Healthspan describes the length of time an individual lives without disability or chronic disease. Characteristic to aging is the risk for the onset of both through a progressive accumulation of deficits in normal physiologic function. In the past, the declines associated with aging were simply accepted as inevitable. Today, longevity research has undergone a meteoric rise in popularity. This is due to several landmark studies demonstrating that what was once thought of as inevitable has potential to be delayed. This thesis aims to consolidate current theories of biochemical processes believed to underlie aging, and explore their interconnections. Furthermore, current pharmaceutical and lifestyle interventions being studied to promote longevity and target these specific pathways will be analyzed for safety and practicality for use in a primary care setting. Through a shift from symptom-based care to personalized preventative care, the goal is to maximize function into older age and empower individuals to live life to the fullest well beyond what was previously imagined.

Résumé : Bien que la perte de poids a été associée à une amélioration de la fonction reproductive chez les femmes obèses, ses effets chez les hommes demeurent peu étudiés. Pour répondre à cette question, nous avons évalué les impacts d’une exposition des conjoints à une intervention de modification des habitudes de vie (HDV) orientée vers les femmes obèses infertiles, sur leur profil anthropométrique, HDV et issues de fertilité de leur couple. Tous les conjoints intéressés à participer à cette étude de cohorte prospective contrôlée, imbriquée dans un essai randomisé contrôlé, ont été recrutés. Les couples étaient référés à la clinique de fertilité du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke. L’exposition des participants était déterminée selon la randomisation de leur conjointe. Tous les participants ont été évalués à 12 ou 18 mois, ou au moment d’une conception, pour leur anthropométrie et HBV. Les résultats sont présentés en moyenne ± écart-type ou proportions. Les groupes ont été comparés par test t de Student ou U de Mann-Whitney. Les prédicteurs indépendants masculins d’une conception ont été vérifiés par une régression multiple par étape. Comparativement aux hommes canadiens âgés de 20 à 59 ans, les 66 participants (âgés de 33,1 ± 6,2 ans) étaient plus souvent obèses (4% vs. 23 %, p<0,001) ou avaient une obésité abdominale (tour de taille > 102 cm : 53% vs. 21%, p<0,001), moins actifs (29% vs. 58%, p<0,001) et mangeaient moins souvent 5 fruits et légumes/jour (12% vs. 35%, p<0,001) ou déjeunaient quotidiennement (43% vs. 81%, p<0,001). Après un suivi médian de 15,4 mois, l’anthropométrie et les HDV des hommes exposés à l’intervention, vs non exposés, tendaient vers une amélioration, mais non significative. Néanmoins, les conjoints qui ont réussi à concevoir ont perdu plus de poids (-0,32kg ± 4,55 vs. +2,68 ± 3,19, p=0.016; % avec perte de poids : 38,5% vs. 10%, p=0,029) et ont amélioré certaines HDV. La perte de poids (p=0,038 pour changement d’IMC), le nombre de déjeuners hebdomadaires (p=0,016) et la fréquence de consommation ≥ 5 fruits et légumes par jour (p=0,050) sont les prédicteurs indépendants masculins d’une grossesse chez la conjointe. Nos résultats suggèrent que les conjoints des couples infertiles dont la femme est obèse sont eux-mêmes plus souvent obèses et ont des HDV plus mauvaises que les hommes canadiens. Il s’agit de la première étude prospective suggérant qu’une amélioration de l’anthropométrie et de la diète chez le conjoint augmente la probabilité de conception dans le couple. Puisqu’une exposition à une intervention ciblant la conjointe ne semblait pas suffisante pour amener des changements significatifs, nos résultats supportent la mise en place d’une intervention de modification des HDV orientée vers les conjoints afin d’améliorer la fertilité de leur couple / Abstract : Although weight loss was shown to improve reproductive health in obese women, it is still unknown whether lifestyle modifications in men can improve their couple’s fertility. In order to answer this question, we assessed the impacts of an exposition to a lifestyle intervention, targeting obese infertile women, by male partners and whether anthropometric or lifestyle changes in those partners could influence the couple’s fertility. All interested male partners were recruited in this controlled prospective cohort study nested in a randomized-controlled trial. Couples were referred to the Fertility Clinic of a Canadian Academic Center. Participants were considered exposed to lifestyle