Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The Health Promotion Model provides a theoretical framework exploring the relationships between healthy lifestyle behaviours of individuals. The three behavioral determinants affecting healthy lifestyle behaviours as posited by the model are (i) individual characteristics, (ii) behaviour-specific cognitions and affects, and (iii) behavioural outcomes that promote health. Research indicates that a number of health risk behaviours are established in adolescence and affect health and well-being in later life. In South Africa where young people account for more than 9 million of the population, and with adolescence being a period where the development of health risk behaviours is prevalent, it becomes important to research the associations that aid in healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescence in this country, particularly in rural communities where research on adolescents remains limited. This study therefore aimed to develop and test a model that examined the effects of the interaction between perceived parenting styles and adolescent decision making styles on healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescents in the rural Western Cape. The study employed a mixed methodological sequential exploratory design, using (i) systematic reviews and (ii) a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional research design. Systematic reviews established the associations in existing empirical studies that examined the associations of parenting approaches with (a) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (b) decision making styles. Quantitative data was collected using a self-report questionnaire that consisted of four sections, demographical information, Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire among 457 Grade 9 learners in the Overberg Education District in the Western Cape, South Africa. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V23 (SPSS) for descriptive and inferential statistics (correlations and multivariate analysis of variance) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The systematic reviews suggested that empirical studies have found parenting approaches to be associated with (i) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (ii) decision making styles of children and adolescents in existing literature. The quantitative studies showed that perceived authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making styles, and frequent engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were the most prevalent among adolescents in the rural Western Cape. No significant main effects were established on the basis of participant gender or family structure. The model developed and tested, guided by the Health Promotion Model, suggests that a significant positive relationship exists between maternal parenting styles and decision making styles of adolescents. In addition, the findings demonstrated that paternal parenting styles positively affect the decision making styles of adolescents as well as their engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours. Overall, the study suggested the important role that parents play in adolescent decision making styles and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and even more the role of paternal parental figures in the development of children and adolescents.

This study examines management and organizational models, specifically the Healthy Organization and High-Performing Workplace (HPW) models. Because a HPW can also be a Healthy Organization, the models are joined to create the Healthy High-Performing Workplace (HHPW) model. The experience of members within a particular organization, known herein as Company X, is examined. The study addresses the questions: does Company X display HHPW qualities? If Company X does display HHPW qualities, does it always exercise HHPW practices? Finally, what does this mean in terms of the workforce? Organizational culture theory is used to explain how expectations, norms, behaviours, and values are constructed and transmitted, and how organizational structures influence the environment and the employee experience. Data consists of interviews (n=12) and secondary sources. The findings support that Company X displays HHPW characteristics. However, when project deadlines are near or overdue and profit is at risk, certain HHPW practices are ignored.

Masters in Public Administration - MPA / This research study focuses on the community of Blue Downs and their associated problems. The study furthermore provides some insight on the history of Local Government, the past policies of the Government of the day with specific reference to separation of communities, which was based on racial segregation. In this context the distribution of wealth, resources and income was uneven and separate development of population groups was a deliberate policy of the previous government. Townships such as Mitchells Plain, Atlantis and Blue Downs came into being as a result of these policies, while no employment opportunities existed. This and other social factors all lead to hardship and poverty. It is commonly accepted and consensus exists that the continuing high levels of poverty are the single biggest threat to sustainable economic growth and democratic consolidation. It is thus important to understand and appreciate why Local Government can playa critical meaningful role in addressing these challenges. The purpose of the study is to identify the needs of the people in specifically the Blue Downs area and to look at ways to address and implement the findings of the research. The research can also be regarded as a blue print, which could be adapted to the needs of the communities in other areas within the Oostenberg Municipal area. The methodology adopted to achieve the objectives of this research comprises a literature review of relevant legislation, existing documentation on the Oostenberg Municipal socio-economic indicators and a literature review on any existing literature on Blue Downs. Public meetings were held during the months of June, July and September 2000. Whilst a quantitative approach in the form of open-ended questions was also undertaken. The research study is divided into the following 5 chapters: Chapter 1 sets out the scope of and the approach of the work, and draws together the themes and key fmdings of the research. Chapter 2 deals with a case study of Blue Downs, the historical perspective with relation to Local Government and the community and set the stage for job creation as determined in Chapter 4 of this study, which could be implemented to address the outcomes of the survey and workshops held with the community. Chapter 3 sets out the framework for analysing the data captured from the needsassessments, which was executed and provides descriptions of the key features and outcomes of the surveys. The ultimate objective of this research is to look at ways to improve the quality of life of the communities of Oostenberg, especially in the Blue Downs area. The research also paves the way for other research projects within the Municipal area or can be used or adapted for communities to address their own needs. Nonetheless, in a research of this nature, issues pertaining to communities are of vital importance. Where I have made comments and/or recommendations, it is important that these be reviewed for implementation. Chapter 4 looks at the existing and new economic opportunities that are available in the Blue Downs Area. Chapter 5 describes the fmdings of the research and recommendations. The research highlights the unemployment situation in the Blue Downs area. It is thus imperative that the local community, together with the Local authority becomes the driving force in order to ensure that the recommendations and implementation gets underway. The research study could be used as a tool for the upliftment of the local community by the community through a joint partnership with the business sector and local auth

