic classes (Class IV + Class V). Nutritional deficiency was the single most important causative factor in the development of anemia. In our study the prevalence of anaemia was 75% with ranging from mild, moderate and severe. Conclusion: Nutritional deficiency, particularly, iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in the present study. This disorder can be primarily prevented by proper nutritional habits and adequate treatment.

Assessing effects of diet alteration on selected parameters of chronically mentally ill residents of a 24-hour Nursing Home. Part I: Effects of diet modification on carbohydrate-lipid metabolism.

The study was aimed at finding out whether, and to what extent, it is possible to introduce and maintain proper nutrition habits in chronically mentally ill residents of a24-hour Nursing Home. The study involved 52 residents of a 24-hour Nursing Home (NH) for the chronically mentally ill. The study was carried out with a prospective method using questionnaires, nutrition-related interviews, anthropometric measurements, and analysis of selected blood biochemical indicators. Diet modification, accompanied by simultaneous health-promoting nutrition-related education, involved balancing the energy and nutrient contents, with adue consideration to gender and age as well as the major ailment and the accompanying disorders. Sources of the basic nutrients, i.e., proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, were replaced by recommended and/or health-promoting ones. Both female and male patients showed a statistically significant reduction in energy uptake, resulting primarily from a significant reduction in the uptake of lipids and simple carbohydrates. Changes in nutritional habits were reflected in statistically significant increase in the uptake of vitamins, minerals and liquids (in the form of water). Diet composition modifications translated into beneficial changes in concentrations of glucose, triacylglycerols, cholesterol (total as well as HDL and LDL fractions) in numerous patients examined. The study showed chronic mental patients to be capable of adopting, with full acceptance and cooperation, proper nutritional habits. Changes in those habits were reflected in improved body functions, including carbohydrate-lipid metabolism indicators, also in schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics.

Exercise Is Medicine Day On Campus: A Survey Of Physical Activity And Nutrition Habits

Exercise is Medicine (EIM) is a global joint initiative between the American Medical Association and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). West Chester University (WCU) was recognized by the ACSM in 2018 as an EIM-On Campus Gold Campus, indicating that WCU actively attempts to engage the campus community in physical activity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess opinions related to the second WCU EIM Day. This event was hosted by the College of Health Sciences (CHS) at WCU and included participation from all six departments in the CHS, student groups, faculty and staff, alumni, and community stakeholders. METHODS: Sixty-five participants (19 M, 46 F), (77% 18-21 years old, 15% 22-25 years old, 8% 26 years or older) that visited the event responded to an 8-question program evaluation survey. RESULTS: The data did not have a normal distribution due to the small sample size. Therefore, non-parametric data analyses were applied. Spearman non-parametric correlations were utilized to determine the relationship between enjoyment levels and perceived helpfulness of the event for increasing physical activity (PA) and improving nutrition habits (NH). Results indicated a significant positive strong association between enjoyment levels and perceived helpfulness of the event for increasing PA (rs(46)=.66, p<.05). There was a medium association between enjoyment levels and perceived helpfulness of the event for improving NH but this association was not significant, (rs(25)=.30, p>.05). To examine differences between male and female participants, the Mann-Whitney U-test was applied for enjoyment levels, perceived helpfulness for PA and for NH items. Results indicated differences in enjoyment levels between males and females, (U= -2.02, p<.05) but no significant differences in perceived helpfulness of the event for PA and for NH items between females and males, (UPA= -2.04, p=.09 and UNH=-1.9, p=.08). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that participants that attended EIM Day found it beneficial for increasing PA habits. This may be due to activities throughout the day that included yoga, boot camp fitness, and Tai Chi. While there were food stands and information disseminated by nutrition students, in the future it will be important to provide more offerings related to proper nutrition habits.

The Influence of Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors on Glioma Incidence.

Cancers are the first main cause of premature death in developed countries. Since brain tumors, especially gliomas, are the most lethal type of cancers, risk factors for their prevalence are still being discussed. Nearly 30–50% of all cancers could be prevented by proper nutritional habits and other lifestyle factors, but their influence on the tumors of the central nervous system has not been explained completely and still requires further studies. That is why we attempted to review the available research in this field, with a special focus on the factors with the proven protective activity observed in other cancers. Adequate vegetables and antioxidants (such as vitamins C and A) provided with a diet could have a protective effect, while other factors have shown no correlation with the incidence of glioma. However, further studies are necessary to determine whether fish, coffee, and tea consumption may prevent glioma. Maintaining proper body weight and undertaking a sufficient level of daily physical activity also seem to be important. Excessive body mass index (BMI) and higher attained height have increased the risk of glioma. In order to link more accurately the chosen factors to the prevalence of gliomas, it seems necessary to conduct large cohort, prospective, controlled studies in different world regions.

