Benskörhet (osteoporos) och frakturer orsakade av osteoporos är ett stort globalt problem. Syftet med det tioåriga projektet ”Vadstena en benhård kommun” var att utvärdera om man med en befolkningsinriktad interventionsstrategi kunde minska osteoporos och osteoporosrelaterade frakturer i en kommun. Ett representativt urval av befolkningen i åldern 20-79 år, 15% av en population på 7800 personer, blev tillfrågade om att delta vid fyra undersökningstillfällen som innebar att fylla i en enkät och att bentäthetsmätas. Vid första tillfället deltog 70%, första uppföljningen 69%, andra uppföljningen 79% och vid den tredje uppföljningen 65%.Syftet med denna MPH-uppsats är att beskriva det praktiska interventionsarbetet utifrån dagboksanteckningar och att presentera befolkningens upplevelser av interventionsarbetet.Vi nådde uppskattningsvis 5000 personer (65%) av befolkningen med direkt information.De personer som fick individuella riskprofiler baserade på angivna svar i frågeformulär och bentäthetsvärden var de som gav mest positiv respons och kan tillskrivas en lyckad individuell intervention.Den grupp som varit med en eller flera gånger tidigare (interventionsgruppen) var de som vid sista undersökningen 1999, hade fått ökad kunskap om osteoporos (P&lt;0,001). Den gruppen kände även bäst till projektet (P&lt;0, 001), men även den nya gruppen (befolkningsgruppen) kände i hög grad till projektet (75 %). På frågan om deltagarna ville förändra sina vanor var båda grupperna lika villiga (65 % respektive 64 %), vilken kan tillskrivas en lyckad generell intervention.Sjukdomen osteoporos och dess följder tar lång tid att utveckla. Det tar därför även lång tid att mäta effekt av att projekt som detta, som dessutom innefattar en hel befolkning. Nu, 18 år efter projektets start görs en uppföljning av projektet där delar av de mål som sattes upp i början av projektet mäts, bland annat frakturincidens och kunskap om osteoporos hos befolkningen.Nyckelord / Osteoporosis and fractures due to osteoporosis are an increasing global health problem. The aim ofthe ten-years Vadstena Osteoporosis Prevention Project (VOPP) was to evaluate if it was possible toreduce osteoporosis and osteoporotic-related fractures with a community-based prevention programA representative sample aged 20-79 years (Vadstena population of 7800) was invited to participatein the study comprising four measurements including questionnaire and bone mineral densitymeasurement. At baseline 70% participated, at first follow-up 69%, second follow-up 70% and at thethird follow-up 65 %.The aim with this MPH- essay is to describe the intervention from a diary and to present thepopulations experience of the VOPP.We met approximately 5000 persons (65%) of the citizens directly with our intervention. Theparticipators who received individual feedback letters on their answers in the questionnaire and theresults from the bone measurement gave us the best response.The group that participated once or more had the best knowledge about osteoporosis (p&lt; 0.001)and were to an high extent familiar with the project (p&lt;0.001). Even the single participating grouphad god knowledge about the project (75 %). Both groups stated that they wanted to change lifestyle(65 % vs. 64 %) showing a successful general intervention.Osteoporosis is a disease that is present for a long period without signs, before resulting in theclinical sign, fractures. Therefore results of a preventive program towards a whole population isexpected to be found not until after several years. Now eighteen years later a follow up is planned inorder to measure the incidence of osteoporotic fractures and the knowledge about osteoporosis in thepopulation. / <p>ISBN 978-91-85721-45-0</p>

Lietuvos miestų priemiesčiai nėra susilaukę didelio mokslininkų dėmesio. Daugiausia tyrinėjami senamiesčiai, naujamiesčiai ir kiti vertingų architektūrinių savybių turintys rajonai. Tuo tarpu miestų pakraščiai užmirštami. Žemieji Šančiai yra nagrinėti istoriniu požiūriu, taip pat kaip Kauno tvirtovės dalis, tačiau apie urbanistinę raidą ir medinio užstatymo ypatybes, informacijos beveik nėra. Žemieji Šančiai pasižymi savitu urbanistiniu tinklu, kuris nuo XIX a. pab. klostėsi savaimingai. Nors Pirmosios Lietuvos Respublikos metu buvo bandymų priemiestį perplanuoti, tačiau dėl tankaus rajono užstatymo, to padaryti nepavyko. Žemuosiuose Šančiuose dominuoja medinis užstatymas. Pagrindiniai pastatų tipai: sodybiniai ir nuomojami namai. Vietomis yra išlikęs ir miestiečio namo tipas. Juozapavičiaus prospekte stovi išlikę carinės Rusijos laikotarpiu statyti puskarininkių ir geležinkeliečių namai. Daugelis namų praradę savo autentiškumą, renovuoti panaudojant šiuolaikines, ne itin tinkamas statybines medžiagas. Kai kurie namai turi keletą savininkų, kurie namų fasadus remontuoja padrikai, nederindami vienas su kitu. Todėl kartais namai atrodo neestetiškai, primena ,,kregždžių lizdus“. Žemųjų Šančių istorinės, urbanistinės ir architektūrinės savybės nulėmė tam tikrus gyvensenos ypatumus. Tankus užstatymas suformavo glaudžius santykius su kaimynais, skurdesnio ir žemesnio socialinio sluoksnio gyvenamos vietos įvaizdis nulėmė savitą vietinių gyventojų mentalitetą, prie namų esantys... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Suburbs of Lithuanian cities did not gain scientists’ considerable attention. Old towns, new towns and districts with other valuable architectural features are the most explored. Meanwhile, fringes of cities are forgotten. Žemieji Šanciai were researched in accordance with historical approach, as well as part of the Kaunas fortress, but there is almost no information about urban development and peculiarities of wooden building. Žemieji Šanciai has a distinctive urban network, which since the end of nineteenth century has developed self-contained. Although during First Republic of Lithuania it has been trying to redesign the suburbs, but due to dense built-up area, it was failed. Wooden buildings are dominated in Žemieji Šanciai. The main building types are homestead and rented houses. Townsman house type also remained in some places. In Juozapavičiaus avenue houses of non-commissioned officers and railway workers are standing remained and they were built during Tsarist Russia. Many houses have lost their authenticity and were renovated using modern, not very suitable for building materials. Some houses have several owners, which repair their house facades disconnectedly, do not combine one with another. So sometimes houses look non-aesthetic, remind „nests of swallows”. Historical, urban and architectural features of Žemieji Šanciai have determined certain lifestyle peculiarities. Dense building formed close relationship with the neighbors, residence image of poorer and... [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.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The combined study of consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle is a unique approach that marketers can use to determine consumer buying behaviour and to refine market segmentation. In particular, marketers need to study consumer buying behaviour and examine the main influences regarding what, where, when and how consumers buy, as this knowledge will allow marketers to predict how consumers make their purchase decisions and how they will respond to various marketing strategies. A better understanding of the buying behaviour of consumers in a prospective market segment will help marketers to devise more effective marketing strategies for targeting consumers in the particular market segment they wish to pursue, and therefore, market segmentation is an extremely useful marketing tool. The Black Diamond consumer segment in South Africa has been receiving heightened attention from marketers recently due to the increasing purchasing power of this segment, and therefore it is necessary for marketers to gain a more profound understanding of these consumers so that they will be able to address Black Diamonds' specific needs, wants and preferences. This will assist marketers to devise marketing strategies that target the Black Diamond segment more effectively. The primary objective of this study was to determine consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle among Black Diamonds in Sandton. This objective was addressed by using an adapted version of the Consumer Ethnocentrism Scale (CETSCALE) to measure the level of consumer ethnocentrism among Black Diamonds and by determining the lifestyle of this group by using the activities, interests and opinions (AIO) approach to measure the levels of six lifestyle dimensions, namely fashion consciousness, self–consciousness, health consciousness, homemaking, community orientation, and cost–consciousness. Based on literature consulted, an interviewer–administered questionnaire was developed and distributed to Black Diamond consumers by five fieldworkers in the Sandton area, in the city of Johannesburg, in the Gauteng province. Convenience and judgement sampling (non–probability sampling methods) were used and a total of 200 respondents participated in this study. The validity and reliability of the adapted version of the CETSCALE used in the questionnaire to measure the level of consumer ethnocentrism of respondents, as well as the six batteries of statements used to measure the levels of the respective lifestyle dimensions, were determined by means of factor analysis. The results indicated that consumer ethnocentrism is moderately high among respondents. Furthermore, moderately high levels of fashion consciousness, self–consciousness, health consciousness and cost–consciousness were found among respondents. Low levels of interest were established in homemaking activities and community orientation. It was found that various underlying relationships exist between consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle dimensions of respondents, specifically between the lifestyle dimensions of health consciousness, homemaking and community orientation. It was further found that significant differences exist between the perceptions of respondents toward consumer ethnocentrism and the lifestyle dimensions in terms of their diverse age categories. It is recommended that marketers should stress product attributes, benefits, and superior aspects of the product by underplaying the product's country of origin, in light of the high level of consumer ethnocentrism prevalent among Black Diamonds. Furthermore, it is recommended that marketers and organisations should adapt and modify their current marketing strategies in order to appeal to the various lifestyle dimensions of Black Diamonds, specifically focussing on the higher levels of fashion consciousness, self–consciousness, health consciousness and cost–consciousness among Black Diamonds, whilst underplaying homemaking and community orientation. By considering consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle, and realising that these factors affect the buying behaviour of Black Diamonds, marketers will be able to develop effective marketing strategies that will allow them to target the Black Diamond consumer segment more effectively and efficiently. Recommendations for future research include examining consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle among Black Diamonds in a wider geographic area, drawing a larger sample size from the target population, and being more selective with regard to the respondents included in the study, in order to ensure that the most appropriate respondents do indeed form part of population under scrutiny. Furthermore, in order to improve the validity of the study, future research could be conducted by incorporating more qualitative forms of research such as focus groups and interviews. In addition to the six lifestyle dimensions that were measured in this study, a wider range of lifestyle dimensions can be measured in future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Marketing Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Treatment with coronary interventions, long-term treatment and life style changes can reduce symptoms and improve prognosis. The aim of this thesis was to investigate aspects of invasive treatment for multivessel coronary artery disease, and to investigate adherence to prevention guidelines one year after myocardial infarction.  We used the national quality registry SWEDEHEART to collect data on long term treatment one year after myocardial infarction for 51 620 patients &lt; 75 years of age. For 17 236 of the patients, we collected LDL-cholesterol measurements from SWEDEHEART and defined use of lipid lowering drugs from the Prescribed Drug Register. We developed a questionnaire for post-PCI-patients to investigate patients’ understanding of cause and treatment of coronary artery disease. For 23 342 PCI-patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, SWEDEHEART-data was linked to Swedish health data registries to determine one year outcome for patients undergoing incomplete vs. complete revascularization.   Lipid control (LDL-cholesterol &lt; 1.8 mmol/L) was attained by one in four patients one year after myocardial infarction, whereas blood pressure control (&lt; 140 mmHg) was attained by two thirds of patients. Lipid and blood pressure control was lower for women but there was no gender difference in smoking cessation rate: 56 %. Over 90 % of patients were treated with a statin after myocardial infarction but treatment was intensified for only one in five patients with LDL-cholesterol above target. The questionnaire study revealed that non-modifiable factors such as age and heredity were more often seen as cause of coronary artery disease than modifiable life style factors. Only one in five patients perceived CAD as a chronic illness, requiring life style changes. Two thirds of PCI-patients with multivessel disease underwent incomplete revascularisation, and this was associated with a twofold risk for the combination of death, myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization up to one year, compared to patients who underwent complete revascularization. We conclude that  long term treatment after myocardial infarction is suboptimal in relation to guideline recommendations. Assessment of patients’ views on CAD and better health education post PCI may facilitate life style changes. Further studies need to investigate whether complete revascularization will improve outcome for PCI-patients with multivessel disease.

