BACKGROUND Extensive studies have revealed the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the role of each lifestyle factor in health. However, lifestyle factors have rarely been studied simultaneously. The authors propose an integrated approach to summarize total healthfulness of lifestyles and to enhance understanding of lifestyle patterns across countries. METHODS The authors created an overall...

Health-related lifestyles (smoking, drinking alcohol, exercise and diet) and feelings of alienation (powerlessness and hopelessness) of the citizens of Helsinki and Moscow are examined and discussed in a framework of life chances and life choices. The data were collected by a postal survey of 18-64 yr old citizens of Helsinki (N = 824) and Moscow (N = 545) in 1991. Almost all respondents in bot...

In this article, capacities and freedom approach, as well as lifestyles are explored taking into account child nutrition, and other relevant dimensions of human life more than just economic and other elementary resources, and also social, cultural, psychological, values and freedom dimensions. Nourishment, health and survival are considered some of the elementary capabilities, and the concept o...

304 The health benefits of life-long physical activity have been well documented and are summarized in the “Healthy Active Living” position statement (pages 339-345) in this issue of Paediatrics & Child Health. Paediatricians can assist parents, schools and communities in encouraging healthy lifestyles for children and youth, and can promote safe participation in sports or individual fitness ac...

BACKGROUND The maintenance of healthy lifestyles is of great importance to prevent pregnancy-related diseases at early stages. For this reason, the knowledge of the overall wellbeing of women at childbearing-age is necessary to provide appropriate advice to maintain or improve the nutritional status. The aim of this research was to assess the lifestyles of childbearing-age women planning a preg...