The Effect of a Sports Nutrition Didactic Session on Division I Athletes

Background: Each year thousands of athletes encounter medical problems (e.g., syncopal episodes, stress fractures, anorexia, bulimia) that may have been prevented if appropriate nutritional counseling had been provided. This study aimed to investigate whether a didactic session regarding nutrition was superior to providing athletes with a booklet about nutrition to increase knowledge among collegiate athletes. Methods and Study Design: This was a randomized, prospective interventional study of 108 Division I college athletes. All participants were given a previously validated nutritional knowledge survey (Shifflet). Group 1 (n=39) was given a nutritional booklet (created by the authors) and a 1-hour didactic session from a sports nutritionist. Group 2 (n=34) received the booklet and a 5-minute overview of the booklet. Group 3 (n=35) received the booklet alone. The athletes were retested 14 days later. A one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between subjects was conducted to compare pre- and post-test scores across all three groups. Results: There was not a statistically significant difference between group (p>.05] assessment scores for the three conditions. However, the mean change score from pre-test to post-test increased across all three-treatment groups. Conclusions: A single sports nutrition didactic session did not increase nutritional knowledge beyond providing a nutrition booklet alone. Significance of Findings: A single nutrition didactic session is not sufficient enough to educate athletes about proper nutritional habits. Athletes may require multiple sessions in order to accomplish this goal.

Evaluation of Nutrition Habits of Adolescents in the Aspect of Gender and Physical Activity

Research background and hypothesis. Nutrition habits develop with the growth of an individual. During adolescence proper nutrition habits and physical activity are the most important factors infl uencing health. The quality of life is affected by the peculiarities of behavior and lifestyle in adolescence. The aim of our study was to determine nutrition habits of adolescents, and then, to make a comparison of eating patterns by gender and the groups of adolescents in different physical activity groups. Research methods. The study comprised the ninth form students from 16 Kaunas schools (4 gymnasiums, 10 secondary and 2 main schools). The strategy was based on the evaluation of proportions of the different types of schools in Kaunas. The study applied questionnaire survey. Research results. The analysis revealed that 28.5% of middle-school age students did not have breakfast, there were more girls than boys among them. Boys and students with lower physical activity more frequently had hot meals. Adolescents most commonly had meals four times per day without following nutrition regimen. Discussion and conclusions. Boys more frequently had breakfast, however, they chose buns, potato chips, and used more fried food for snacks; the same eating patterns were followed by students with lower physical activity. Girls were more likely to have fruit, green vegetables. In most cases, the selection of meals depended on the individual taste; boys more frequently paid attention to prices and nutrition values. Usually adolescents acquired information about proper nutrition from their parents and the internet; girls – more frequently from magazines and the internet.Keywords: adolescents’ knowledge on healthy nutrition, nutrition habits, physical activity.

Prevalence of anemia among Lebanese hospitalized children: Risk and protective factors.

BackgroundAnemia is a global health problem associated with short- and long-term consequences especially in children. The incidence of anemia along with the factors associated with its increased or decreased risk is not yet well studied in Lebanon. Our study aims at determining the demographics of this health burden and identifying some of the important factors linked to it among the pediatric population.MethodsA 4-months cross-sectional study was performed between August and November 2017 including 295 children aged 1 month to 12 years, who were hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital located in South Lebanon. We analyzed the different demographic data, age, gender, breast feeding duration, solid food introduction, iron supplementation and disease of diagnosis in association with multiple hematological parameters.ResultsThe prevalence of both mild and moderate anemia was 71.8 and 25.4%, with only 2 cases of severe anemia encountered among children aged 6 months or above. Results showed that the risk of anemia increases by around 3.4 folds among malnourished children than in well-nourished children. This risk also decreased by almost 42% in children receiving iron supplement.ConclusionIn consideration to the fact that anemia is a prevalent disease in the Lebanese childhood population, especially in infancy, simple preventive measures such as proper nutritional habits and supplementation of iron rich food to children are highly recommended and should be respected by public health providers.

