Health promotion of Street Clinic workers: convergent care research.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a health promotion action for Street Clinic workers. METHOD: Qualitative research which used the Convergent Care Research methodology. The data collection was conducted through participant observation and convergence groups, from May to October 2021, with 39 workers from six teams of the Street Clinic. Data analysis followed the stages of apprehension, synthesis, theorization, and transfer. RESULTS: Some integrativepractices such as, stretching, group dynamics, dance, music, massage and cinema were suggested as interventions to be implemented. Given the need, Reichian stretching was developed as an intervention which favored body awareness, promoting the well-being of workers. CONCLUSION: The workers presented a conception of health promotion related to access to services and guarantee of rights. Reichian stretching provided a space for care and reflection on caring and respecting limits, favoring the body awareness and promoting relaxation.

Exercise for peri- and postmenopausal women: Recommendations from synergistic alliances of women's medicine and health psychology for the promotion of an active lifestyle.

Adopting healthy behaviors is a multifaceted and complex process that poses significant challenges for individuals. Despite awareness of the detrimental effects of certain behaviors on health, many individuals continue to engage in risky practices. Traditional medical advice and prescriptions, while well intentioned, often fall short in fostering lasting lifestyle changes. Although individuals may also have good intentions, solely relying on doctor's counsel does not ensure successful lifestyle adjustments. One primary reason for this limitation is the lack of specialized expertise in behavioral modification among gynecologists and healthcare providers. Health psychologists are specialized professionals capable of effectively guiding and assisting individuals in modifying health-related behaviors. Their expertise in behavior change strategies and psychological interventions proves invaluable in empowering individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles and contributes to people's well-being. This paper emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between medical professionals, such as gynecologists, and health psychologists to promote healthy behaviors among peri- and postmenopausal women and enhance women's health. By forging integrative alliances, they can develop comprehensive and tailored interventions. By bridging the gap between medical advice and behavior modification, this collaborative effort has the potential to ensure a more effective intervention process. This holistic approach not only addresses women's specific health needs but also fosters sustainable behavior change when promoting healthy behaviors among middle-aged women. The ultimate goal of such a synergy is to improve women's health outcomes and contribute to a healthier society overall.

Promoting the Wellness of Older Adults through Integrated Health-Promoting Programs and Supportive Peers: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Semi-Urban Communities of Northeastern Thailand.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Thailand has approached an aged society in which the proportion of older adults rose from 5% in 1995 to 20.7% in 2022 and is projected to increase to 27.2% in 2030. Older adults face health risks and challenges, requiring supportive care. This research aimed to promote the wellness of older adults through Integrated Health-Promoting Programs and Supportive Peers (IHPP-SP) in semi-urban communities. METHODS: A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted among 229 older adults from 22 communities. The interventions covered analyzing community situations and determinants, designing and developing IHPP-SP, enhancing the capabilities of supportive peers, and establishing a support system. Mean and proportion differences were analyzed using the paired t-test and McNemar test. RESULTS: After implementing IHPP-SP, the mean score significantly increased for happiness (P = .004), Activities of Daily Living: ADLs (P = .034), and family support (P < .001), but did not differ regarding depression (P = .413). The proportion of healthy behaviors significantly increased for tobacco use (P = .035), dietary intake (P = .018), and physical activity (P < .001), but not for alcohol consumption (P = .377). CONCLUSIONS: The IHPP-SP provided potential benefits to promote the wellness of older adults.

Chrononutrition in traditional European medicine-Ideal meal timing for cardiometabolic health promotion.

Meal timing plays a crucial role for cardiometabolic health, given the circadian regulation of cardiometabolic function. However, to the best of our knowledge, no concept of meal timing exists in traditional European medicine (TEM). Therefore, in this narrative review, we aim to define the optimal time slot for energy intake and optimal energy distribution throughout the day in a context of TEM and explore further implications. By reviewing literature published between 2002 and 2022, we found that optimal timing for energy intake may be between 06:00 and 09:00, 12:00 and 14:00, and between 15:00 and 18:00, with high energy breakfast, medium energy lunch and low energy dinner and possibly further adjustments according to one's chronotype and genetics. Also, timing and distribution of energy intake may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to optimize coction, a concept describing digestion and metabolism in TEM. Please cite this article as: Eberli NS, Colas L, Gimalac A. Chrononutrition in traditional European medicine-Ideal meal timing for cardiometabolic health promotion. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(2);115-125.

Acute effects of different Tai Chi practice protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation.

