Role Of Lifestyle Changes Research Articles

Lifestyle factors before and after colorectal cancer treatment and their association with fatigue

Abstract Background As colorectal cancer (CRC) survivorship increases, so does the challenge of managing cancer-related fatigue, a prevalent condition that severely impacts survivors’ ability to work and overall quality of life. This study delves into the relationship between lifestyle behaviors, assessed using the HEALTHY lifestyle score, and its influence on fatigue among CRC patients. Methods Data was derived from MIRANDA, a multicenter cohort study that enrolls adult CRC patients during a 3-week in-patient rehab within a year after primary CRC treatment. Up to date, n = 438 participants provided information on lifestyle factors at the rehabilitation start (baseline) and then every three months for the first year. The predictors were the HEALTHY lifestyle score and its components (diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, and smoking status) calculated at three time points: before surgery, after surgery, and 12 months following rehabilitation. The outcome was fatigue, assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F-FS) scale. Results Participants with a higher HEALTHY lifestyle score after CRC surgery had statistically significantly lower fatigue levels. The components that contributed most to this finding were smoking and physical activity. Participants who engaged in exercise post-surgery or did not smoke before their cancer diagnosis experienced lower fatigue levels during rehabilitation. Conclusions Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing physical activity and smoking cessation, are crucial in preventing or reducing fatigue among CRC patients. Tailored public health initiatives that advocate for these lifestyle adjustments and their incorporation into CRC rehabilitation protocols could significantly advance survivor care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Key messages • The HEALTHY score is associated with fatigue of CRC patients during rehabilitation, highlighting the crucial role of lifestyle changes after CRC treatment. • Smoking cessation and physical activity programs may be the most effective measures for decreasing the fatigue burden of these patients.

The role of lifestyle changes to diet, physical activity, and sleep during Ramadan in controlling metabolic syndrome in adults: a scoping review

The role of lifestyle changes to diet, physical activity, and sleep during Ramadan in controlling metabolic syndrome in adults: a scoping review

A balloon is better than diet: the role of lifestyle changes in the management of obesity and steatotic liver, and need for a winning strategy.

A balloon is better than diet: the role of lifestyle changes in the management of obesity and steatotic liver, and need for a winning strategy.

Role of Lifestyle Changes and Natural Herbs in the Management of Hepatic Health

Liver ailments are significant contributors to human illness and death globally. The prevalence of liver disorders is increasing owing to the widespread prevalence of hepatitis and alcohol addiction. These conditions can be triggered by infection, trauma, exposure to pharmaceuticals or hazardous substances, autoimmune disorders, or genetic abnormalities resulting in the accumulation of harmful substances. Despite advances in understanding the causes underlying hepatic dysfunction, no standard pharmaceutical therapy is available. The only currently advised option is to make lifestyle changes such as diet, intermittent fasting, and increased physical exercise. However, a lack of compliance continues to impede this strategy. As a result, there is an apparent need to characterize novel therapeutic alternatives. Current advances in the communication between the gut and hepatic tissue open new avenues for better explaining the molecular mechanisms behind the pathology of hepatic illness. Natural bioactive compound research has emerged as an appealing strategy for overcoming lifestyle change resistance. The current study aims to review some of the identified compounds and other herbal approaches with favourable characteristics to hepatic health. This review study discusses their protective properties, mode of action in ameliorating the major pathological events involved in liver disorders, and therapeutic applications.

Challenges in Achieving 1.5-Degree Lifestyle Mitigation Options—Insights from a Citizen-Participatory Household Experiment in Japan

Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of lifestyle changes in achieving climate change targets. However, implementing substantial changes in people’s lifestyles is challenging due to the varying availability of goods and services and the influence of the surrounding environment. To address this challenge and promote low-carbon and decarbonised lifestyles on a societal scale, a two-week household experiment was conducted in four representative Japanese cities (Kyoto, Yokohama, Kitakyushu, and Kagoshima). The experiment was based on 65 carbon reduction/mitigation options proposed in previous studies. A total of 84 participants participated in the household experiments: 29 in Kyoto, 22 in Yokohama, 12 in Kitakyushu, and 21 in Kagoshima. Due to constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation was monitored through a ‘household experiment diary’. The household experiments examined the status of implementation of each option and assessed the potential for improvement over a short period. Furthermore, the study identified barriers, enabling contexts and proposed support measures for implementing household mitigation actions. This study also provided policy implications for co-creating decarbonised lifestyles.