Health behaviors and health locus of control in patients with epilepsy

Staniszewska Anna, Olejniczak Dominik, Dąbrowska-Bender Marta. Health behaviors and health locus of control in patients with epilepsy. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2017;7(11):77-85. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1041901 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/5010 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part B item 1223 (26.01.2017). 1223 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eISSN 2391-8306 7 © The Authors 2017; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 05.10.2017. Revised: 12.10.2017. Accepted: 04.11.2017. Health behaviors and health locus of control in patients with epilepsy Anna Staniszewska 1* , Dominik Olejniczak 2 , Marta Dąbrowska-Bender 3 1 Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 2 Department of Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 3 Department of Clinical Dietetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland * Corresponding author: Dr med. Anna Staniszewska, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b St. 02-097 Warsaw, Poland, e-mail: anna.staniszewska@wum.edu.pl, Phone number: (+4822) 1166160, fax (+4822) 1166202 Summary Objective: The aim of the study was to show the relation between health behavior and preferred health locus of control in epileptic patients. Material and methods: One hundred and ninety six participants gave their answers to the Polish version of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control questionnaire version B and Health Behavior Inventory. Results: Among all dimensions of health locus of control, the respondents obtained the highest scores in the dimension of internal control (26.0±8.2), and the lowest ones in the dimension of external control (18.0±5.5). The average score for health behaviors was (88.0±11.0). In the category of prophylactic behaviors the highest scores were (23.0±3.6). The category of health practices received the lowest number of points (21.0±3.5). The internal dimension of health control showed a strong significant correlation with the following categories: health behaviors ( P =0.00), proper nutrition habits ( P =0.00), and positive psychological attitude ( P =0.002). The external dimension of health control showed a low significant correlation with health behaviors and prophylactic behaviors ( P =0.05). The chance dimension of health control did not show any significant correlations with health behaviors and their categories ( P >0.05 in all cases). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the participants believed to have more control over their health than other people or chance did. Sociodemographic and clinical factors did not influence health locus of control in patients with epilepsy. Key words: epilepsy; health behaviors; health locus control, MHLCS, HBI

Health-Related Behaviours, Physical Activity and Perceived Life Satisfaction in the Academic Youth of Pedagogical Subjects in Cracow

The aim of the study was to analyse the correlation between the level of satisfaction with life, health-related behaviours and physical activity in the group of academic youth studying pedagogical subjects at chosen universities in Cracow. The following variables were used and characterized: levels of satisfaction with life, health-related behaviours and physical activity. The study verifi es the hypothesis that the academic youth characterized by higher levels of satisfaction with life will be show a wider scale of pro-health behaviours and higher levels of physical activity. The study was conducted in a random group of 486 participants – 416 women (85.60%) and 70 men (14.40%) in the age 22–28 years (average: 23 years). The group consisted of undergraduates (3rd year of bachelor studies) at pedagogical studies from three universities in Cracow: Pedagogical University of Cracow (66.26%), the Jagiellonian University (25.31%) and Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University (8.43% ). The standardised Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) by Diener et al. in the Polish adaptation by Z. Juczyński (2009) was used for the purpose of measuring the satisfaction with life. The Inventory of Health-Related Behaviours (IHRB) by Juczyński (2009) was used for the assessment of 4 categories of health-related behaviours: proper nutrition habits (PNH), prophylaxis (P), pro-health practices (PHP) and positive attitude (PA). The intensity of pro-health behaviours was assessed with the use of the proper sten scores (Juczyński 2009). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – Short Form was used to assess the levels of physical activity. The above presented authors’ own research show that the majority of Cracow students of pedagogical subjects was characterized by an average satisfaction with life, and low levels of pro-health behaviours, as well as an adequate level of physical activity. Statistically signifi cant diversity in some pro-health behaviours and physical activities were discovered. They were found to be related to such factors as sex, intensity of certain pro-health behaviours, and satisfaction with life among academic youth.

AGRILIVE: MODULAR HYDROPONIC ONLINE SUPPORTED GARDENS FOR ZERO KM AGRICULTURE

AGRIlive is an eco-effective solution for home farming. It originates from the desire to give an answer to all interdisciplinary, international analyses demonstrating the ecological non-sustainability of the current socio-economic development models. It’s a modular, hydroponic platform based on multiple cropping that considers crop’s seasonality and scalar planting (projected to cover the whole year). AGRIlive is thought to activate short-lived interstitial urban void as roofs and terraces, turning them into places for building social relations, promoting zero km food production and therein reducing the big retail channel greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation and packaging. Being a closed-cycle hydroponic system, AGRIlive presents several environmental/healthy advantages. AGRIlive is a social project, a vision; starting point of a global, bottom up way of thinking through the stimulation and solicitation of a great change in consumer behavior toward a new life style focused on care on proper nutrition habits, on a new relationship with nature and on a stronger awareness of environmental impact of food production/consumption.

