Obesity is a major risk factor for many health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is anticipated that the prevalence of obesity in the United States will grow as time passes. The objective of this study is to compare the health of obese women who engage in regular exercise to that of nonobese women. This literature review is drawn from eight library-based research articles at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). The search engine covers topics such as obesity, postmenopausal women, physical activity, nutrition, health, fitness, and lifestyle. Taking nutritional supplements and increased physical exercise minimizes the likelihood of health decline, according to the study's primary findings. Nurses should consider implementing education on regular physical exercise, well-balanced diet, and involvement in activities with those seeking the same goal. Among the limitations include a small sample size, a restricted variety of persons, self-reporting of physical activity, and more.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic medical conditions with 34.2 million people affected in the US. It costs $327 billion in medical expenses, lost work, and wages. Diabetics are at higher risk of major medical complications. 90 to 95% of 30 million Americans with diabetes are classified as type 2 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Management of diabetes is within the scope of OT practice as it is part of health management and maintenance. It is described as how a person develops, manages, and maintains routines and habits for health and wellness promotion. A 2018 online survey was conducted with US-based Occupational Therapy (OT) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program directors. Nearly half of the OT and more than half of the OTA program directors reported only 1.5–>3hrs is devoted to diabetes care and management in their curriculum. A 2019 online survey was disseminated to OT practitioners to ascertain their self-reported competence and knowledge about type 2 diabetes mellitus and its lifestyle management. OT clinicians reported minimal to somewhat skilled in educating and training clients in self-help skills related to diabetes management. OT practitioners are suggested to take training and courses that are relevant to their practice and domain for long-term retention of content and tasks (Custers, 2010). The American Occupational Therapy Association encourages OT practitioners to include health-promoting tasks in their practice as the profession’s roots and values are aligned with the health promotion (Wood, et al., 2013).

Background: Objectively tracking sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) is becoming increasingly important as research continues to show the negative effects with increasing SB and decreasing PA. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate three commercial activity trackers with young adults regarding how they accurately measure SB and PA behaviors in a laboratory setting. Methods: 50 college-aged participants wore three wrist-based activity trackers (Fitbit Surge, Apple Watch, and Basis Peak) and two ActiGraph accelerometer devices during a series of SB and PA behaviors for five-minute intervals in a laboratory setting. The activity trackers were evaluated against direct observation and the ActiGraph devices, placed on the hip and wrist, which are consistent with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) standards of measure. Results: Overall accuracy during the SBs compared to direct observation was high, with Apple (99.0%), Basis (99.0%), and Fitbit (94.9%) performing similar to the Hip ActiGraph (95.1%) and markedly better than the Wrist ActiGraph (58.6%). Overall significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) during the PAs were higher with the Wrist ActiGraph (66.7%) than with the Hip ActiGraph (8.3%). The Wrist and Hip ActiGraphs significantly correlated in three out of four SBs, but not in any PA behaviors.Discussion: Activity trackers are reliable when determining sedentary behavior, tend to overestimate step count during light walking, and underestimate activity level when biking. Also,the Wrist ActiGraph consistently underestimated both SB and PA step count compared to the Hip ActiGraph. While some variability is seen in the validity of the activity trackers, each activity tracker studied has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these strengths and limitations helps healthcare professionals more accurately interpret recorded data based on the patient specific device.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) was established by Congress in 2010, with a focus on disseminating the evidence-based Lifestyle Change Program (LCP). This 12-month program consists of 26 lessons covering various topics related to goal setting, tracking food and physical activity, motivation, and support groups. Many organizations, including Cooperative Extension (CE), have adopted this program. In the first study conducted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the outcomes of the prediabetes LCP were examined across different age groups and delivery modalities. It was found that distance learning LCPs had slightly higher enrollment levels compared to in-person programs (51% vs. 49%). Moreover, participants aged 60 and older had a significantly higher attendance rate in the distance learning program. The VCE LCP resulted in 49 participants (35%) achieving at least a 5% weight loss, with 29 of them being 60 years or older. When considering the program delivery method, a higher percentage of individuals enrolled in distance learning programs (53%) achieved at least a 5% weight loss. Additionally, 86 participants (62%) engaged in an average of 150 minutes of physical activity per week, with a higher percentage in the in-person programs (64%) and among those aged 60 and older (67%). In Study 2, the distance learning LCP implementation fidelity was evaluated across five states, along with its association with program outcomes. The evaluation tool assessed structural and instructional implementation components. The results indicated that certain structural components directly influenced increased physical activity among participants. Additionally, the coaches' preparedness for the sessions directly impacted participants' weight loss. In addition to implementation fidelity, age was identified as an independent factor affecting weight loss percentage and attendance. Overall, the findings from both studies underscore the significance of effective implementation fidelity to program design in achieving desired health outcomes. The LCP shows promise as an intervention for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can be effectively implemented through both in-person and distance learning methods by Cooperative Extension programs nationwide. / Doctor of Philosophy / The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the United States is a significant concern. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that around 34.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, with approximately 96 million adults having prediabetes in 2022. Lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and losing weight, can reduce the risk of prediabetes progressing to diabetes. In response, the CDC established the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) in 2010, focusing on an evidence-based Lifestyle Change Program (LCP). The LCP is a 12-month program covering various topics and has been adopted by organizations like Cooperative Extension (CE). Two studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness and implementation of the LCP. The first study, carried out by the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), compared outcomes of distance learning and in-person LCPs among adults of different ages. It found slightly higher enrollment levels in distance learning programs and observed a higher attendance rate among participants aged 60 and older in the distance learning program. The study showed that the VCE LCP resulted in a 35% weight loss for 49 participants, with 59% of them being 60 years or older. Distance learning programs also had higher success rates in achieving a 5% weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity per week. The second study evaluated the implementation fidelity of the distance learning LCP conducted by Cooperative Extension in five states. It found that certain program components, both structural and instructional, directly influenced participants' physical activity levels. The preparedness of coaches for the sessions significantly impacted weight loss outcomes. In addition to implementation fidelity, age was identified as an independent factor affecting weight loss and attendance. Both studies underscore the importance of effective program implementation fidelity to program design in achieving desired health outcomes. The findings support the LCP as a promising intervention for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It highlights its effectiveness through both in-person and distance learning methods implemented by Cooperative Extension programs nationwide.