Healthy Pancakes es un producto alimenticio saludable, nutritivo y de rápida preparación. A partir de la tendencia creciente de los ciudadanos de los NSE A y B de las zonas modernas 6, 7 y 8 de la ciudad de Lima, en conjugar mejores hábitos de vida y alimentación saludables, estos se ven en la necesidad de adquirir dichos productos en puntos de venta cercanos a sus hogares y que sean de rápida preparación, tomando en cuenta, además, del poco tiempo que disponen para estas tareas. En este contexto de necesidad de alimentación saludable no satisfecha, Healthy Pancakes ofrece los más altos estándares de calidad, y tendrá como ingredientes principales a la harina de avena y la chía, reforzadas con proteínas naturales; por lo tanto, el modelo llenará este vacío y fomentará una cultura de alimentación saludable. Durante el primer año, tendrá una utilidad neta de 9%; en el segundo, 10%; en el tercero, 10%; en el cuarto 10%; y finalmente en el quinto, 10%, lo que significa una rentabilidad promedio anual de 9.8% en los años del proyecto. El proyecto demanda una inversión de S/76,861.00. Las estimaciones establecen que antes de finalizar el primer año de ejercicio, el proyecto redituará utilidades; de allí que antes de los tres años de ejercicio, se recuperará el total del monto invertido más las utilidades. / Healthy Pancakes is a healthy, nutritious and fast prepared food product. Since the increasing tendency of the growing trend of the citizens of the NSE A and B of the modern zones 6, 7 and 8 of the city of Lima, in conjugating better healthy habits of life and feeding, they are in the need of getting these products nearby their houses. Furthermore, we need to take into account their lack of time to do these activities. In this context of the need for unsatisfied healthy eating, Healthy Pancakes offers the highest standards of quality and it will have oatmeal and chia as its main ingredients, reinforced with natural proteins; as a result, this proposal would fill this void and promote a culture of healthy eating. During the first year, it will have a net profit of 9%, while in the second it will be 10%, in the third 10%, in the fourth 10% and finally in the fifth year it will be 10%, which means an average annual return of 9.8% in the project years. Healthy Pancakes requests an investment of S/ 76,861.00. On the other hand, the estimates establish that before the end of the first year of exercise the project will yield profits; hence, before the 3 years of exercise the total amount invested plus the profits will be recovered. / Trabajo de investigación

In the field of travel and tourism, scholars with interest in consumer behavior studies have explored different variables and linked them with the individual's behavior. Variables such as destination image, environmental awareness, service perception, preferences, and motivations for travel are commonly used to understand and predict destination selections and travel behavior. There is also enough evidence to suggest that healthy-living is positively associated with travel behavior. If any, little empirical research has been done to explore and examine the relationship between healthy-living and travel behavior. The guidelines to healthy-living have not been introduced in the literature of travel and tourism. This study is intended to shed some light on this issue and contribute to knowledge in this area. The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to develop a healthy-living attitudinal construct, and (2) examine the relationship between healthy-living behavioral and attitudinal constructs and selected travel behavior variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was undertaken to test the relationship between healthy-living and travel behavior variables. In addition, using ANOVA, the study examined if there were differences between healthy-living (behavioral and attitudinal) and socio-demographic variables; and by using Tukey's multiple comparison test, significant differences between the different groups were revealed. Finally, multiple regression analysis was undertaken with the objective to find the degree with which healthy-living alone influences travel behavior while socio-demographic variables are constant or controlled for. The overall findings of the study revealed that there seems to be a relationship between a healthy-living lifestyle and the individual travel behavior. However, the direction and strength of this relationship shows variations with respect to different dimensions of the healthy-living construct and selected travel behavior questions. The perceived importance of the interaction between healthy-living behavior and travel also implies that certain habits and practices of individuals may correspond to certain benefits and expectations that are both valued and obtained from travel experiences and at the destination site. Such information combined with demographic information may be of great help in understanding better the behavior of travelers to destinations. This research contributes to lifestyle studies in tourism and sheds further light on the complex nature of travel behavior. / Ph. D.