The prevalence of refractive error in schoolchildren

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Information on the refractive error prevalence in school-aged children will result in delivering the optimal eye health service to this group. Background Understanding the prevalence of refractive error in school-aged children is crucial to reduce the consequences of uncorrected refractive error. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of refractive error among school-aged children in Shiraz, Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional population-based study, 2001 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years participated. All participants underwent cycloplegic refraction. Spherical equivalent (SE) of −0.50 dioptre or more was considered as myopia, SE of +2.00 dioptre or more as hyperopia, and astigmatism as cylinder power of 0.75 dioptre or more. The difference of 1.00 dioptre or more between two eyes defined as anisometropia. Results The prevalence of myopia was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2–13.1%), hyperopia 6.7% (95%CI: 5.6–7.9%), and astigmatism 28.9% (95%CI: 26.9–31.0%), out of which 82.1% had with the rule astigmatism. Anisometropia was detected in 4.0% (95%CI: 3.2–5.0%) of children. Astigmatism and anisometropia were significantly higher in boys (p < 0.001, p = 0.03 respectively). The SE decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001) indicating an increase in myopia with age. In addition, the rate of myopic astigmatism increased with age (p < 0.001). Among studied schoolchildren 97.0% could achieve the best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 and 3.0% could not in the better eye. Conclusion Astigmatism was the most common refractive error among primary school children. The prevalence of myopia was relatively higher than other studies conducted in Iran, and it increased with age. These results may highlight the role of lifestyle changes and increased near work activities on the myopic shift in school-aged children. The findings provide information for screening programmes in school-aged children.

The second brain in Parkinson's disease: fact or fantasy?

The second brain in Parkinson's disease: fact or fantasy?

Lifestyle medicine: A positive approach to stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases in South Africa.

Non-communicable diseases account for most deaths globally and they are the main reason for patient consultations. Conventional medicine focuses on pharmaceutical and surgical interventions to manage these diseases. Most management protocols recognise the foundational role of lifestyle changes, but practical lifestyle medicine interventions need to become part of the medical curriculum and part of each consultation to make an impact. This article presents the rationale for the launch of the South African Lifestyle Medicine Association as an important facilitator of that process.

Diet and physical activity in Greenland: genetic interactions and associations with obesity and diabetes.

The Inuit in Greenland have gone through dramatic lifestyle changes during the last half century. More time is spent being sedentary and imported foods replaces traditional foods like seal and whale. The population has also experienced a rapid growth in obesity and metabolic disturbances and diabetes is today common despite being almost unknown few decades ago. In this paper, we describe and discuss the role of lifestyle changes and genetics for Inuit metabolic health. Novelty: Cardiometabolic disease risk has increased in Greenland. Lifestyle changes and possibly gene-lifestyle interactions play a role.

Treatment Characteristics of Kidney Stone Disease in Children

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a disease caused by the formation of calculi in kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. The rate of hospitalization of children with KSD worldwide is increasing. The adequate method of calculus extraction and further therapy according to calculus composition and metabolic disorders are crucial for effective treatment of patients with KSD and recurrence risk reduction. This review covers surgical (extracorporeal lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery, ureterolithotripsy, laparoscopy, open surgery) and non-surgical (lithokinetic and litholytic) therapy. Special attention is paid to metaphylaxis, or recurrence prevention, and calculi formation. It is noted that medication of children with KSD can be aggravated by various adverse reactions, complexity in drugs dosages in children of first years of life. Moreover, all surgical methods are characterized by high risk of postoperative complications development. The relevance of KSD genetic nature in children, the role of lifestyle changes in disease development, the implementation of new drugs for metabolic disorders correction are presented in the article.

