Although previous studies have shown significant associations between individual lifestyles and metabolic syndrome, limited studies have explored the combined effect of lifestyles. The purpose of ...this study was to investigate whether a combined lifestyle score was associated with metabolic syndrome incidence in Hong Kong Chinese women. This prospective cohort study included 1634 women (55.9 ± 8.6 years) without baseline metabolic syndrome, diabetes, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Eight lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, sedentary time, sleep, stress, fatigue, diet, and alcohol) were included by assigning 0 (unhealthy) or 1 point (healthy). The overall score was the sum of these points, ranging from 0 (the least healthy) to 8 points (the healthiest). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by the joint interim statement. During a 1.16-year follow-up, 179 (11.0%) new metabolic syndrome cases were identified. The incidences for the 0-3-point, 4-point, 5-point, and 6-8-point groups were 12.8% (79/618), 11.5% (42/366), 9.4% (29/309), and 8.5% (29/341), respectively. Compared to the lowest combined lifestyle score group, the highest group had a 47% reduced metabolic syndrome incidence, with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of 0.53 (0.33-0.86) (
= 0.010). These findings indicate that a higher combined lifestyle score was associated with a lower metabolic syndrome incidence in this population.
A meta-analysis of 150 research reports summarizing the results of multiple behavior domain interventions examined theoretical predictions about the effects of the included number of recommendations ...on behavioral and clinical change in the domains of smoking, diet, and physical activity. The meta-analysis yielded 3 main conclusions. First, there is a curvilinear relation between the number of behavioral recommendations and improvements in behavioral and clinical measures, with a moderate number of recommendations producing the highest level of change. A moderate number of recommendations is likely to be associated with stronger effects because the intervention ensures the necessary level of motivation to implement the recommended changes, thereby increasing compliance with the goals set by the intervention, without making the intervention excessively demanding. Second, this curve was more pronounced when samples were likely to have low motivation to change, such as when interventions were delivered to nonpatient (vs. patient) populations, were implemented in nonclinic (vs. clinic) settings, used lay community (vs. expert) facilitators, and involved group (vs. individual) delivery formats. Finally, change in behavioral outcomes mediated the effects of number of recommended behaviors on clinical change. These findings provide important insights that can help guide the design of effective multiple behavior domain interventions.
Background and purpose
Research promoting the health of the brain has increased exponentially over the last decade. The importance of ‘brain health’ for multiple sclerosis (MS), as one example, is a ...high priority. However, as research into the concept increases, so does varied use of the term.
Methods
A scoping review, guided by the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute, was conducted to collate the evidence relating to brain health for MS. A comprehensive literature search incorporated six search strategies to retrieve both scientific and grey literature sources. All evidence sources were qualitatively charted and synthesized (meta‐synthesis) according to their definition of brain health used, outcome measures and brain‐healthy lifestyle elements.
Results
Seventy evidence sources (34 peer reviewed, 36 grey literature) were eligible for inclusion. Of these, just over half (n = 40, 57%) provided a definition of brain health. The most common definition alluded to the biomedical model of neurological reserve (n = 22, 55%), a self‐remodelling theory described to retain optimal brain function. Twenty‐nine outcome measures of brain health were identified, the most frequent being magnetic resonance imaging metrics (n = 25, 83%). Physical activity was the most prevalent brain‐healthy lifestyle element (n = 44), followed by avoidance of smoking (n = 26) and diet (n = 24).
Conclusions
Brain health should be considered a primary target for optimal disease and lifestyle management across the MS disease course. A working definition reflecting a shift from a medical lens towards broader biopsychosocial contexts that may influence brain health for people living with MS is proposed.
Lifestyle and Mental Health Walsh, Roger
American psychologist/The American psychologist,
10/2011, Volume:
66, Issue:
7
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Mental health professionals have significantly underestimated the importance of lifestyle factors (a) as contributors to and treatments for multiple psychopathologies, (b) for fostering individual ...and social well-being, and (c) for preserving and optimizing cognitive function. Consequently, therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) are underutilized despite considerable evidence of their effectiveness in both clinical and normal populations. TLCs are sometimes as effective as either psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy and can offer significant therapeutic advantages. Important TLCs include exercise, nutrition and diet, time in nature, relationships, recreation, relaxation and stress management, religious or spiritual involvement, and service to others. This article reviews research on their effects and effectiveness; the principles, advantages, and challenges involved in implementing them; and the forces (economic, institutional, and professional) hindering their use. Where possible, therapeutic recommendations are distilled into easily communicable principles, because such ease of communication strongly influences whether therapists recommend and patients adopt interventions. Finally, the article explores the many implications of contemporary lifestyles and TLCs for individuals, society, and health professionals. In the 21st century, therapeutic lifestyles may need to be a central focus of mental, medical, and public health.
