The "Snacking Child" and its social network: some insights from an italian survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The hypothesis underlying this work is that the social network of a child might have an impact on the alimentary behaviors, in particular for what concerns snack consumption patterns.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>1215 Italian children 6-10 ys old were interviewed using a CATI facility in January 2010. 608 "snackers" and 607 "no-snackers" were identified. Information regarding family composition, child and relatives BMI, mother perception of child weight, child, father and mother physical activity, TV watching, social network, leisure time habits and dietary habits of peers, were collected. Association of variables with the status of snacker was investigated using a multivariable logistic regression model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Snackers children seem to be part of more numerous social network (1.40 friends vs 1.14, p = 0.042) where the majority of peers are also eating snacks, this percentage being significantly higher (89.5 vs 76.3, p < 0.001) than in the "no-snacker" group. The snacking group is identified by the fact that it tends to practice at least 4 hours per week of physical activity (OR: 1.36, CI: 1.03-1.9). No evidence of an association between snacking consumption and overweight status has been shown by our study.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The snacking child has more active peer-to-peer social relationships, mostly related with sport activities. However, spending leisure time in sportive activities implies being part of a social environment which is definitely a positive one from the point of view of obesity control, and indeed, no increase of overweight/obesity is seen in relation to snack consumption.</p

Consumption of fruit and vegetables: the ROUND (woRld map of cOnsUmption of fruit and vegetables and Nutrient Deficits) project

AbstractIntroduction: In 2017, 11 million deaths and 255 million DALYs were attributable to dietary risk factors, with low intake of fruits being the leading risk factor globally(1). Adequate F&amp;V consumption is considered in the WHO (2010) report on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to reduce the risk for NCDs (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers). Recommended daily intake of F&amp;V vary from the WHOs 3400 g/day to ~750 g/day (including potatoes) in the U.S(2), but per capita availability is not always met, even in Europe(3). Increased availability, affordability, and consumption of F&amp;V is part of policy options in the WHOs 2013–2020 global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs. The aim of the ROUND project is to evaluate consumption of F&amp;V in adults between countries and to identify, characterize, and map interactively vulnerable population groups and nutrient deficiencies, thus providing a useful tool for research and policy.Methods: Data relating to adult consumers from dietary surveys in Europe and the United States were assessed. Analyses were performed using Bayesian hierarchical models.Results: Data for adults from surveys contained within the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive European food consumption database and U.S Food Intakes Converted to Retail Commodities Database FICRCD were included in the analysis. Mean per capita daily consumption of total fruit, vegetables (excluding starchy roots/tubers), fresh legumes, and F&amp;V juice in Europe ranges from 261 g/d in Latvia (2008) to 552 g/d in Romania (2012), and in the U.S from 560 g/d (2005/06) to 616 g/d (2001/02). Mean fruit intake (excluding juice) alone ranges from 85 ± 98 g/d in Ireland (2008) to 226 ± 231 g/d in Estonia (2013), mean vegetable intake ranges from 62 ± 58 g/d in Sweden (1997) to 382 ± 194 g/d in Romania (2012), and mean F&amp;V juice intake ranges from 6 ± 32 g/d in Romania (2012) to 223 ± 368 g/d in Germany (2007).Discussion: Data on adult F&amp;V consumption varies across countries and are often below recommended intake [3]. Identification and interactive mapping of low F&amp;V consuming regions highlights vulnerable population groups which provides a useful tool for related research and policy.</jats:sec

Remote control improves quality of life in elderly pacemaker patients versus standard ambulatory-based follow-up

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improves shortly after pacemaker (PM) implantation. No studies have investigated the HRQoL trend for elderly patients with a remote device monitoring follow-up system. Methods: Using EuroQol-5D Questionnaire and the PM-specific Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events Questionnaire, HRQoL was measured at baseline and then repeatedly during the 6 months following PM implantation in a cohort of 42 consecutive patients. Twenty-five patients were followed-up with standard outpatient visits, while 17 used a remote monitoring system. Results: Aquarel scores were significantly higher in patients with remote device monitoring system regarding chest discomfort and arrhythmia subscales the first month after PM implant and remained stable until 6 months. Remote monitoring affected the rate of HRQoL improvement in the first 3 months after pacemaker implantation more than ambulatory follow-up. Conclusions: Remote device monitoring has a significant impact on HRQoL in pacemaker patients, increasing its levels up to 6 months after implant. \ua9 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd