The Importance of Sweet Beverage Definitions When Targeting Health Policies—The Case of Switzerland

Since high-sweet beverage intake is associated with health risks, defining what this term encompasses is relevant to the strategies confronting this problem. This study assessed both the sociodemographic factors associated with sweet beverage consumption in Switzerland and the amount consumed. According to the current definition in Switzerland (SB–CUR), sweet beverages include soft drinks, juices with added-sugar, and low-calorie sweet beverages. Using this definition and the representative menuCH survey (n = 2057; ages 18–75), the average daily sweet beverage intake was determined and compared with a new sweet beverage definition (SB–NEW), which included all beverages with free sugars and low-calorie sweeteners. A generalized linear model was used to investigate correlates of sweet beverage consumption. Sweet beverage consumption under the SB–CUR and SB–NEW definition was 240.6 g/day and 329.7 g/day, respectively, with 100% juice consumption accounting for 66% of the difference. Carbonated drinks (sodas), low-calorie sweet beverages, and 100% juices were the highest contributors, each around 60 g/day. SB–NEW intake was higher in individuals who were male, young adults (aged 18–29), from German-speaking regions, obese, or had a lower level of education. As sweet beverage consumption was much higher under the SB–NEW definition, this could have implications for health policies aimed at reducing sugar intake

The Connection between Health Promotion, Prevention, and Psychosocial Health: An Innovative Action Model

The promotion of psychosocial health among individuals, groups, and society is becoming an increasingly important task and research topic in the field of public health. Psychosocial health is a complex interaction between the psyche of an individual and the social environment in which that individual lives. Promoting psychosocial health is often challenging and complex for health care professionals. Therefore, an important question of public health significance is: how can we address and improve the psychosocial health of individuals, groups, as well as society in general? An interdisciplinary team of specialists at the Department of Health Professions at the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, focused on the connection between health promotion, prevention, and psychosocial health. This team newly defined these topics in relation to how they could be synergistically combined to promote psychosocial health. Additionally, they presented an action model to graphically depict their connection. The proposed action model is based upon already well-established concepts, models, frameworks in health promotion, and prevention practice. In a further step, they have depicted them in a way that clearly integrates and combines their core concepts for their practical application in promoting psychosocial health. As these topics are overlapping, their clear illustration is important in promoting their systematic and planned usage. This new and innovative approach encourages the systematic usage of health promotion and prevention for the promotion of psychosocial health. The next step would be the implementation and evaluation of this action model, especially the measurement of the outcome (psychosocial health). The integrative and intentional use of health promotion and prevention is an innovative approach for the promotion of psychosocial health in public health practice

A Simplified Classification of the Relative Tsunami Potential in Swiss Perialpine Lakes Caused by Subaqueous and Subaerial Mass-Movements

Historical reports and recent studies have shown that tsunamis can also occur in lakes where they may cause large damages and casualties. Among the historical reports are many tsunamis in Swiss lakes that have been triggered both by subaerial and subaqueous mass movements (SAEMM and SAQMM). In this study, we present a simplified classification of lakes with respect to their relative tsunami potential. The classification uses basic topographic, bathymetric, and seismologic input parameters to assess the relative tsunami potential on the 28 Swiss alpine and perialpine lakes with a surface area >1km2. The investigated lakes are located in the three main regions “Alps,” “Swiss Plateau,” and “Jura Mountains.” The input parameters are normalized by their range and a k-means algorithm is used to classify the lakes according to their main expected tsunami source. Results indicate that lakes located within the Alps show generally a higher potential for SAEMM and SAQMM, due to the often steep surrounding rock-walls, and the fjord-type topography of the lake basins with a high amount of lateral slopes with inclinations favoring instabilities. In contrast, the missing steep walls surrounding lakeshores of the “Swiss Plateau” and “Jura Mountains” lakes result in a lower potential for SAEMM but favor inundation caused by potential tsunamis in these lakes. The results of this study may serve as a starting point for more detailed investigations, considering field data

Dietary Patterns and Their Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Determinants in Switzerland: Results from the National Nutrition Survey menuCH.