Optimizing patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pre-transplant.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is the progressive counterpart of the disease, is becoming the leading indication for liver transplantation in North America. Owing to the lack of symptoms, NASH is often an incidental diagnosis, resulting in a significant proportion of patients being diagnosed when advanced liver disease has already developed. NAFLD has recently been characterized as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Consequently, it is a multisystem disease that often co-exists with several other conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and extra-hepatic malignancy, which have an impact on selection of transplant recipients. The complexity of diagnostic approach, need for multidisciplinary clinical management, and lack of a specific treatment further complicate the picture of this extremely prevalent liver condition. NAFLD patients with advanced liver disease should be considered for early referral to liver transplant clinics for careful metabolic and cardiovascular risk stratification because they have worse survival rates after liver transplantation than other patients with chronic liver disease. Early referral will also facilitate optimization of metabolic comorbidities before proceeding with transplantation. This review provides an overview of strategies to identify patients with advanced NAFLD, with an emphasis on the management of associated comorbidities and optimal timing of pre-transplant evaluation. Other topics that have been shown to affect recipient optimization, such as the role of lifestyle changes and bariatric surgery in the management of obesity, as well as sarcopenia in decompensated NASH-related cirrhosis, are addressed.

The role of lifestyle changes in gastroesophageal reflux diseases treatment.

Lifestyle modification has an important role in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The development of GERD symptoms with various foods shows individual differences. Although there is not enough evidence that certain substances in a diet could lead to GERD symptoms, the literature suggests that there might be a relationship between reflux development and salt, salted foods, chocolate, fatty foods, and fizzy drinks. Because lying on the left side and raising the head of the bed in a supine position reduces the development of nocturnal reflux symptoms, the head should be elevated for patients with reflux symptoms at night, and the patient should lie on the left side. Smoking and obesity (especially abdominal) trigger GERD symptoms. Whereas excessive physical activity is a significant risk factor for the development of GERD, regular and mild-moderate physical activity has been shown to reduce the symptoms of reflux.

The role of lifestyle changes in low-emissions development strategies: an economy-wide assessment for Brazil

ABSTRACTReconciling climate and socioeconomic goals is a significant challenge in the developing world. Improving living standards is imperative. However, if emerging middle-classes in developing countries mirror current western consumption patterns, the chances of stabilizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at safe atmospheric concentration levels will undoubtedly be reduced. In this sense, the mitigation potential of changing consumption patterns has been increasingly acknowledged. A growing body of literature explores what new consumption patterns might look like, along with their potential contribution to reducing emissions.This paper simulates shifts in household behaviour using a macroeconomic framework. We apply a hybrid computable general equilibrium model with six representative household groups to simulate exploratory scenarios for the Brazilian economy up to 2050. In the reference scenario, household demand is defined by current trends and standards. Consumption patterns converge among income groups, leading to major increases in demand for energy, transportation, consumer goods and services, especially for poorer households. This scenario is contrasted with an alternative pathway in which households seek a less carbon-intensive lifestyle. Our results indicate that a major gap in consumption levels and associated emissions between the poorest and richest households persists in the long run. We also show that sustainable practices contribute to significantly reducing energy-related GHG emissions with minor variations in GDP, employment and income distribution.Key policy insightsThere is a comprehensive portfolio of consumer strategies that can contribute to lowering the GHG emissions intensity of consumption at the household level in Brazil.Through a dematerialized consumption profile, households can contribute to mitigating up to 17% of energy-related GHG emissions compared to a reference projection in 2050.Emissions reduction can be achieved with minor economic losses. Impacts on employment are less than on GDP, since there is a structural shift towards labour-intensive sectors, namely services. However, this comes at the expense of a rise in price levels, given that higher wages lead to an increase in production costs.Per capita emissions from energy use are significantly higher for wealthier households, compared to poorer ones. Therefore, the greatest opportunities for decarbonizing consumption reside in policy interventions that target upper income groups.

