What makes children learn how to swim? – health, lifestyle and environmental factors associated with swimming ability among children in the city of Malmö, Sweden

Background Swimming ability among children in the city of Malmö, Sweden is strongly affected by socioeconomic differences. We investigated to what extent mediating health and lifestyle factors, such as children’s eating, sleeping and physical activity habits, as well as the characteristics of the social and working environment at both school and home, could explain the socioeconomic gradient in swimming ability. Methods Our study population included children who started their first-grade school-year in 2012 or 2013 at any of the public primary schools of Malmö, Sweden. Cross-sectional, self-reported questionnaire-based data about health status and swimming ability in the fourth grade (age 10) were included from the Pupil Health Database (ELSA) for 3468 children. Results Children’s self-reported swimming ability was strongly associated with both individual- and school-based sociodemographic variables. Nine health, lifestyle and environmental variables were identified as potential mediators and included in the final model. Four of these variables, “Activity”, “Outdoor time”, “Social relationships at home and on the free time”, and “Positivity about future”, were significantly and positively associated with children’s ability to swim. Conclusions Social support, optimism for the future and an active lifestyle were positively associated with children’s swimming skills; however, compared to the socioeconomic factors, these health- and lifestyle factors contributed very little. It is possible, that interventions concerning children’s swimming ability in lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods, should in addition to children’s swimming lessons, target the whole families with the goal of increasing their possibilities for socialising and engaging in different kinds of recreational activities.

Considerations on Young People's Choices and Behaviors in the Postmodern Society: Fitness, Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle

In postmodern society, many of the perceptions that people had about them, their lives, the values ​​that define them and the strategies that they can use to achieve their ideals have changed. Specifically, today we can talk about new paradigms, such as health, lifestyle focused on personal well-being, obtained through fitness (physical activity, balanced diet and recovery) and wellness, respectively wellbeing that adds the spiritual component, in an holistic interdependence (Larson, 1999). An important role in the changes we are talking about has been played by the media, which promote living standards built on hedonistic principles, specific to the consumer society. The consequence is that more and more teenagers and young people want to look good and feel good, but only a small part of them reach the specialists, who are best able to provide individualized guidance, support, and programs to prevent any negative consequences of uninspired choices or poorly dosed enthusiasm The stakes of choice are high, because a healthy lifestyle, which should not be limited to body aesthetics, but also aims to develop the spiritual side, can support a more effective adaptation to the dynamics of changes in society (economic changes influencing developments in social life supported by political decisions). The last year, marked by a new challenge, the pandemic, has fully demonstrated the need to assume on a personal level a balanced and responsible lifestyle, which offers new values ​​of quality of life, as well as complementing proactive management with that managed by specialists.

Health, lifestyle behaviours, and well-being of International Masters field hockey athletes

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare health status, lifestyle behaviours, and well-being of athletes from three world regions competing in the 2018 Masters Field Hockey World Cup. A total of 465 athletes (180 men, 284 women, 1 other) from 21 countries, aged 35 to 76 years, completed the Health and Well-being of Masters Field Hockey Athletes survey. Most participants rated their health as “very good” or “excellent”, had no major health conditions nor medication use, had a healthy BMI, and experienced varying levels of stress. No significant differences between the regions were found in health status. Participants had healthy dietary habits overall, with significant differences between the regions in fruit, vegetable, and water consumption. Most participants reported ≥7 hours of sleep per night and varying amounts of restless sleep. Just under half of the participants reported sitting five or more hours per day, with no significant differences between the regions. While significant differences were found in exercise frequency, participants across all regions were physically active. Participants reported high levels of flourishing, with some significant differences found between the regions. While some regional differences were found, International Masters field hockey athletes in general practise healthy lifestyle behaviours and reported excellent overall health and well-being.

FORMATION OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AS A CURRENT DIRECTION OF SOCIAL AND PEDAGOGICAL WORK WITH ADOLESCENTS

The Healthy lifestyle`s formation is an actual problem of pedagogy, psychology and social work. The issues of saving, restoring health, and resistance to stress have become extremely relevant. The results of research of adolescents’ awareness of a healthy lifestyle are represented in the article. Teens are well informed about the basic concepts of a healthy lifestyle as detailed analysis showed. The process of forming responsibility for own life and health, conscious decision-making and overcoming cultural stereotypes about a healthy way of life requires special attention. The issues of saving, restoring health, and resistance to stress have become extremely relevant. Therefore, the analysis of the awareness of teens in matters of a healthy lifestyle has become necessary for the formation of a further algorithm for saving and restoring health. The analysis of research determined alcohol is an acceptable attribute that does not seriously interfere with a healthy lifestyle. This cognitive malformation is correlated with the promotion of alcohol and cigarettes on TV and web, also these harmful elements are acceptable in national traditions. The correlation between family`s healthy lifestyle and resistance to stress is noticed. The families which respect a healthy lifestyle are more resistible to stresses during a pandemic time. It is manifested in more adequate statements and constructive predictions about the use of trends in health lifestyle`s technologies. The correlation between family`s healthy lifestyle and resistance to stress is noticed. The families which respect a healthy lifestyle are more resistible to stresses during a pandemic time. It is manifested in more adequate statements and constructive predictions about the use of trends in health lifestyle`s technologies The most part of teens is trying to follow the healthy lifestyle`s rules and avoid harmful substances. Teenagers are interested in maintaining and restoring physical and psychological health during a pandemic. The gender aspect, processes of conscious behavior acceptance of consequences and motivation for the formation of responsible behavior require additional researches.