Salsa Sumaq nace a partir del análisis de las diferentes necesidades dentro del mercado peruano, principalmente en las problemáticas presentadas en cuanto a temas relacionados a los hábitos alimenticios de las personas. El consumidor busca opciones saludables como acompañamiento para sus comidas para de esta manera darles un sabor agradable sin dejar de lado sus principales objetivos que se basan en mantener el equilibrio calórico en estas mismas. Al analizar el mercado, se pudo apreciar que el crecimiento en cuanto a la industria de productos saludables se encontraba en un crecimiento constante generando oportunidades para el desarrollo de nuevos productos, a su vez, la tendencia por lo orgánico y natural se hacía cada vez más popular. Luego de evaluar las preferencias de nuestros potenciales consumidores, se desarrolló la fórmula de las diferentes salsas , en donde se buscaba no solo brindar un agradable sabor de bajas calorías sino también que nuestros clientes puedan sentir el sabor casero tradicional de la comida peruana, por lo que se hicieron uso de insumos nativos de las diferentes regiones peruanas como también se buscaron insumos especializados que aporten una cantidad calórica menor en comparación a insumos tradicionales para la elaboración. En cuanto a la presentación, el diseño del envase resulta un factor bastante importante en cuanto a productos de calidad, por lo que se hizo uso de frascos de vidrio con tapa rosca de 250 gramos, los cuales podían ser reutilizados siguiendo a su vez con las tendencias eco amigables. Por otro lado, el etiquetado y rotulado son presentados en los colores característicos de las regiones y se desarrollaron los octógonos verdes donde se dan a conocer las diferentes bondades del producto en cuanto a su elaboración. Salsa Sumaq es un producto que pretende conectar con sus consumidores mediante la preocupación y la satisfacción de sus necesidades en cuanto a temas que implican la salud, ya que nuestro principal objetivo es brindar productos de calidad que puedan beneficiar a nuestros consumidores. A pesar del contexto, Salsa Sumaq está logrando un crecimiento progresivo y constante que de a pocos se encuentra generando beneficios para los inversionistas, ya que con el pasar de las semanas está tomando mayor posicionamiento en el mercado y pretender ganarse las preferencias de los consumidores. / Salsa Sumaq was set up from the analysis of the different needs within the Peruvian market, mainly in the problems presented with regard to issues related to people's eating habits. The consumer looks for healthy options as an accompaniment to their meals in order to give them a pleasant flavor without neglecting their main objectives that are based on maintaining the caloric balance in them. When analyzing the market, it could be seen that the growth in terms of the healthy products industry was in constant boost, generating opportunities for the development of new products, in turn, the trend for organic and natural was becoming more and more popular. After evaluating the preferences of our potential consumers, the formula of the different sauces was developed, where it was sought not only to provide a pleasant low-calorie flavor but also so that our clients could feel the traditional homemade flavor of Peruvian food, that is the reason why native ingredients from the different Peruvian regions were used as well as specialized ingredients that provide a lower caloric amount compared to traditional ones for the production. Regarding the presentation, the design of the package is a fairly important factor in the matter of quality products; consequently, 250-gram glass jars with screw caps were made, which could be reused following the ecofriendly trends. On the other hand, labeling is presented in the characteristic colors of the regions and green octagons were developed where the different benefits of the product in terms of its production are made known. Salsa Sumaq is a product that aims to connect with its consumers by caring for and satisfying their needs in respect of issues involving health as our main objective is to provide quality products that can benefit our consumers. Despite the context, Salsa Sumaq is achieving progressive and constant growth that, little by little, is generating benefits for investors, considering that as the weeks go by, it is taking a greater position in the market and trying to win the preference of consumers. / Trabajo de investigación

Individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses die, on average, 25 years earlier than the general population. This early mortality rate is attributed to negative symptoms that make healthy behaviors, such as exercise, difficult, as well as to antipsychotic medications that carry significant physical side effects. Exercise has been shown to improve life expectancy and studies have shown that even chronically mentally ill individuals are capable of participating in physical exercise with support. Mental skills such as goal setting, visualization, self-talk, and energy management have been taught to the general population to improve exercise behavior. These skills have also been taught successfully to individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses for the purpose of symptom management. This, however, is the first study to examine the effects of teaching these mental skills to people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses for the purpose of promoting exercise. This dissertation examines a six-week skills-based curriculum highlighting the benefits of exercise as well as teaching a set of mental skills described above. Ten individuals participated, most were in their early twenties and all carried a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a related disorder. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately following the intervention, six weeks after the intervention, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Measures included the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA), a semi-structured interview inquiring about the different mental skills and a quality of life questionnaire. Participants also completed helping alliance and consumer satisfaction surveys at the end of the intervention. A 73% attendance rate was noted and statistically significant differences were seen in physical activity and mental skills knowledge between baseline and immediately following the intervention and between baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention. No quality of life change was indicated. These results indicate that the intervention was acceptable to the population as evidenced by an adequate attendance rate and that further research is warranted due to the statistically significant improvements in two outcome areas. These findings indicate that a skills-based curriculum teaching motivational skills to individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses is an intervention worth exploring further with larger and more diverse samples.

The Mississippi Delta has been recognized for its poverty level and high rate of obesity. As an effort to combat the obesity issue while also considering the poverty issue of the population, a descriptive analysis was developed to understand what intervention might be beneficial. Focus groups were conducted to determine barriers to healthy eating behaviors for children, grades K-2. Focus groups (n=6) with parents or guardians of children from the six elementary schools in the Mississippi Delta were conducted in the Spring of 2007. The emergent themes included, perceived healthy foods, where diet information had been retrieved, and the efforts associated with meal preparation. Participants also voiced concern regarding the school policy on vending and coke machines that provide high-calorie non-nutritious foods.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a 12-week multi-faceted, child-focused intervention that included a point-of-purchase kiosk featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy grab-and-go snacks; and a sampling pod, comprised of food items from the kiosk. Design: An observational uninterrupted time-series design was used in one intervention grocery store. The intervention consisted of two components, a Healthy Kids Kiosk and food sampling. Subjects/Setting: Patrons of Ukrop's Inc. Grocery store in Roanoke, Virginia. May-September 2009 Measures: The study measures consist of three components: 1) examination of changes in sales data for featured products, provided by the grocery chain; 2) candid, unobtrusive, blind observations of customers near and around the intervention; and 3) brief questionnaires of customers, who engaged at some level with the Kiosk and sampling pod. Results: The results yielded an overall increase in the proportion of the sales of the featured items to total store sales during the intervention period. Individual items that increased sales during the intervention period, included whole-wheat mini bagels, bananas, radishes, honey, sunflower, baked tortilla chips, and almond butter (p<.05). Parents whose children were arguing, crying/whining, or not in the shopping cart, had higher levels of engagement with the kiosk. Almost two-thirds (61.7%) of the patrons interviewed noticed the healthy kids kiosk, with about one-quarter (28.7%) indicating that they purchased at least one item. Fifty-eight percent reported that the kiosk encouraged them to buy healthier foods. Conclusion: Promoting healthy foods at point-of purchase locations can result in increased purchases of these foods among families with young children. Application: These findings have provided insight into the effectiveness of grocery store interventions on purchasing patterns and behaviors of families with young children. / Master of Science

At the root of all living beings is our breath -- without it, we are not alive. Eastern practices such as yoga and meditation are conveyed through the awareness of our breath and the encouragement to be present in what our physical bodies are telling us. This awareness is a huge influence in architectural design. Building well and thinking well are in turn living well, and this architectural thesis served as a journey in discovering how human health can manifest itself in a physical building. The architectural project is an Institute for Being and is located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC. The program of this project consists of spaces to encourage people to seek their own path in spiritual grounding within the otherwise hectic urban context. / Master of Architecture