Tai Chi serves as an effective exercise modality for enhancing autonomic regulation. However, a majority of existing studies have employed the single routine (SR) protocol as the basis for health interventions. The extent to which the gong routine application (GRA) protocol achieves similar levels of exercise load stimulation as traditional single practice routines remains uncertain. Therefore, this study the distinct characteristics of autonomic load stimulation in these different protocols, thus providing a biological foundation to support the development of Tai Chi health promotion intervention programs. we recruited a cohort of forty-five university students to participate in the 15 min GRA protocol and SR protocol. We collected heart rate and heart rate variability indicators during periods of rest, GRA protocol, and SR protocol utilizing the Polar Scale. Additionally, we assessed the mental state of the participants using the BFS State of Mind Scale. In summary, the autonomic load is lower in the GRA protocol compared to the SR protocol, with lower sympathetic activity but higher parasympathetic activity in the former. Results are specific to college students, additional research is necessary to extend support for frail older adults. It is advised to incorporate GRA protocol alongside SR protocol in Tai Chi instruction. This approach is likely to enhance Tai Chi skills and yield greater health benefits.

Occupational health literacy and work ability: a moderation analysis including interpersonal and organizational factors in healthy organizations.

Introduction: Healthy organizations approach to occupational safety and health should holistically include individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. There is an empirical research gap in considering different levels in organizations for health promotion in the context of maximizing work ability. This study aims to investigate the association of (1) occupational health literacy (on an individual level), (2) health-oriented leadership (interpersonal level), (3) participation possibilities in health, and (4) values of health in companies (both organizational levels) on work ability. Additionally, we examined the potentially moderating role of health-oriented leadership, participation possibilities in health, and values of health between occupational health literacy and work ability. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 828 employers and employees in small and medium-sized enterprises. Self-report measures included occupational health literacy, health-oriented leadership, work ability, participation possibilities in health at work, and values of health in the company. Occupational health literacy comprises two factors: a knowledge-/skill-based approach to occupational health and a willingness/responsibility for occupational health. Participation possibilities in health are measured regarding participatory opportunities and co-creation of health at work. Values of health in the company capture the importance of health in the workplace and the scope for improving employees' health. Data were analyzed using latent regression and latent moderation analyses controlling for age, gender, and educational level. Results: Occupational health literacy (knowledge-/skill-based), health-oriented leadership, participation possibilities in health, and values of health in companies showed positive associations with work ability. Health-oriented leadership on an interpersonal level was found to moderate the positive relationship between (knowledge-/skill-based) occupational health literacy and work ability. Participation possibilities in health on an organizational level acted as a moderator on the relationship between both occupational health literacy factors and work ability. Discussion: Individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors play important roles in maintaining work ability in healthy organizations. This study highlights the importance of promoting occupational health literacy among employees and leaders, creating a healthy workplace through health-oriented leadership, and providing participatory opportunities for co-creation in health promotion at work. Future research should further explore these factors' roles in different industries and contexts and how they may be addressed effectively in tailored workplace interventions.

Developing and evaluating a mindfulness-based finger/hand exercise intervention for ethnically diverse older adults with and without disabilities: A feasibility study.

Few exercise interventions target ethnic minority older adults, especially those with disability. We evaluated feasibility of newly-developed finger/hand exercises to promote health in ethnically diverse older adults with/without disability. We conducted 10-minute video exercises daily, supervised by research assistants. The feasibility, evaluated via three studies, focused on recruitment, intervention fidelity, safety, outcome assessment, and acceptability. Studies varied in design and delivery methods, being conducted across settings (senior centers, apartments). We enrolled 101 Chinese older adults (mean age = 72) without disability in Study 1, and 15 older Africans/Hispanics with disability (mean age = 70) in Studies 2 and 3. Intervention, either in-person or online, was implementable and acceptable with high fidelity. Attendance was satisfactory (79.6%, 74.2%, 76.7%) and attrition was low (12%, 0%, 0%). Outcome measures data was ascertained. No adverse events were observed. Preliminary findings indicate feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the simple finger/hand exercise for diverse older adults.

What moves truck drivers? A person-centered perspective on workplace physical activity promotion.

Objectives. In developing physical activity (PA) promotion measures in the workplace, individual needs of the target groups must be considered. For this reason, this study aimed to qualitatively identify the individual needs for an increase of PA in truck drivers, representing a neglected working group in terms of PA promotion. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (N = 19; mean age 50.5 years, SD 11.4 years; 10.5% female). The interview guide was based on the COM-B model to identify needs related to PA behavior in terms of capabilities, opportunities and motivation. The interviews were transcribed and coded by two independent investigators. Results. Altogether, the codes encompassed 395 statements, and the code system contained 14 codes. Three additional codes described further individual needs related to other health behaviors (nutrition, recreation) or external incentives for health interventions. Conclusion. The results reveal a variety of needs that are fundamental to the development of PA-promoting interventions for truck drivers. These needs appear to be closely linked, so a combination of capabilities, opportunities and/or motivation should be considered when developing holistic interventions. An example would be linking automatic motivation and psychological capabilities that encompass motivational techniques combined with information for psychoeducation of truck drivers.

