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Lifestyle & Food |
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Lifestyle
Life-style related health determinants are multi-dimensional. These determinants are linked to number of major health problems. Also, some health issues share same determinants such as tobacco, alcohol, and nutrition.
Health problems linked to life-style related health determinants can be life-situation specific e.g. in childhood or in old age, but they can also be strongly linked to cultural aspects. In addition, socio-economic factors are an important reason for variations in health. Addressing these factors will be considered in all actions aimed at tackling lifestyle-related health determinant. Comprehensive health promotion in various settings e.g. schools, workplaces, families and local communities has proven to be efficient in addressing health determinants.
All these dimensions (determinants, health problems, life cycle, settings) are linked to each other. Depending on the situation, action focussed on a specific disease or on a specific determinant can be justified. Equally population group or setting specific actions, which simultaneously address all relevant health determinants, can be the most efficient approach in many situations. (TOP)
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Tobacco
Smoking, the leading cause of death in the Community. Tackling smoking requires an integrated strategy on tobacco control which involves measures taken both at the level of the Member States and the Community.
Nutrition
Nutrition is recognised as one of the major health determinants. It is, together with smoking and physical inactivity, one of the main determinants for cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Drug and Substances
The majority of European citizens believe that the fight against drugs should be tackled at EU level rather than at national level. (TOP)
Mental Health
There is no Health without mental health. The public health approach to mental health and mental illness is based in a population-based model characterised by concern for the health of a population in its entirety and by an awareness of the linkage between health and the physical and the psychosocial environment.
Alcohol
In Europe alcohol per capita consumption is the highest in the world, causing a high burden of disease and injury. There is agreement among the Member States that, beyond individual national efforts to combat alcohol-related harm, a joint alcohol strategy at Community level is needed, in particular with regard to children and adolescents. (TOP)
More information about lifestyle
Food Health
Food plays an important role in health throughout the life cycle, starting in the foetus where nutrients are required in specific amounts to ensure the correct development of all organs and linear growth; throughout childhood where maximum growth is achieved; and into adulthood where weight maintenance is important along with a balanced diet to prevent/prolong the initiation of disease.
We have known for some time that the increasing rates of obesity over the last 30 years are more closely related to TV viewing figures (hours/week) and the number of cars per household, than to how much we eat. It has now become a high profile media issue, with the slimming industry experiencing major growth. The fact is our energy and fat intake has reduced, however energy expenditure has reduced by even more – hence a net increase in weight over time, (Prentice & Jebb, 1995). (TOP)
Even more disturbing is the revelation that type II diabetes is now occurring in children as young as 13. Type II diabetes is increasingly common in overweight older adults, who are at significantly increased risk of developing the disease, although until now, it has been rare in children. If current obesity trends continue, type II diabetes is likely to affect more children, who consequently will be more susceptible to premature cardiovascular disease.
Key food areas of concern |
Practical ideas |
Health Issues |
Brief summaries and updates on key food areas of concern for our health. |
Practical guidelines, ideas and solutions to help families and children enjoy a healthy balanced diet. |
Want to know more about health issues that can affect our children and are associated with their diets? |
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: young people aged 4-18. Choosing health? Choosing a better diet. Obesity – review of current trends and effects on health. The House of Commons Health Committee, Obesity, 3rd report of session 2003-2004 Issue and action in childhood obesity. The Association for the Study of Obesity 2002. |