Background
Prior research has shown that individual lifestyles were associated with migraine. Yet, few studies focused on combined lifestyles, particularly in Chinese populations. This ...cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationships of a combined lifestyle index with migraine in Hong Kong Chinese women.
Methods
Baseline data from a cohort study named Migraine Exposures and Cardiovascular Health in Hong Kong Chinese Women (MECH-HK) were used for analysis. In total 3510 women aged 55.2 ± 9.1 years were included. The combined lifestyle index comprised eight lifestyle factors: smoking, physical activity, sleep, stress, fatigue, diet, body mass index, and alcohol. Each component was attributed a point of 0 (unhealthy) or 1 (healthy). The overall index was the sum of these points, ranging from 0 (the least healthy) to 8 points (the healthiest). Migraine was diagnosed by the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Additionally, for women with migraine, the data on migraine attack frequency (attacks/month) was collected.
Results
A total of 357 women with migraine (10.2%) were identified. The prevalence of migraine for the 0–3-point, 4-point, 5-point, 6-point, and 7–8-point groups were 18.0% (162/899), 10.9% (86/788), 6.6% (51/776), 6.0% (38/636), and 4.9% (20/411), respectively. In the most-adjusted model, compared to the 0–3-point group, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the 4-point, 5-point, 6-point, and 7–8-point groups were 0.57 (0.43–0.75), 0.33 (0.24–0.46), 0.30 (0.21–0.44), and 0.25 (0.15–0.41), respectively (all
p
< 0.001). For each component, migraine was significantly associated with sleep, stress, fatigue, and diet; but was unrelated to smoking, physical activity, body mass index, and alcohol. Among women with migraine, per point increase in the combined lifestyle index was associated with a reduced migraine attack frequency (β = − 0.55; 95% confidence interval = − 0.82, − 0.28; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
A combined lifestyle index was inversely associated with migraine and migraine attack frequency in Hong Kong Chinese women. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle pattern might be beneficial to the prevention of migraine attacks. Conversely, it is also plausible that women with migraine might have a less healthy lifestyle pattern compared to those without headaches.
The authoritative clinical handbook promoting excellence and best practice Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation in Practice is a comprehensive, practitioner-focused clinical handbook which ...provides internationally applicable evidence-based standards of good practice. Edited and written by a multidisciplinary team of experts from the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR), this book is invaluable for practitioners helping people with heart disease return to health. The text provides an overview of research findings, examines the core components of cardiac rehabilitation, and discusses how to support healthier lifestyles and reduce the risks of recurrence. Now in its second edition, this textbook has been fully revised to incorporate recent clinical evidence and align with current national and international guidelines. Increased emphasis is placed on an integrated approach to cardiac rehabilitation programmes, whilst six specified standards and six core components are presented to promote sustainable health outcomes. * Describes how cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes can be delivered to meet standards of good practice * Covers a broad range of topics including: promoting health behaviour change to improve lifestyle risk factors, supporting psycho-social health, managing medical risk factors, and how to develop long-term health strategies * Emphasises the importance of early programme commencement with assessment and reassessment of patient goals and outcomes, and gives examples of strategies to achieve these * Discusses the role of programme audit and certification of meeting minimum standards of practice * Looks to the future and how delivery of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes internationally will need to meet common challenges Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation in Practice is an indispensable resource for all health professionals involved in cardiac rehabilitation and cardiovascular disease prevention.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that primary care clinicians screen all adults for obesity and provide those affected intensive multicomponent behavioral interventions. ...Approximately 95 million U.S. adults qualify for such care, also referred to as lifestyle modification. Using the Guidelines (2013) for Managing Overweight and Obesity in Adults (hereafter, Obesity Guidelines) as a framework, this article reviews the principal components of comprehensive lifestyle modification, which include diet, physical activity, and behavior therapy. To lose weight, the Obesity Guidelines recommend participation for 6 months in high-intensity programs that provide 14 or more counseling sessions with a trained interventionist. When provided face-to-face individual or group treatment, participants lose up to 8 kg (8% of weight) in 6 months and experience improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors and quality of life. To prevent weight regain, the Obesity Guidelines recommend participation for 1 year in weight-loss-maintenance programs that provide at least monthly counseling. High levels of physical activity, frequent monitoring of body weight, and consumption of a reduced-calorie diet are associated with long-term weight loss. Investigators currently are seeking to increase the availability of lifestyle modification by delivering it in community-based programs, as well as on digital platforms (e.g., Internet and Smartphone). Digitally delivered programs lower costs and expand treatment reach; their efficacy is likely to improve further with the addition of new technologies for monitoring food intake, activity, and weight. Ultimately, to improve long-term weight management, individual lifestyle counseling must be joined with collective and institutional efforts to improve the nation's eating and activity environments.