A scoping review of Indigenous community-specific physical activity measures developed with and for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Historical factors including colonization and ongoing socioeconomic inequities impact Indigenous Peoples' ability to mitigate chronic disease risks such as achieving recommended physical activity (PA) levels. Reliably assessing, reflecting, and promoting PA participation among Indigenous Peoples may be impacted by a lack of culturally appropriate assessment methods and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities throughout the research process. The objectives of this scoping review were to examine: (1) How PA research with Indigenous Peoples used community-specific PA measures developed with and/or for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand; and (2) How the studies utilized community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to engage communities. A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases (Web of Science, Medline, University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Portal, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global). Thirty-one (n = 31) articles were identified and data extracted for narrative synthesis. Studies using community-specific PA measures have been increasing over time. Adapting questionnaires to traditional Indigenous activities such as cultural dances, ceremonies, and food-gathering activities were the most frequent adjustments undertaken to use community-specific measures. There are, however, gaps in research partnering with communities with only 6% of studies including all eight CBPR principles. Practical ways researchers can engage Indigenous communities and build capacity such as training and employing community members were highlighted. More needs to be done to facilitate community self-determination and develop long-term sustainable initiatives. Using culturally appropriate and relevant methodologies including partnering with Indigenous communities may help identification and implementation of culturally relevant and sustainable health-promoting initiatives.

Antiulcer activity of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (Arecaceae) pulp oil: An edible Amazonian species with functional properties.

Mauritia flexuosa, known as buriti in Brazil, is a widespread palm tree in Amazonia. It has many ethnobotanical uses, including food, oil, and medicine. The oil obtained from buriti's fruit pulp has high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, and is used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries for its antioxidant properties. Many biological activities have been reported for buriti oil, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, chemopreventive, and immunomodulatory. Due to its high content of bioactive compounds, buriti oil is considered a functional ingredient with possible benefits in preventing oxidative stress and chronic diseases, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Peptic ulcer disease is a multifactorial disorder, involving lesions in the stomach and duodenum mucosa, which has a complex healing process. In this context, some nutrients and bioactive compounds help the maintenance of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity and function, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids, which makes buriti oil an interesting candidate to be used in the prevention and management of gastrointestinal diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective and antiulcer effects of buriti oil and its possible mechanisms of action. Buriti oil reduced the ulcerative area and lipid peroxidation induced by ethanol. The gastroprotective activity of buriti oil partially depends on nitric oxide and sulfhydryl compounds. In acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers, buriti oil accelerated healing and stimulated the formation of new gastric glands. These results demonstrated the potential of buriti oil as a functional ingredient to promote health benefits in the gastrointestinal tract.

Exploring settings as social complex adaptive systems in setting-based health research: a scoping review.

Since launching health health-promoting settings approach to health by WHO, valuable progress has happened in implementing its holistic concepts in settings such as cities, schools, workplaces, hospitals and healthcare services. However, significant knowledge-intention-success gaps still exist in creating sustainable health-promoting changes in settings. The complexity of the task of bridging this gap has contributed to the call for a complexity-informed paradigm shift to health as well as settings, followed by increasing consultation of relevant complexity theories, frameworks and tools in health research. This paper provides a critical scoping review of the application of complex adaptive system (CAS) theory in settings-based health promotion research. We included 14 papers, mostly qualitative studies, reporting on planning or implementation of change initiatives, less on its evaluation. CAS theory application was often incomplete thereby reducing the potential benefit of using this lens to understand change management. We suggest some recommendations how to comprehensively apply the CAS theory in setting-based health research and to report on all CAS characteristics to enhance the understanding of settings as adaptive health-promoting settings.