Effects of a Healthy Habit Promotion Strategy on Colombian Schoolchildren

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD) show an increasing tendency, especially in low- and medium-income countries. It is necessary to develop and evaluate strategies to strengthen healthy habits at an early age in these countries. Objective: To determine the effect of the health promotion strategy “United for Healthier Kids” (U4HK) on health lifestyle habits of a group of Colombian schoolchildren for the 2018-2020 period. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study features treatment and control groups and pre- and post-intervention measurements. The study involved 1,011 schoolchildren between six and twelve years old from seven rural and urban schools of the Sabana Centro region of Colombia. We used the Healthy Habits Measurement Tool, previously validated in Colombia. Results: When comparing within and between groups, the UHK strategy showed statistically significant differences in healthy habits (p < 0.05) related to nutrition and physical activity in schoolchildren. Conclusions: The U4HK strategy had a positive effect and impact on the schoolchildren’ healthy habits, especially in the ‘chooses to drink water’ and ‘moves more’ components. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between groups in four out of the five categories: drinks more water, chooses nutritios and varied options, eats and cooks as a family, and moves more. The U4HK strategy responds to current and future health problems in schoolchildren and helps prevent chronic diseases. It could be replicated in similar populations.

Motivation, purpose, and purchasing frequency of honey consumption in West Java

Indonesia is home to the greatest diversity of social bees in all over Asia, particularly species of the genus Apis. Thus, expanding the apiculture industry for commercial development is highly considerable. Although this industry has not become a special concern, the products of this industry are very popular among the Indonesian people, both for health, lifestyle, and other benefits. Research plays an essential role for good decision making, however, there is little research related to honey marketing in Indonesia. In this study, we observed the honey consumption of 246 respondents living in West Java by using online questionnaires and Decision Tree Classification to contribute to honey marketing research. This research shows that the motivation of the respondents in buying honey was merely for health reasons and the main purpose was for personal consumption. As for purchasing frequency, 86% of respondents purchased honey more than once a month. Then, a classification model of honey purchasing frequency based on respondents’ demographics which has an accuracy of 70.3% was built. The study results should be considered by the food industry and honey producers to emphasize consumer behaviour to formulate a better marketing strategy.

Impact of the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order on Diet and Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Obesity

Profound restrictions were placed on previously free-living older adults due to mandatory stay-at-home orders for Covid-19. Recognizing the potential for worsening health and heightened risk of Covid-19 complications with older age and obesity, we conducted a survey to assess the impact of stay-at-home requirements on diet, health/social behaviors, and food security in 58 older adults (age=70.8±6.2, 55% Black, 93% female) who had participated in past obesity-reduction trials. A 71-item questionnaire was administered by phone and included demographics, health, lifestyle and dietary habits, food attitudes, and food security questions. Results showed indicators of heightened health risk, including health care appointments either delayed/cancelled (69%) and self-reported weight gain (62%). Of those with weight gain, 22% reported a gain of &gt;10 pounds (33% gained 5-10 pounds and 7% &lt; 5 pounds). Increased food intake was reported by 67% and 45% felt their eating patterns were less healthy due to increased snacking (71%) and consumption of sweets (41%). Food access and isolation were also an issue, as 51% were concerned about leaving the house for food and 81% reported eating alone. While some positive behaviors were reported (new ways to access food and health information, more reported cooking at home), the majority of findings indicated increased risk of obesity and its complications. The findings emphasize the need for effective lifestyle interventions that can be delivered remotely to high-risk older adults; this would benefit those presently self-restricted for Covid-19 concerns as well as other isolated older adults who need better access to individualized interventions.

College Students’ Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Studies have shown increased levels of distress during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, and college students are becoming more recognized as a vulnerable population. This narrative systematic review aims to synthesize the current understanding of mental health, lifestyle, and socioeconomic impacts that the pandemic had on college students in the United States. A search was conducted on PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. A total of 34 observational studies were included which examined aspects of college students’ health and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. A great deal of students was shown to experience a moderate level of stress and subsyndromal depression and anxiety in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several risk and protective factors have been characterized. Students experienced various academic, financial, and housing disruptions. Studies have highlighted the need for institutional support to reduce the adverse psychological impact of the pandemic. There is a need for further large-scale research to assess the scope of COVID-19-related biopsychosocial impact, especially in vulnerable populations such as racial/ethnic and sexual/gender minorities.