The primary purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of male infertility treatment methods. The secondary purpose is to analyze the psychological consequences of failed male infertility treatments. A literature review will be performed regarding male infertility and the relationship to factors that decrease spermatic production, testicular disease, and testicular dysfunction. The focus will relate to decreasing fertility in men and treatments aimed at the improvement of sperm production and maintenance. Preliminary results show artificial reproductive techniques yield higher rates of success compared to alternative methods such as lifestyle changes in the preservation of spermatic function in men. Furthermore, the results are expected to show an increase in anxiety and depression following failed male infertility treatment methods. The increase in global male infertility rates is concerning and can lead to decreasing population stagnation and decreased birth rates. The research can be of value through synthesis of treatment methods to combat male infertility.

Earth is an living organism where every living creature is an important part of a bigger whole. Our ancestors lived in symbiosis with the nature, today we are trying to tame the nature. Cities are expanding and the nature is being pushed into the periferi. Free flow of elements such as water, air, earth and plants are being controlled, disstorted, polluted and manipulated. Our political and economical systems are built upon the mind-set that we are separate from the nature and above the nature, but we are a part of the nature just like every other speecies on this planet. Our fast paced city-lives are creating a huge gap between the nature and ourselves and massproduction has replaced traditional craft and sustainable food production. Where is this going to end? How will it end? How can architecture help us reconnect with the nature and ourselves and inspire to a more sustainable lifestyle? Prana is not a building, it is a site. It consists of a multifunctional garden area with several buildings that together creates a whole. Prana is sanskrit meaning breath, energy or life force and has given the site its’ name because it is a platform for recreation, contemplation and knowledge exchange. We need to slow down, reflect and learn in order to feel the force and make a change, no matter if it is your lifestyle, your mind-set or your goal, no matter if you do it for the climate or for yourself. Prana is about reconnecting with the nature and yourself though arts, crafts, activities, food and food production. Prana welcomes everyone for a close nature experience of hot and cold, of fire and earth and community based learning.

When an individual decides to end a criminal lifestyle, it becomes crucial to understand how both society and the surrounding view the individual. The labeling that previously existed can still be used against the defector and reduce the opportunities in society that can be offered. This also becomes an obstacle for the individual to make a role exit and delays the change process. However, the surroundings and new interests become a motivation for not making a relapse.The purpose of the research is to study the process of change that young adult men make when they leave the criminality and the adversities they encounter during their lifetime. A qualitative method was applied to study the topic where seven participants were interviewed and shared their life stories. With a phenomenological starting point, the social reality that defectors make when they leave organized crime is accounted for. Furthermore, the research is based on eleven previous researches that have been done in Sweden, South Africa and the USA, which describe important aspects. The theoretical framework consists of Ebaughs role exit theory and Goldberg's labeling theory. The previous research shows a connection and understanding that exists among the responses of defectors, and the theories reinforce what is emphasized in the analysis. There is a central reason why the defectors chose to break off the relationship with the gang, which is described as maturity, among other things. Even prosocial relationships become the reason for the decision of defectors to leave criminality. This will also be crucial for the participants' life chances to be able to reintegrate into society.

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