Examining the implementation of a community paediatric clinic in a socially disadvantaged Irish community: A retrospective process evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Understanding interventions and their implementation is essential for improving community initiatives. Kidscope is a community paediatric development clinic providing free health and developmental assessment and onward referral for children aged zero to six years in an urban area of southern Ireland where many children experience complex needs. Established in 2010, Kidscope developed an inter-disciplinary, multi-agency community team by drawing on the strengths of local services and practitioners to deliver holistic approaches to child health and development. Recent studies examining stakeholder engagement and Kidscope outcomes highlighted the need to examine implementation to better understand the processes and mechanisms of the clinic and how events have affected outcomes. METHODS: Guided by the UK Medical Research Council Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions, this study used a post-hoc qualitative process evaluation study design with multiple data sources; stakeholder perspectives (interviews, focus group, questionnaires) and document analysis (annual reports, meeting minutes, work plans). A diverse set of research questions were developed in conjunction with a Patient and Public Involvement Group. Guiding frameworks supported thematic analysis of primary data, document analysis of secondary data, and triangulation of findings across datasets. RESULTS: Data analysis yielded 17 themes and 18 sub-themes. Successful implementation hinged on developing a coalition of linked practitioners and services whose skills were utilised and enhanced within Kidscope to deliver a high-quality healthcare model to vulnerable children and families. Relational and multi-disciplinary working, innovative approaches to implementation and sustainability, training and education provision, and the accessible community location were among the mechanisms of change resulting in improved child, family, practitioner, and system-level outcomes. External factors such as COVID-19 and deficits in Ireland's disability services posed significant barriers to fidelity. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the processes, mechanisms, and model of care employed by a community-based paediatric clinic to successfully engage society's most vulnerable families and promote health equity. This study makes an important contribution to the field of implementation research by offering an example of a robust approach to conceptualising and measuring implementation outcomes of community healthcare initiative in a changing, real-world context.

Comprehensive management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus through personalized physical exercise and education using an mHealth system: The Diactive-1 study protocol.

Introduction: The use of new technologies presents an opportunity to promote physical activity, especially among young people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), who tend to be less active compared to their healthy counterparts. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a personalized resistance exercise program, facilitated by the Diactive-1 App, on insulin requirements among children and adolescents diagnosed with T1DM. Methods and analysis: A minimum of 52 children and adolescents aged 8-18 years, who were diagnosed with T1DM at least 6 months ago, will be randomly assigned to either a group engaging in an individualized resistance exercise program at least 3 times per week over a 24-week period or a waiting-list control group. The primary outcome will be the daily insulin dose requirement. The secondary outcomes will include glycemic control, cardiometabolic profile, body composition, vascular function, physical fitness, 24-hour movement behaviors, diet, and psychological parameters. The usability of the app will also be assessed. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval to conduct this study has been granted by the University Hospital of Navarra Research Board (PI_2020/140). Parents or legal guardians of minors participating in the study will provide written consent, while children and adolescents will sign an assent form to indicate their voluntary agreement. The trial's main findings will be shared through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and communication directly with participating families. This study aims to offer valuable insights into the holistic management of children and adolescents with T1DM by utilizing personalized exercise interventions through an mHealth system. Trial registration: NCT06048757.

Future Self-Continuity Predicts Health-Promoting Behaviors of Chinese Rural College Students: Evidence from Mental Imagery Intervention.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the prediction effect of future self-continuity (FSC) on health-promoting behaviors (Health Responsibility, Physical Activity, and Nutritional Habits) and the impact of urban-rural differences in Chinese college students, further verifying the effect of mental imagery practice on enhancing FSC and promoting health-promoting behaviors among students from rural areas. Study 1 used the Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire and a sub-scale of the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II to examine the relationship between FSC and health-promoting behaviors among 788 college students (430 from rural areas and others from urban areas). Study 2 was designed to examine the impact of intervention on FSC and health-promoting behaviors among Chinese rural students. The intervention activities lasting 4 wk. 162 freshmen were randomly divided into intervention or control groups to practice the mental imagery about the future self or meditation in the present once a week. FSC and health-promoting behaviors were tested for 3 times. The results demonstrated that: (1) Rural students had lower scores in FSC and health-promoting behaviors than urban students; (2) Urban-rural differences of students moderated the effect of FSC on health-promoting behaviors; (3) The mental imagery practiced increased FSC; and (4) FSC played a complete mediating role in the effect of condition (intervention or not) on health-promoting behaviors for rural college students. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between FSC and health-promoting behaviors, and suggest that mental imagery practice can increase Chinese rural college students' health-promoting behaviors by enhancing their FSC.

Health promotion roles shaped by professional identity: an ethnographic study in the Netherlands.

How frontline care professionals interpret and fulfill their health promotion roles is of great importance for the health of the vulnerable clients they work with. While the literature on health promotion is limited to describing the roles of healthcare professionals, this study examines the health promotion roles held by various frontline professionals when working with clients with combined psychosocial problems and how this is associated with professional identity. Based on ethnographic data from Dutch frontline professionals in social welfare, general healthcare and mental healthcare, this article shows how various frontline professionals promote health by reframing and customizing health problems and that this is associated with how they identify as pragmatic or holistic professionals.