modifications if their spouse was randomized to the intervention. Partners were evaluated after 12 or 18 months or at the time of a pregnancy for their anthropometric measures and lifestyle habits. Results are presented as means ± SD or proportions. Groups were compared using Student’s t tests or Mann-Whitney U test. Independent male predictors of pregnancy were determined using stepwise multiple logistic regression. Compared to the Canadian male population aged 20-59 years1 , the 66 participating male partners (age 33.1 ± 6.2 years) were more often obese (47% vs 23%, p<0.001) or abdominally obese (WC ≥102cm : 53% vs 21%, p<0.001), less active (29% vs 58%, p<0.001), and ate less often ≥ 5 fruits and vegetables daily (12% vs 35%, p<0.001) or a breakfast (43% vs 81%, p<0.001). After 12 months (n=46), anthropometry and lifestyle tended to improve in the exposed group, but not significantly. Nonetheless, male partners who conceived lost more weight (-0.32kg ± 4.55 vs 2.68 ± 3.19, p=0.016; % with weight loss: 38.5% vs 10%, p=0.029) and improved more some of their lifestyle habits. Significant independent male predictors of pregnancy were losing weight (p=0.038 for BMI), eating more breakfasts weekly (p=0.016) and beginning to consume ≥ 5 fruits and vegetables daily (p=0.050). Our preliminary results suggest that male partners of obese infertile women are often obese themselves and display worst lifestyle habits than the Canadian male population. Furthermore, this is the first prospective study suggesting that male partners who improve their weight and dietary habits also increase the odds for their couple to conceive. Since exposure of male partners to their spouse lifestyle intervention is not effective enough, these results support to develop lifestyle interventions targeted to male partners in order to improve couples’ fertility.

Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Tyrimo objiektas – Keturių Kauno universitetų bakalauro studijų (18 – 25 m.) studentai. Tyrimo tikslas - nustatyti mitybos bei žalingų įpročių ir socialinio aktyvumo sąsajas su fiziniu aktyvumu tarp Kauno aukštųjų mokyklų studentų. Hipotezė: gyvensenos ir fizinio aktyvumo analizė turėtų patvirtinti, kad pasyvesni studentai yra mažiau sveikesni ir turi daugiau žalingų įpročių, maitinasi nesveikai bei patiria didesnį stresą ir yra socialiai pasyvesni negu fiziškai aktyvūs studentai. Uždaviniai: 1. Įvertinti aukštųjų mokyklų studentų gyvensenos įpročius. 2. Įvertinti aukštųjų mokyklų studentų socialinį aktyvumą. 3. Įvertinti Kauno aukštųjų mokyklų studentų fizinį aktyvumą ir apžvelgti sveikatos aspektus. 4. Įvertinti Kauno aukštųjų mokyklų studentu fizinio aktyvumo, gyvensenos ir socialinio aktyvumo sąsajas. Tyrimo imtis ir organizavimas. Tyrime dalyvavo 200 Kauno keturių aukštųjų universitetų bakalauro studijų studentai, 99 vaikinai ir 101 mergina 18 – 25 metų amžiaus, tiriamųjų amžiaus vidurkis buvo 21,4 ± 2,3 m. Dalyvavo įvairaus profilio būsimų specialistų: LKKA Biomedicinos fakulteto studentai, VDU Socialinių mokslų fakulteto studentai, KTU Humanitarinių mokslų fakulteto studentai ir ASU Agronomijos fakulteto studentai.Anketinės apklausos metodu tirti keturi Kauno universitetų bakalauro studijų studentų gyvensenos ir fizinio aktyvumo aspektai. Pirmoji anketos dalis, skirta išsiaiškinti studentų gyvensenos veiksnius. Antrąja anketos dalimi siekiama įvertinti studentų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The object of investigation – Undergraduate studies (18 – 25 ages) students of four Kaunas university. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between dietary habbits, risky behaviour, social participation and physical activity among students of four universities in Kaunas. Hypothesis – physical activity and lifestyle analysis should confirm that passive students are less healthy, they have more habits, eating unhealthy food, more socially passive and get more stress than active students. Objectives: 1. To evaluate lifestyle habbits of students of four universities in Kaunas. . 2. To evaluate students social participation of four universities in Kaunas. 3. To evaluate students physical activity of four Kaunas universities and overview their health aspects. 4. To evaluate students physical activity, lifestyle and social activity interfaces of four Kaunas universities The sample of the organization: The study included 200 undergraduate students from four universities in Kaunas: 99 guys and 101 girls aged 18-25 took part in the reseach. The average age of subjects was 21.4 ± 2.3. The studies included future specialists of various fields: LAPE – Faculty of Biomedical Sciences students, VMU – Faculty of Social Sciences students, KTU Faculty of Humanities students and ASU – Faculty of Agronomy students. Using the questionnaire survey method the aspects of physical activity and lifestyles of the undergraduate students of four Kaunas universities were... [to full text]