Public Significance Statement
This review describes lifestyle modification approaches for overweight and obesity. Such programs provide instruction in cognitive-behavioral strategies designed to facilitate the individual's consumption of a satisfying, reduced-calorie diet and to increase physical activity. Treatment that offers 14 or more counseling contacts in 6 months helps individuals lose an average of 5%-8% of initial weight (e.g., 10-16 lb), which is associated with improvements in health and quality of life.
Summary
Background
Home confinement during the COVID‐19 pandemic could have affected lifestyle behaviours of children, however evidence about it is emerging and yet scarce.
Objectives
To examine the ...effects of the COVID‐19 confinement on lifestyle behaviours in Spanish children, and to assess the influence of social vulnerabilities on changes in lifestyle behaviours.
Methods
Physical activity (PA), screen time, sleep time, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED) and sociodemographic information were longitudinally assessed before (N = 291, 12.1 ± 2.4 years, 47.8% girls) and during the COVID‐19 confinement (N = 113, 12.0 ± 2.6 years, 48.7% girls) by online questionnaires.
Results
During the COVID‐19 confinement, PA (−91 ± 55 min/d, P < .001) and screen time (±2.6 h/d, P < .001) worsened, whereas the KIDMED score improved (0.5 ± 2.2 points, P < .02). The decrease of PA was higher in children with mother of non‐Spanish origin (−1.8 ± 0.2 vs −1.5 ± 0.1 h/d, P < .04) or with non‐university studies (−1.7 ± 0.1 vs −1.3 ± 0.1 h/d, P < .005) in comparison to their counterparts.
Conclusion
This study evidence the negative impact of the COVID‐19 confinement on PA levels and sedentary behaviours of Spanish children. These findings should be taken into account to design and implement public health strategies for preserving children´s health during and after the pandemic, particularly, in children with social vulnerabilities.
In the context of doctor shortages and mal-distributions in many Western countries, prestige and lifestyle friendliness have emerged as significant factors for medical students when they choose a ...medical specialty. In this study, we surveyed two samples of Australian medical students and had them rank 19 medical specialties for prestige (N = 530) and lifestyle friendliness (N = 644). The prestige rankings were generally consistent with previous ratings by physicians, lay people and advanced medical students, with surgery, internal, and intensive care medicine ranking the highest, and public health, occupational, and non-specialist hospital medicine ranking lowest. This suggests that medical students have incorporated prevailing prestige perceptions of practicing doctors and the community. Lifestyle rankings were markedly different from prestige rankings, where dermatology, general practice, and public health medicine were ranked the most lifestyle friendly, and surgery, obstetrics/gynaecology and intensive care were ranked least friendly. Student lifestyle rankings differed from physician and author-generated rankings, indicating that student preferences should be considered rather than relying on ratings created by others. Few differences were found for gender or year of study, signifying perceptions of prestige and lifestyle friendliness were consistent across the students sampled. Having access to and understanding these rankings will assist career counsellors to aid student and junior doctor decision-making and aid workforce planners to address gaps in medical specialty health services.
Why Do Liberals Drink Lattes? DellaPosta, Daniel; Shi, Yongren; Macy, Michael
The American journal of sociology,
03/2015, Volume:
120, Issue:
5
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Popular accounts of "lifestyle politics" and "culture wars" suggest that political and ideological divisions extend also to leisure activities, consumption, aesthetic taste, and personal morality. ...Drawing on a total of 22,572 pairwise correlations from the General Social Survey (1972-2010), the authors provide comprehensive empirical support for the anecdotal accounts. Moreover, most ideological differences in lifestyle cannot be explained by demographic covariates alone. The authors propose a surprisingly simplesolution to the puzzle of lifestyle politics. Computational experiments show how the self-reinforcing dynamics of homophily and influence dramatically amplify even very small elective affinities between lifestyle and ideology, producing a stereotypical world of "latte liberals" and "bird-hunting conservatives" much like the one in which we live.
PDF