Role of Natural Compounds Modulating Heme Catabolic Pathway in Gut, Liver, Cardiovascular, and Brain Diseases.

The crucial physiological process of heme breakdown yields biliverdin (BV) and bilirubin (BR) as byproducts. BV, BR, and the enzymes involved in their production (the "yellow players-YP") are increasingly documented as endogenous modulators of human health. Mildly elevated serum bilirubin concentration has been correlated with a reduced risk of multiple chronic pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory diseases, especially in the elderly. BR and BV per se have been demonstrated to protect against neurodegenerative diseases, in which heme oxygenase (HMOX), the main enzyme in the production of pigments, is almost always altered. HMOX upregulation has been interpreted as a tentative defense against the ongoing pathologic mechanisms. With the demonstration that multiple cells possess YP, their propensity to be modulated, and their broad spectrum of activity on multiple signaling pathways, the YP have assumed the role of an adjustable system that can promote health in adults. Based on that, there is an ongoing effort to induce their activity as a therapeutic option, and natural compounds are an attractive alternative to the goal, possibly requiring only minimal changes in the life style. We review the most recent evidence of the potential of natural compounds in targeting the YP in the context of the most common pathologic condition of adult and elderly life.

Estratégias para promoção da saúde mental de residentes na área da saúde: resumo para políticas (policy brief): Projeto Residências / Estrategias para promover la salud mental de los residentes en el área de la salud: resumen de políticas: Proyecto Residencias / Strategies for promoting mental health in healthcare residents: policy brief: Residency Project

Durante o período da residência em saúde espera-se que os residentes equilibrem aprendizado, atendimento aos pacientes, ensino e gestão de serviços superlotados ao longo das jornadas de trabalho. As demandas dessa modalidade de treinamento têm sido associadas com redução da qualidade do sono, diminuição da frequência de exercícios, distanciamento das relações familiares e sociais, culminando com aumento de diagnósticos de ansiedade, depressão e burnout.

Durante su residencia en el área de la salud, se espera que los residentes equilibren el aprendizaje, la atención al paciente, la enseñanza y la Gestión de servicios saturados a lo largo de sus jornadas laborales. Las exigencias de esta modalidad de entrenamiento se han asociado con una reducción de la calidad del sueño, una menor frecuencia de ejercicio, un distanciamiento de las relaciones familiares y sociales, culminando en un aumento de los diagnósticos de ansiedad, depresión y burnout.

During the healthcare residency program, residents are expected to balance out learning, patient care, teaching, and managing overcrowded services throughout their workdays. The demands of this training modality have been associated with reduced sleep quality, reduced exercise frequency, and distance from family and social relationships, culminating in an increase in diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Passport to Freedom: A Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Program for Previously Incarcerated Women.

Poly-victimization is often reported by formerly incarcerated women and leads to physical and mental health problems that interfere with daily functioning, sustained employment, and housing stability. Although reentry programs exist, few focus on the physical and emotional impact of multiple traumas. Passport to Freedom (P2F), a woman-centered, trauma-informed reentry program, was developed to support formerly incarcerated women. The pilot intervention, performed in 2017, focused on the connections between trauma and health, coping with symptoms, and managing one's own health. To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention, we performed the current mixed methods study with two phases: (1) focus groups, and (2) sessions combining mindfulness and health promotion activities with follow-up evaluations. Participants (N = 24) showed decreased symptoms of depression and concerns of everyday stressors after the intervention. Of participants, 84% (n = 16) reported practicing mindfulness and 63% (n = 8) stated that mindfulness exercises helped with daily stress management. The P2F program offers a promising approach to support formerly incarcerated women with health self-management. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(6), 18-26.].

[Trends and Prospects for Photoreactivation in Health Promotion].

The use of light to promote health, reduce harm, and restore functionality is a novel, non-accumulative physical strategy that contrasts with the predominantly chemical approaches used in Western medicine. This strategy may serve as an independent function for healthcare professionals and warrants further exploration. Photoreactivation, achieved by adjusting patients' physiological clocks at different times, utilizing specific wavelengths, varying color temperatures, and using illuminance, is a potent tool for improving mood and sleep quality, regulating autonomic nervous system balance, enhancing attention, and delaying cognitive decline. Light therapy is a rapidly expanding field in healthcare that offers new opportunities to enhance quality of life, prevent diseases, and improve overall well-being. This article elucidates the fundamental concepts of photoreactivation, explores its application across diverse health domains, examines its future development prospects, and discusses the challenges faced by photoreactivation and related solutions to ensure the responsible use of light to enhance and restore physiological and psychological functions.