Technological advances and mechanization have reduced physical activity levels. Lifestyle in general has become more and more physically inactive. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of hypokinetic diseases which inter alia include risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease. The consequences are a variety of health risk factors that can contribute to heart disease, stroke and mortality. If left unattended, these risk factors can lead to ill health and reduced productivity. Ill health in the corporate sector can lead to presenteeism, absenteeism, high health care costs and reduced productivity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the profiles of physical activity- (PAI), health status- (HSI), lifestyle- (LSI) and coronary risk indexes (CRI) among employees in a financial institution in order to evaluate the impact of physical activity. The research sample includes 475 employees (159 male and 316 female) with a mean age of 35.8 ± 8.6 and 35.1 ± 8.5 for the male and female groups respectively, divided into three age groups ≤35, 36-45 and ≥ 46 years. Results indicated that the majority of the employees were physically inactive and falling in moderate to poor category in terms of health status, lifestyle habits and coronary heart disease risk. The lifestyle index of the older males (≥ 46) was significantly better than those of the younger males. Results also indicated that coronary heart disease risk, lifestyle and health status improve as physical activity levels improve. The lifestyle index of males and females were significantly better among the physical active group. The finding suggest the need for employers and employees to prevent hypokinetic disorders which can cause “presenteeism” which may result in reduced productivity and increased health care costs. The literature also indicate the need for companies to measure and keep track of the health risk profile of their staff, since employees can migrate between low, moderate and high risk categories annually. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Technological advances and mechanization have reduced physical activity levels. Lifestyle in general has become more and more physically inactive. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of hypokinetic diseases which inter alia include risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease. The consequences are a variety of health risk factors that can contribute to heart disease, stroke and mortality. If left unattended, these risk factors can lead to ill health and reduced productivity. Ill health in the corporate sector can lead to presenteeism, absenteeism, high health care costs and reduced productivity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the profiles of physical activity- (PAI), health status- (HSI), lifestyle- (LSI) and coronary risk indexes (CRI) among employees in a financial institution in order to evaluate the impact of physical activity. The research sample includes 475 employees (159 male and 316 female) with a mean age of 35.8 ± 8.6 and 35.1 ± 8.5 for the male and female groups respectively, divided into three age groups ≤35, 36-45 and ≥ 46 years. Results indicated that the majority of the employees were physically inactive and falling in moderate to poor category in terms of health status, lifestyle habits and coronary heart disease risk. The lifestyle index of the older males (≥ 46) was significantly better than those of the younger males. Results also indicated that coronary heart disease risk, lifestyle and health status improve as physical activity levels improve. The lifestyle index of males and females were significantly better among the physical active group. The finding suggest the need for employers and employees to prevent hypokinetic disorders which can cause “presenteeism” which may result in reduced productivity and increased health care costs. The literature also indicate the need for companies to measure and keep track of the health risk profile of their staff, since employees can migrate between low, moderate and high risk categories annually. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to explain the effects of risk factor targeted lifestyle counselling intervention on quality of lifestyle counselling and on adherence to lifestyle change in stroke patients. Content and characteristics of stroke patient counselling was described (I) with narrative literature review (n=33). Lifestyle habits of hospital-admitted stroke patients were described and explained (II) with cross-sectional design (n=150). Quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design explained (III) the effects of lifestyle counselling intervention on working-age stroke patients’ adherence to lifestyle change (n=75/group). Cross-sectional, explorative between-groups prospective design explained (IV) associations between the quality of counselling and adherence to lifestyle change during the 12-month follow-up (n=98). The literature data was gathered from the databases and analysed with content analysis (I). The empirical data was collected with Lifestyle (II), Adherence to Lifestyle Change (III, IV) and Counselling Quality (IV) instruments. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, cross-tabulation of variables, logistic regression, and ANCOVA were used for data analysis. Counselling was described with seven themes: information about the disease and concerns regarding stroke, aims of counselling, counselling methods, interaction as a method for counselling, stroke nurse as a counsellor, emotional support and decision making in patient care (I). Patients were overweight or obese (75%) and 86.7% had high waist circumference levels. They generally had rather unhealthy eating habits, were physically inactive and quite highly stressed, and 33.5% drank to excess every month or every week, and 32.9% were current smokers (II). After intervention the experimental group lost their weight at 3 and 6 months, reduced cigarette consumption at 3 months, and increased smoking cessation at 6 months. The experimental group received more support from nurses, family and friends (III). Lifestyle counselling quality was estimated rather good, with the exception of patient-centred counselling, and significantly better by the experimental group. Interactiveness, resources, and advantages of counselling were related to adherence variables (IV). Intervention had effects on lifestyle counselling quality and on adherence to lifestyle change in the short term. / Tiivistelmä Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli selittää aivoverenkiertohäiriöpotilaiden (AVH) riskitekijöihin kohdistuvan elintapaohjausintervention vaikutuksia elintapaohjauksen laatuun ja elintapamuutokseen sitoutumiseen. Ohjauksen sisältöä ja ominaispiirteitä kuvattiin (I) narratiivisen kirjallisuuskatsauksen avulla (n=33). AVH-potilaiden elintapoja (n=150) sairaalaan tulovaiheessa kuvattiin ja selitettiin (II) poikkileikkaustutkimuksella. Kvasikokeellinen tutkimus selitti (III) elintapaintervention vaikutuksia työikäisten AVH-potilaiden elintapamuutokseen sitoutumiseen (n=75/ryhmä). Ohjauksen laadun ja elintapamuutokseen sitoutumisen välistä yhteyttä 12 kuukauden seurannan aikana selitettiin (IV) poikkileikkaus- ja pitkittäistutkimuksen avulla (n=98). Kirjallisuuskatsauksen aineisto kerättiin tietokannoista ja analysoitiin sisällön analyysillä (I). Empiirinen data kerättiin elintapamittarilla (II), elintapamuutokseen sitoutumismittarilla (III, IV) ja ohjauksen laatu mittarilla (IV). Aineisto analysoitiin kuvailevin tilastollisin menetelmin, faktorianalyysillä, ristiintaulukoinnilla, logistisella regressiolla sekä varianssianalyysillä. Seitsemän teemaa kuvasi ohjausta: tieto sairaudesta ja siihen liittyvistä tekijöistä, ohjauksen tavoitteellisuus, ohjausmenetelmät, vuorovaikutus ohjausmenetelmänä, sairaanhoitaja ohjaajana, emotionaalinen tuki, sekä potilaan hoitoon liittyvä päätöksenteko (I). Potilaista 75% oli ylipainoisia tai lihavia ja suurella osalla vyötärönympärys oli liian suuri (86.7%). He söivät jokseenkin epäterveellisesti, liikkuivat liian vähän ja olivat stressaantuneita. Potilaista 33.5% joi humalahakuisesti kuukausittain tai joka viikko ja 32.9% tupakoi (II). Koeryhmän potilaiden paino laski kolmen ja kuuden kuukauden kuluttua kotiutumisesta. Savukkeiden määrä väheni kolmen kuukauden kuluttua kotiutumisesta ja tupakoinnin lopettaminen lisääntyi kuuden kuukauden kuluttua. Koeryhmän potilaat saivat enemmän tukea hoitajilta, perheeltä ja ystäviltä (III). Ohjauksen laatu arvioitiin hyväksi, poikkeuksena oli ohjauksen potilaskeskeisyys. Kokonaisuutena ohjauksen laatu arvioitiin paremmaksi koeryhmässä. Vuorovaikutus, resurssit ja ohjauksen vaikutukset olivat selkeimmin yhteydessä elintapamuutokseen sitoutumiseen (IV). Elintapainterventiolla oli vaikutusta elintapaohjauksen laatuun sekä elintapamuutokseen sitoutumiseen lyhyellä aikavälillä.