Bakgrunn: Forekomsten av overvekt og fedme er økende i de nordiske landene og iverden forøvrig. Utviklingen er bekymringsfull fordi den bringer med seg uhelse og alvorlig sykdom. Ulike virkemidler er tatt i bruk for å løse problemene forårsaket av overvekt og inaktivitet. Samtidig prøver man å påvirke til endret helseatferd. Det er behov for å utvide kunnskapen om hva som i denne sammenheng er effektive strategier. Hensikt: Studiens hensikt er med kvalitativ metodikk å studere hvordan personer som har lykkes med å endre livsstilsvaner, opplevde og håndterte endringsprosessen. Metode: 14 personer, derav åtte menn, i alderen 23 til 68 år er intervjuet individuelt. Modifisert versjon av Grounded Therory er brukt som metode i innsamling av data og i analyseprosessen. Resultat: Studien viser at deltakernes vellykkede livsstilsendring har forløpt gjennom en rekke sosiale prosesser som kan beskrives ut fra tre hovedkonsepter som her er samlet i følgende kategorier; Motiverer til endring, danner nye vaner og håndterer seg selv. Det som kjennetegner endringsprosessen i sin helhet er hvordan hovedpersonene har utviklet større grad av kontroll og håndterbarhet i egne liv. Konklusjon: Vellykket livsstilsendring er en psykologisk empowermentprosess med vekt på prosesser omkring selvregulering, motivering, psykisk uhelse og det å danne nye vane / The incidence of overweight and obesity is steadily increasing in the Nordic countries and the entire world. This trend is a cause for concern because obesity links directly to many several illnesses, some life-threatening. Various methods have been developed in an effort to manage problems associated with obesity and inactivity. These methods also try to initiate positive lifestyle changes. However, it is necessary to broaden the knowledge base regarding the effectiveness of these strategies. Aim: This study aimed to use qualitative methodology to assess people who have succeeded in making positive lifestyle changes, documenting their experiences and learning how they adapted during the change process. Methodology: A group of 14 people consisting of eight men and six women, all between the ages of 23 and 68 years, were individually interviewed using a modified version of Grounded Theory to collect and analyze the data. Results: The study shows that the participants' positive lifestyle changes have gone through a variety of social processes. These processes comprised three main categories: motivation to change, development of new habits, and self-management. A defining factor in the change process of each candidate was how well that individual developed a greater degree of self-control and management of their own lives. Conclusion: Successful lifestyle change is a psychological empowerment process that emphasizes self-regulation, motivation, mental disorders, and the development of new habits. / <p>ISBN 978-91-86739-44-7</p>

Yoga has been an organizing feature of community for thousands of years, shaping and being shaped by the bodies, minds, spiritual worlds and social relationships of its practitioners. Over the course of the last century, it has become a global celebrity-endorsed exemplification of how to live a “good” life and been transformed from the “exotic,” grotesque menageries of ascetic “sinister yogis” and itinerant sages, to define the fit, graceful, radiant, blissful personages of American supermodels and pop-stars. Yoga has moved from the ashrams of India to gyms, church basements and specialized studios of Europe, North America and Australia, and from these centers of economic and political power, to “exotic” peripheries through the global and bodily movements of world-travelers seeking self-discovery, health, spiritual transformation, and connection with the natural world in “less developed” locales. This dissertation explores and documents the movement of yoga-motivated travelers to tourism locales with no historical connection to yoga, asking questions about 1) how yoga travelers’ activities fit in larger contexts of ethical tourism and cross-cultural consumption as yoga travels across borders, 2) the role yoga plays in practitioners’ lives, shaping health, gender, sexuality, and lifestyle, 3) outcomes of sustained contemporary yoga practice on the bodies of practitioners, including affective transformation through bodily manipulation, the expansion of sensual awareness through breath, auditory techniques, meditation and mind-body synthesis, 4) how these bodily transformations are interpreted and applied to contemporary life through syncretic adaptations of yoga ethics from classical yoga texts with contemporary ethical discourses of environmentalism and consumer choice, and 5) how yoga tourists and the owners of yoga tourism locales view, interact with, and mobilize “foreign” locals and locales through sustainable development narratives and ideas of global community and universal spirituality. I apply contemporary anthropological agendas to yoga as a means to explore different ways of being alive, paying particular attention to how sensual potentials are brought to conscious experience by relational engagement with nature and culture, thus shaping our affective worlds. This dissertation charts intimate bodily and cross-cultural human relationships played out through yoga. It considers the spiritual, economic, political and cultural impacts of globalized yoga and yoga tourism. Close attention is paid to the experiential aspects of yoga and how yoga enlivens and relates to larger social narratives of nature sanctity under contemporary stresses of neoliberalism, including how yoga practitioners engage with the ethics of yoga and consumption to make lifestyle choices that align with political and economic concerns for viable ecological, social and cultural futures. / Graduate

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a rapidly increasing disease worldwide. The disease is connected to lifestyle. Making lifestyle changes is hard. When suffering from Diabetes mellitus type 2 it is necessary to live healthy to prevent secondary diseases. Lifestyle changes includes for example changing dietary habits, become psychically active or losing weight. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge about different perspectives of lifestyle changes from both patients and nurses. This qualitative study was conducted as a literature study through analysis of relevant scientific articles. The results show that both patients and nurses experience difficulties managing lifestyle changes. Social support is important for the patient to succeed in making a change. It is important that there is a mutual interaction between the patient and the nurse for the patient to succeed to make a lifestyle change. This literature study shows that there is a need for more knowledge about preventing and managing this disease from a caring perspective. The nurse play an important role in the treatment of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2. It is therefore important that the nurse has the knowledge needed to motivate and support patients to make a lifestyle change.