The role of self-efficacy in undertaking health-seeking behaviours by physical education teachers

Background: Self-efficacy, defined as a personal resource, is increasingly analysed in context of healthseeking behaviours. Therefore, it is important to explain to what extent these behaviours are associated with cognitive personality disposition of physical education teachers, manifested by their self-efficacy. Material/Methods: We examined 271 physical education teachers (n♀ = 137 and n♂ =134) aged between 23 and 62 years (M = 38.97, SD = 9.33). The respondents were surveyed with the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem in the Polish adaptation by Juczynski, Health Behaviour Inventory by Juczynski and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire by Cash. Results: Our findings point to a beneficial effect of self-efficacy on Proper Nutrition Habits, Prophylactic Behaviour, Positive Psychological Attitudes and Fitness/Health Orientation. Nevertheless, the use of Indicator Variables in Regression revealed that GSES exerts stronger effect on health-seeking behaviours in men than in women. Furthermore, we did not confirm a crucial role of self-efficacy in undertaking physical activity and Health Practices. Conclusions: Physical education teachers show moderate levels of health-seeking behaviours; this necessitates stimulating their active involvement in self-promotion of health. This can be achieved by health promotional and educational activities addressed to physical education teachers.

Personality superfactors and healthy behaviors of professional athletes

&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Personality traits seem to be excellent predictors of starting, continuing and discontinuing physical activity. Moreover, they constitute an important determinant of health-seeking behaviors. Therefore, consideration of personality-related variables may be helpful in explaining either motivation of athletes or the goals they achieve.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Participants and procedure&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; The study included 1229 individuals, among them 532 active athletes and 697 persons with no history of competitive sporting activities. The group of sportspersons included 286 team sport athletes, 124 representatives of individual sport disciplines and 125 combat sport athletes.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; The athletes were found to have moderate levels of all analyzed personality dimensions. Multiple regression analysis showed that personality traits explained 46% of variance in the level of Positive Psychological Attitudes (F = 4.0, p = 0.009) and 36% of variance in the level of Health Practices (F = 2.7, p = 0.043) presented by female combat sport athletes. Personality profile explained 30% of variance in the level of Proper Nutrition Habits (F = 7.8, p &lt; 0.001) and 40% of variance in Positive Psychological Attitudes (F = 11.2, p &lt; 0.001) of male combat sport athletes. Personality profile explained 38% of variance in the level of Proper Nutrition Habits (F = 7.2, p &lt; 0.001) and 30% of variance in Positive Psychological Attitudes (F = 5.1, p = 0.001) presented by men who practiced individual sport disciplines.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Our study confirmed that the personality super-factors are associated with health-seeking behaviors of athletes regarding proper nutrition habits, positive psychological attitudes and health practices.

Nutritional habits in the light of general health behaviours of pregnant women.

Teaching pregnant women behaviours connected with care for one's health condition and a healthy lifestyle is crucial in perinatal care. Desired health behaviours, including nutritional habits, play an important role in the health of the mother, as well as the proper development of the foetus. The aim of the presented study was to analyse the subjective assessment of nutritional habits in the light of general health behaviours of pregnant women. Research was conducted on a sample of 81 women in Szczecin. The methodological basis for investigation was Juczyński's Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). General index of intensity of health behaviours (GIIHB) was calculated by adding the results for all the 24 statements included in the HBI. Four categories of health behaviours were analysed separately: proper nutritional habits, preventive behaviours, positive thinking and health practices. The study presents the analysis of proper nutritional habits (PNH) in the light of GIIHB of women attending antenatal classes. Results indicate that the PNH of pregnant women displays a positive correlation with their GIIHB (r=0.654; p<0.05). It is also shown that the PNH (r=0.26, p<0.05) and GIIHB (r=0.35; p<0.05) are related to the age of pregnant women participating in antenatal classes. Research indicates the need for education of pregnant women, initiatives and campaigns aimed at propagating and promoting proper health behaviours, including nutritional behaviours. There is a positive relationship between the PNH of women participating in antenatal classes and their GIIHB. Such measures should be addressed to women regardless of whether they participate in antenatal classes or not, and regardless of their age or level of education.