Towards an active and happy retirement? Changes in leisure activity and depressive symptoms during the retirement transition

Objectives: Retirement is a major life transition in the second half of life, and it can be associated with changes in leisure activity engagement. Although theories of retirement adjustment have emphasized the need to find meaningful activities in retirement, little is known about the nature of changes in leisure activity during the retirement transition and their association with mental health.Methods: Based on four annual waves of the ‘Health, Aging and Retirement Transitions in Sweden’ study, we investigated the longitudinal association of leisure activity engagement and depressive symptoms using bivariate dual change score models. We distinguished intellectual, social, and physical activity engagement.Results: We found increases in all three domains of activity engagement after retirement. Although level and change of activity and depressive symptoms were negatively associated, the coupling parameters were not significant, thus the direction of effects remains unclear.Conclusion: The results highlight the need to consider the role of lifestyle changes for retirement adjustment and mental health.

Nucleotide Second Messenger-Based Signaling in Extreme Acidophiles of the Acidithiobacillus Species Complex: Partition Between the Core and Variable Gene Complements.

Cyclic and linear nucleotides are key elements of the signal transduction networks linking perception of the environment to specific cellular behavior of prokaryotes. These molecular mechanisms are particularly important in bacteria exposed to different, and frequently simultaneous, types of extreme conditions. This is the case in acidithiobacilli, a group of extremophilic bacteria thriving in highly acidic biotopes, that must also cope with significant variations in temperature, osmotic potentials and concentrations of various transition metals and metalloids. Environmental cues sensed by bacteria are transduced into differential levels of nucleotides acting as intracellular second messengers, promoting the activation or inhibition of target components and eliciting different output phenotypes. Cyclic (c) di-GMP, one of the most common bacterial second messengers, plays a key role in lifestyle changes in many bacteria, including acidithiobacilli. The presence of functional c-di-GMP-dependent signal transduction pathways in representative strains of the best-known linages of this species complex has been reported. However, a comprehensive panorama of the c-di-GMP modulated networks, the cognate input signals and output responses, are still missing for this group of extremophiles. Moreover, little fundamental understanding has been gathered for other nucleotides acting as second messengers. Taking advantage of the increasing number of sequenced genomes of the taxon, here we address the challenge of disentangling the nucleotide-driven signal transduction pathways in this group of polyextremophiles using comparative genomic tools and strategies. Results indicate that the acidithiobacilli possess all the genetic elements required to establish functional transduction pathways based in three different nucleotide-second messengers: (p)ppGpp, cyclic AMP (cAMP), and c-di-GMP. The elements related with the metabolism and transduction of (p)ppGpp and cAMP appear highly conserved, integrating signals related with nutrient starvation and polyphosphate metabolism, respectively. In contrast, c-di-GMP networks appear diverse and complex, differing both at the species and strain levels. Molecular elements of c-di-GMP metabolism and transduction were mostly found scattered along the flexible genome of the acidithiobacilli, allowing the identification of probable control modules that could be critical for substrate colonization, biofilm development and intercellular interactions. These may ultimately convey increased endurance to environmental stress and increased potential for gene sharing and adaptation to changing conditions.

Ten Lifestyle Modification Approaches to Treat Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia affecting three million people in the United States (US). Across different races in the US, the incidence of other races was comparable to that of Caucasian population. This points towards the importance of certain lifestyle modifications that can help prevent and treat this disorder. This article discusses 10 such factors. Smoking has been linked to AF, with almost 36% risk reduction if quit. Hypertension has 56% increased risk of atrial fibrillation in which the role of lifestyle changes is well known. Similarly, alcohol-induced atrial fibrillation has 10% increased risk of atrial fibrillation. On the other hand, several case reports document red bull as the cause of atrial fibrillation. Moreover, the risk of atrial fibrillation is four times higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) independent of other confounding variables. Additionally, it has been shown that acute sleep deprivation increases AF risk by 3.36 times. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus and obesity also contribute greatly to atrial fibrillation. This risk has been shown to be around 40% more with diabetes. Diet itself has an impact: numerous studies have shown Mediterranean diet to reduce the risk of AF and cerebrovascular accident in addition to olive oil, fruits and vegetables. Even emotions are important with 85% less AF on ‘happy days’. Needless to mention, yoga has been well demonstrated to have almost 24% reduction in AF. Similarly, physical activity in all forms is beneficial. In summary, lifestyle modifications reduce the incidence of AF, induce more AF remission and also produce successful ablation outcomes.

