Browsing by Subject "Lifestyle"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Helsinki by nature: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health
    (2019-10-30) Haahtela, Tari; von Hertzen, Leena; Anto, Josep M; Bai, Chunxue; Baigenzhin, Abay; Bateman, Eric D; Behera, Digambar; Bennoor, Kazi; Camargos, Paulo; Chavannes, Niels; de Sousa, Jaime C; Cruz, Alvaro; Do Céu Teixeira, Maria; Erhola, Marina; Furman, Eeva; Gemicioğlu, Bilun; Gonzalez Diaz, Sandra; Hellings, Peter W; Jousilahti, Pekka; Khaltaev, Nikolai; Kolek, Vitezslav; Kuna, Piotr; La Grutta, Stefania; Lan, Le T T; Maglakelidze, Tamaz; Masjedi, Mohamed R; Mihaltan, Florin; Mohammad, Yousser; Nunes, Elizabete; Nyberg, Arvid; Quel, Jorge; Rosado-Pinto, Jose; Sagara, Hironori; Samolinski, Boleslaw; Schraufnagel, Dean; Sooronbaev, Talant; Tag Eldin, Mohamed; To, Teresa; Valiulis, Arunas; Varghese, Cherian; Vasankari, Tuula; Viegi, Giovanni; Winders, Tonya; Yañez, Anahi; Yorgancioğlu, Arzu; Yusuf, Osman; Bousquet, Jean; Billo, Nils E
    Abstract Background The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking “nature” to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    Prevalence of lifestyle cardiovascular risk factors and estimated framingham 10-year risk scores of adults with psychotic disorders compared to controls at a referral hospital in Eldoret, Kenya
    (2023-12-05) Kwobah, Edith; Koen, Nastassja; Mwangi, Ann; Atwoli, Lukoye; Stein, Dan J.
    Abstract Introduction Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, suboptimal diet, and inadequate physical activity have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. There are limited data on these risk factors among patients with psychosis in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives This study aimed to establish the prevalence of lifestyle cardiovascular risk factors, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk scores and associated factors in patients with psychosis compared to controls at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Methods A sample of 297 patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar mood disorder; and 300 controls matched for age and sex were included in this analysis. A study specific researcher-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, antipsychotic medication use, smoking, alcohol intake, diet, and physical activity. Weight, height, abdominal circumference, and blood pressure were also collected to calculate the Framingham 10-year Cardiovascular Risk Score (FRS), while blood was drawn for measurement of glucose level and lipid profile. Pearson’s chi-squared tests and t-tests were employed to assess differences in cardiovascular risk profiles between patients and controls, and a linear regression model was used to determine predictors of 10-year cardiovascular risk in patients. Results Compared to controls, patients with psychosis were more likely to have smoked in their lifetimes (9.9% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.006) or to be current smokers (13.8% vs. 7%, p = 0.001). Over 97% of patients with psychosis consumed fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables per week; 78% engaged in fewer than three days of vigorous exercise per week; and 48% sat for more than three hours daily. The estimated 10-year risk of CVD was relatively low in this study: the FRS in patients was 3.16, compared to 2.93 in controls. The estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk in patients was significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.007), older patients (p < 0.001), current tobacco smoking (p < 0.001), and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001). Conclusion In the setting of Eldoret, there is suboptimal physical exercise and intake of healthy diet among patients with psychosis and controls. While the estimated risk score among patients is relatively low in our study, these data may be useful for informing future studies geared towards informing interventions to promote healthy lifestyles in this population.