From a public health perspective, determinants of diets are crucial to identify, but they remain unclear in Switzerland. Hence, we sought to define current dietary patterns and their sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants using the national nutrition survey menuCH (2014–2015, n = 2057). First, we applied multiple factorial analysis and hierarchical clustering on the energy-standardised daily consumption of 17 food categories. Four dietary patterns were identified (“Swiss traditional”: high intakes of dairy products and chocolate, n = 744; “Western 1”: soft drinks and meat, n = 383; “Western 2”: alcohol, meat and starchy, n = 444; and “Prudent”: n = 486). Second, we used multinomial logistic regression to examine the determinants of the four dietary patterns: ten sociodemographic or lifestyle factors (sex, age, body mass index, language region, nationality, marital status, income, physical activity, smoking status, and being on a weight-loss diet) were significantly associated with the dietary patterns. Notably, belonging to the French- and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland increased the odds of following a “Prudent” diet (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.92 [1.45–2.53] and 1.68 [0.98–2.90], respectively) compared to the German-speaking regions. Our findings highlight the influence of sociodemographic and lifestyle parameters on diet and the particularities of the language regions of Switzerland. These results provide the basis for public health interventions targeted for population subgroups

Ernährung bei Diabetes mellitus

Was für die Allgemeinbevölkerung als ausgewogene Ernährung angeschaut wird, gilt im Grundsatz auch für Personen mit Diabetes. Die dürftige wissenschaftliche Evidenzlage rechtfertigt keine dogmatische Haltung mit strikten Ge- und Verboten von Nährstoffen oder Lebensmitteln. Vielmehr sind in einer ausgewogenen Ernährung alle Makronährstoffgruppen vertreten, wobei eine Reduktion der Kalorienzufuhr gleichermassen erfolgreich über Kohlenhydrate oder Fette passieren kann. Ideal sind Produkte hoher Qualität sowie mit geringer und schonender Verarbeitung wie faserreiche Stärkeprodukte und kaltgepresste pflanzliche Öle. Der Nutzen einer erhöhten Proteinzufuhr bezüglich Diabetesmanagement und Gewichtskontrolle kristallisiert sich zunehmend. Als Quellen sollten jedoch eher pflanzliche oder Milchprodukte herangezogen werden als rotes oder verarbeitetes Fleisch. Die mediterrane Ernährungsweise und Konzepte mit vergleichbarem wissenschaftlichem Fundament erfüllen am ehesten die Kriterien einer «geeigneten» Ernährung für Diabetespatienten. Obwohl Alkohol dicht ist an leeren Kalorien, spricht nichts dagegen, den Genuss darin eingebettet zu tolerieren. Angesichts der individuell unterschiedlichen Stoffwechselreaktion auf gleiche Lebensmittel und unter Berücksichtigung der dürftigen Beweislage ist eine personalisierte Herangehensweise angebrachter denn je. What is considered a balanced diet for the general population is in principle also true for people with diabetes. The scarce scientific evidence does not justify a dogmatic attitude with strict rules and bans on nutrients or foods. Rather, all macronutrient groups are represented in a balanced diet, whereby a reduction in calorie intake can be equally successful via carbohydrates or fats. Ideal are products of high quality and with low and gentle processing, such as starch products rich in fibre and cold-pressed vegetable oils. The benefits of increased protein intake in terms of diabetes management and weight control are becoming increasingly clear. However, plant-based or dairy products should be used as sources rather than red or processed meat. The Mediterranean diet and concepts with a comparable scientific basis are most likely to meet the criteria of a “suitable” diet for diabetes patients. Although alcohol is dense with empty calories, there is no reason not to tolerate the consumption embedded in such a diet. In view of the individually different metabolic reactions to the same foods and taking into account the scarce evidence, a personalised approach is more appropriate than ever

Wie sich die Verarbeitung von Lebensmitteln auf unsere Gesundheit auswirkt

Die Verarbeitung von Lebensmitteln verändert deren Eigenschaften stark – nicht nur zu unserem Vorteil. Was sind ultra-verarbeitete Produkte, wie beeinflussen sie unsere Gesundheit und woran erkennen wir sie, damit wir den Konsum kontrollieren können