Living with Localized Prostate Cancer - Decision-Making and Coping with the Illness

Men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer must make a choice between treatment strategies that differ considerably in their side effects and have different long-term requirements for coping with the disease. The aim of this study was to describe how men perceive their treatment decision retrospectively and which coping strategies they use. Fifteen men (age mean=67.13±9.38 years) diagnosed with localized prostate cancer participated in three focus groups, grouped according to the treatment strategies radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, and active surveillance. An interview guide structured the focus group discussions. In analogy to the structured interview, the material was deductively sorted in a first step; in a second step, sub-categories were developed inductively from the material. The content analysis revealed four particularly relevant topics: (1) The communication of the diagnosis and the associated reactions. (2) The decision-making process and the perceived time pressure. (3) The coping strategies, which showed a broad spectrum ranging from distraction and information search to lifestyle changes. (4) The perception of the disease over time. In particular men under active surveillance highlighted the importance of deceleration in their decision making and the role of lifestyle changes. The time of the diagnosis is still very much present even a long time after the diagnosis has been communicated. It is possible that a decrease in time pressure and deceleration would lead to more men deciding in favor of an observational strategy. Lifestyle changes could especially help men who choose active surveillance to overcome the feeling of "doing nothing" and gain a sense of control. In view of the variety of possible treatment strategies, an ethic of action is required that meets the need for an individual and preference-sensitive decision.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation: Target for stroke prevention?

A substantial number of patients without a history of atrial fibrillation who undergo surgery develop one or more episodes of atrial fibrillation in the first few days after the operation. We studied whether postoperative transient atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for future atrial fibrillation, stroke and death. We performed a narrative review of the literature on epidemiology, mechanisms, risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke and death after postoperative atrial fibrillation. We reviewed antithrombotic guidelines on this topic and identified gaps in current management. Patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation are at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation in the long term. Mortality is also increased. Most, but not all observational studies report a higher risk of stroke. The optimal antithrombotic regimen for patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation has not been defined. The role of lifestyle changes and of surgical occlusion of the left atrial appendage in preventing adverse outcomes after postoperative atrial fibrillation is not established. Further studies are warranted to establish the optimal strategy to prevent adverse long-term outcomes after transient, postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Is there a role for lifestyle changes in cardiovascular prevention? What, when and how?

Background and aimsLifestyle has been found to play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is evidence to suggest that if lifestyle factors are modified successfully, the relative risk of CVD can be reduced. Risk factors for CVD such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemias can be modified by lifestyle changes. The main aim of this article is to provide best practice approaches and support for healthcare professionals on the role of lifestyle changes in the prevention of CVD. MethodsA working group of experts discussed existing guidelines, clinical practice and evidence, and provided their recommendations on ten topics concerning the role of lifestyle in CVD prevention. These topics covered important lifestyle factors as well as tools/approaches to assess or encourage lifestyle changes. ResultsThe group of clinical experts collaborated to provide their opinion on the following topics: one diet versus customised diets; the role of alcohol consumption in a healthy diet; a diet based on nutrient composition or on whole foods; a Mediterranean versus low-fat diet; the role of dietary supplements; physical activity; smoking cessation; the role of a nutritionist/dietitian in a CVD risk multidisciplinary team; tools to be implemented to assess diet, physical activity and smoking status; and the most effective approaches to encourage lifestyle changes. ConclusionsThe expert working group agreed that lifestyle changes were important in preventing CVD and provided recommendations which complemented current guidance and increased clarity on several topics.

The physiotherapist's role in lifestyle changes in persons with stroke and TIA – forming a knowledge base for primary care

Relevance: The WHO states the importance of all professions working with lifestyle changes in order to decrease the incidence of non-communicable disease. One disease that can be prevented both primarily and secondary by lifestyle interventions is stroke. Stroke is common worldwide and affects both men and women. A common warning signal for stroke is transient ischemic attack (TIA). Physiotherapists have the potential to effectively counsel patients with respect to lifestyle behavior changes.