Bakgrund Klimakteriet är en naturlig process nästan alla kvinnor går igenom och inträffar vanligtvis vid 45–55 års ålder. Processen pågår i flera år och det sker en gradvis minskning av östrogennivåer i blodet vilket till slut leder till kvinnans sista menstruation, menopaus.Klimakteriet medför kroppsliga förändringar och olika symtom som kan inverka på det fysiska, psykiska och sociala välmåendet. Egenvård är en viktig faktor vid behandling av klimakterierelaterade symtom. Det handlar om en individs förmåga att vårda sig själv med hjälp av kunskap och medvetenhet. Syfte Syftet är att belysa olika egenvårdsinsatser som kan lindra klimakterierelaterade symtom. Metod En icke systematisk litteraturöversikt utfördes. Artikelsökningarna utfördes i databaserna PubMed, CINAHL och Web of Science med relevanta sökord för syftet. Artiklarnas kvalitet granskades och en integrerad dataanalys genomfördes. Resultat 17 vetenskapliga originalartiklar inkluderades. 16 vetenskapliga artiklar var av kvantitativ design och en var av designen mixad metod. Identifierade huvudkategorier var: Levnadsvanor och Behandlingsinsatser. Fyra underkategorier utformades och beskrev olika egenvårdsinsatser vid klimakterierelaterade symtom. Egenvårdsinsatserna var fysisk aktivitet, hälsosamma kostvanor, knipövningar, användning av glidmedel samt relaxations-och andningsövningar. Dessa påvisades ha effekt för vasomotoriska symtom, sömnproblematik, stressreducering samt för det psykiska och sexuella välmåendet. Slutsats Det finns effektiva icke medicinska egenvårdsinsatser för att minska klimakterierelaterade symtom. Det är viktigt för hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal att ha kunskap kring klimakteriet som process, samt vilka egenvårdsinsatser som finns för att stötta kvinnorna i samband med upplevda besvär. Mer forskning bör bedrivas för att utveckla hur egenvårdsinsatser kan individualiseras och nyttjas kliniskt. / Background Menopause is a naturally occurring process that nearly all women go through at the age of 45–55. The process extends over several years and there is a gradual decrease in blood eostrogen levels which results in the womans last menstruation. The menopause comes with bodily changes and several different symptoms that can interfere with the physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Self-care is an important factor in treating menopause related symptoms and can be described as an individual's ability to care for themselves with knowledge and awareness.  Aim The aim is to highlight different self-care measures to treat menopause related symptoms.  Method A non-systematic literature review was conducted. The article searches were carried out in the databases PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science, using relevant keywords for the aim of the review. The quality of the articles were analysed and an integrated data analysis was conducted. Results 17 original research articles were included. 16 articles were of quantitative design, and one was mixed method. The identified main headings were: lifestyle habits and treatment measures. Four subcategories were established and described different self-care measures for menopause related symptoms. Self-care measures were physical activity, a healthy diet, Kegel exercises, use of lubricant gel and relaxation/breathing techniques. These measures were shown to have effect on vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems, stress reduction and for the psychological and sexual wellbeing.  Conclusions There are several effective, non-medical self-care measures to reduce menopause related symptoms. It’s important for healthcare professionals to have knowledge about the process of menopause and which self-care measures are available to support women in their experience with problematic symptoms. More research is needed to develop how self-care measures can be individualised and used in practice.

Résumé : Introduction L’adoption de saines habitudes de vie (SHV) dès le jeune âge constitue une stratégie gagnante contre l’excès de poids (EP). Or, la promotion d’un mode de vie sain auprès des parents visant à les encourager et les soutenir auprès de leur enfant pour qu’ils adoptent de SHV est essentielle. À ce titre, l’infirmière occupe une position privilégiée. En ce sens, elle doit se questionner sur les approches à privilégier. But Mettre en lumière, en partenariat avec des infirmières œuvrant auprès de familles avec jeunes enfants, des pistes de solution afin de soutenir les parents dans l’adoption de SHV pour leurs enfants. Objectifs 1) informer les infirmières en estimant la prévalence de l’EP des jeunes enfants de leur région; 2) décrire les représentations sociales (RS) du poids et des habitudes de vie selon les parents d’un enfant d’âge préscolaire; 3) explorer le point de vue des infirmières concernant des stratégies d’intervention visant à promouvoir les SHV à la lumière des résultats des objectifs précédents et 4) déterminer les priorités parmi les stratégies proposées en collaboration avec des parents, experts et intervenants du réseau de la santé. Méthode Recherche-action en 4 cycles. Chaque cycle correspond à un objectif de l’étude. L’amorce de la réflexion le cycle 1 - Enquête transversale en contexte de vaccination - 259 enfants de 4-5 ans pesés et mesurés. Nourrir la réflexion, le cycle 2 - Entrevues semi-dirigées - 14 parents d’enfants âgés de 4-5 ans de poids normal et en EP. Passer à l’action les cycles 3 et 4, le cycle 3 - Groupe de discussion - 8 infirmières et 2 nutritionnistes et le cycle 4 - En 3 séquences 1) groupe de discussion auprès de parents, 2) questionnaire acheminé par courriel aux experts et 3) groupe de discussion auprès de participantes ayant collaboré au cycle 3. Résultats Cycle 1 - prévalence estimée de 26,3 % d’EP (20,1 % embonpoint - 6.2 % obésité). Cycle 2 - RS du poids, 1) le poids est un enjeu de santé pour les parents d’un enfant de poids normal ou 2) l’apparence potelée s’avère normale pour les parents d’un enfant en EP. RS des habitudes de vie, pour tous les parents il s’agit d’un défi exigeant. Cycle 3 et 4 - Pistes de solution proposées : viser la conscientisation et la sensibilisation des parents fondées sur leur point de vue et celui des intervenants impliqués en se basant sur le développement des aptitudes des personnes (familles) à faire des choix éclairés, l’accessibilité à l’information et la réorientation des services à la communauté. Conclusion L’étude illustre un processus de concertation en regard d’une problématique de santé pour arriver à dégager une action efficace basée sur les besoins du milieu. // Abstract : Introduction Adopting healthy lifestyle habits (HLH) starting at a young age has proven to be successful in preventing overweight (OW). It is therefore vital to present a healthy lifestyle to parents in such a way as to encourage and support them and their young child as they adopt HLH. Nurses are in an ideal position to fulfill this role; to do so, they must find the best possible ways of proving support to parents. Objective In conjunction with the nurses working with the families of young children, highlight possible solutions that will support parents in their efforts to adopt a healthy lifestyle for their children. Goals 1) inform nurses of the prevalence of OW in young children in their region of intervention; 2) describe the social representations of weight and lifestyle, according to the parents of preschool-age child; 3) explore nurses’ opinions on the intervention strategies aimed at promoting HLH, given the results of goals 1 and 2; and 4) in collaboration with parents, experts and members of the health-care system, prioritize the proposed intervention strategies. Method Action research in four phases. Each phase corresponds to a study goal. Phase 1 – Initiate Planning – Cross-sectional survey during preschool vaccination - 259 children aged 4-5 years are weighed and measured. Phase 2 – Planning Continues – Semi-structured interviews - 14 parents of normal-weight and OW children aged 4-5 years. Phases 3 and 4 – From Planning to Action - Phase 3 – Discussion group with 8 nurses and two dieticians and Phase 4 – In three parts 1) discussion group with parents, 2) questionnaire e-mailed to experts, and 3) discussion group with individuals who participated in Phase 3. Results Phase 1 – estimated incidence of OW is 26.3% (20.1% had excess body weight; 6.2% were obese). Phase 2 - Social representations of weight, 1) weight is a health issue for parents of normal-weight children or 2) the chubbiness of OW children seems normal to their parents. Social representations of lifestyle: for all participating parents, this was a difficult challenge. Phase 3 and 4 - Proposed solutions: based on input by the parents’ and nurses involved, devise initiatives aimed at raising parental awareness, and focus on developing the skills that people (i.e., families) need to make informed choices, making information more accessible and redirecting community services. Conclusion The study illustrates a consultation process on a health issue that led to identifying effective action based on community needs.

Självskattad hälsa beskriver personens subjektiva uppfattning av sin hälsa. En lågt självskattad hälsa har samband med ökad framtida dödlighet. Ett starkt välbefinnande är enligt Katie Erikssons dimensioner av hälsa, förutsättningen för att hälsan ska skattas som bra. Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva eventuella skillnader i självskattad hälsa sett till olika levnadsvanor hos 40-åriga kvinnor och män. Metod: Enkätsvar från totalt 1144 40-åriga kvinnor och män har använts. Enkäterna genomfördes under 2014 på 55 vårdcentraler i två regioner i södra Sverige. Levnadsvanor som valdes till denna studie var fysisk aktivitet, grönsaks- och frukostvanor, alkoholintag, rökning, sysselsättning, sömn och stress. Självskattad hälsa kategoriserades som bra (”mycket bra” och ”bra”) och dålig (”någorlunda”, ”dålig” och ”mycket dålig”). För att studera skillnader användes Student T-test på parametrisk data och Chi-två på icke parametrisk data. Resultat: De levnadsvanor som var vanligare förekommande hos de med bra självskattad hälsa var ansträngande/hård motion, låg nivå av stress och att vara i arbete (p&lt;.001). Att inte röka hos män och att äta frukost och grönsaker hos kvinnor var också vanligare förekommande hos de med bra självskattad hälsa. Lågt intag av alkohol visade inte på några skillnader.  Slutsats: För att minska risken för framtida sjuklighet är det viktigt för distriktssköterskor, samt flera andra samhällsinsatser, att försöka påverka och uppmuntra hög fysisk aktivitet och minskad stress. / Self-rated health describes a person's subjective perception of their health. A low self-rated health has been associated with increased mortality risk. A strong well-being is, according to Katie Eriksson’s health dimensions, a pre-condition for estimating health as well. The aim of this study was to describe eventual differences in self-rated health in terms of different life-style habits of 40-year old woman and men. Method: Survey responses from a total of 1144 40-year old woman and men have been used. The surveys were conducted in 2014 at 55 health centers in two regions in southern Sweden. The living habits chosen for this study were physical activity, vegetable- and breakfast habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, employment, sleep and stress. Self-rated health was categorized as good ("very good" and "good") and poor ("reasonably", "poor" and "very poor"). To study the differences Student T-test was made on the parametric data and Chi-square on the non-parametric data. Results: The living habits that were more common in those with good self-rated health were high physical activity, low level of stress and to have an employment (p&lt;.001). Not smoking in men and to eat breakfast and vegetables in woman were also more common in those with good self-rated health. Low intake of alcohol showed no differences. Conclusion: To reduce the risk of future illness, it is important for district nurses, as well as several community actions, to try to influence and encourage physical activity and reduced stress.